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How to treat three kinds of scars


Scars are usually considered a mere cosmetic problem, but they can also have a negative impact on a person’s self confidence.

Ryza Hipolito, a 22-year-old model, revealed  to “Pinoy MD” that she feels insecure about the scars on her legs.

“Siyempre, ang kati-kati ‘pag kagat ng lamok. So kakamutin ko siya. Maya-maya magsusugat. After three days, peklat na siya.”

Ryza conceals her scars using makeup but she knows this it isn’t a long term solution.

“Gusto ko rin ma-enjoy ang pagsusuot ng shorts o dress. Hindi rin ako makapag-swimming kasi kapag tatalon ka, [ang sasabihin ng mga tao], ‘Ang daming peklat. Baka mahawa pa kami.’”

According to “Pinoy MD” resident dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez, scarring is a part of the skin’s natural healing process. However, there are ways of reducing the visibility of scars.

Here are the three different types of scars and how to best treat them:

Pigmented scar

Insect bites or allergies, which only affect the epidermis or outer layer of the skin, can result in pigmented scars which are easier to treat.

The scars on Ryza’s legs caused by mosquito bites are pigmented scars, according to Dr. Jean.  For this kind of scar, she recommends applying whitening lotion on the affected area.

As much as possible, the scar should not be exposed to sunlight. If exposure to sun can’t be avoided, apply sunblock at least an hour before going out.

“Ang maitim na scar nagfe-fade din. Para mahayaan yung natural process ng pag-fade ng scars, dapat umiwas sa araw,” advises Dr. Jean.

Another tip from Dr. Jean: Avoid rubbing the scar, which can cause further skin inflammation.

For those who have the budget, you can try Mesowhite therapy. In this cosmetic procedure, a whitening solution is injected into the scar.  The scar will begin to lighten one or two weeks after the treatment. Each session costs P4,000.

Depressed scar

When the wound reaches the dermis, or the inner layer of the skin, it usually leaves a depression in the skin. These are called depressed scars and are mostly caused by cuts from sharp objects, or pricking of pimples.

For depressed scars, Dr. Jean recommends the fractional laser treatment.  This increases the amount of collagen in the affected area which allows the skin to grow normally. Each session of fractional laser treatment costs P3,000.

If you are on a budget, you may also apply aloe vera on the scar. Aloe vera is known for its skin-healing properties.

Dr. Jean also says we should avoid using harsh soaps: “Halimbawa, gagamit ka ng bleaching soap o kaya kung anu-anong soap diyan na makaka-dry ng iyong skin at maaari mag-cause ng irritation at lalo lang mangingitim.”

Keloid scar

Scarring is a natural process, but there are instances when tissues grow excessively on wounds, causing what Dr. Jean calls a “keloidal scar.”

“Kumbaga walang nagsasabi sa balat na tama na, kung kaya’t patuloy lang ang pagdevelop ng fibrous tissue hanggang sa pakapal nang pakapal ‘yung peklat.”

Keloid scars are not usually painful, but they can be very visible. Dr. Jean also shared that some people get keloidal scars even from small and shallow wounds.

Steroid solutions are the best way to remove keloid scars, but if you are looking for a home remedy, Dr. Jean suggests putting a piece of styrofoam over the keloidal scar and wrapping it with a bandage. Doing this every day for a week will help the keloidal scar to flatten and soften. –Rica Fernandez/PF, GMA News