Dear Doctor,

How can one treat scars on the body? I have tried out strong soaps and lotions, but the scar on my face is still there. I am now desperately looking for any method to get rid of the scar. Any advice for me?

Betty   

Dear Betty,

You have not specified whether the scars are only on the face or elsewhere, how long you have been with them, or whether they are dry or itchy and inflamed.

Scars can develop as sequel to trauma, surgery, skin lesions. Even change of weight, i.e. loss of weight in obese people  or after delivery can cause some scars on abdomen and thighs.

 Recent scars may reduce by use of corticoid containing creams or herbal products. But long standing scars will not disappear with these. Lotions and soaps can only help to camoflauge the scars but will not remove it. Plastic surgery can help in removal of scar. Derm abrasion is a procedure, where the superficial skin (where scar is present) is removed. The individual is then kept away from exposure to dust and sunlight, area denuded is covered by antiseptic bandages till new skin is formed  The new skin being formed will be scar free, this is the hypothesis underlying derm abrasion.

These days laser therapy is also used to treat scars. Fractionated laser rays flatten out the area containing scars and help in synthesis of new collagen, thus a clear skin would  emerge. Scars which are itchy or painful, need antibiotic, anti histaminic  and anti inflammatory drugs.