By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2010-08-03 16:03:27 | Word Count: 664
Evidence Based Scar Treatment
The internet has given us unheard of access to every kind of information imaginable. This access has turned many of us into quasi-experts on a wide variety of subjects. This holds true for those of us with the unfortunate luck to suffer from unsightly scars. Instead of relying on the latest infomercial or trying to decipher the complicated ingredients in many popular scar treatments, we can turn to the internet to find evidence based scar treatment that will actually work.
There are many medications and remedies readily available for scar patients to try at home. Some of the most popular seem to rely more on the science of a good advertising campaign than solid factual evidence that backs up their claims. Below are some of the most popular along with some information and evidence about their ability to help you get rid of that ugly and disfiguring scar.
1. Onion Based Treatments – there are several popular products available that are based on onions. Long thought a traditional remedy for scars, scientific research shows that these products simply dont perform. In fact, patients saw the same relief from their scars that those that applied plain petroleum jelly!
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2. Topical Steroids – Steroids do have the ability to reduce some of the inflammation typically seen in large scars. They do not have the ability to change the texture, thickness or discoloration of a scar.
3. Plant Extracts – a wide variety of plant extracts do improve the appearance of a scar to some degree. Extracts like sunflower oil, chamomile, gingko, licorice and aloe vera work simply by promoting healthy skin growth. Patients will typically see some improvement in the overall look and feel of their scar, but the scar will remain, faded, perhaps thinner, but still visible.
4. Vitamin E – Skin care experts have long extolled the virtue of Vitamin E for healthy and glowing skin. Unfortunately, these properties do not hold true for scar repair and removal. In fact, many adults (some studies state as many as 90%) will actually see their scar appearance worsen. Stick to Vitamin E for overall skin care and avoid it for scar care.
5. Vitamin C – When used in its purest form, before the process of oxidation begins, Vitamin C is great for reducing the overall look and feel of a scar. Unfortunately, oxidized vitamin C has no effect and all vitamin C creams and gels oxidize very quickly.
Science seems to support silicone based scar treatments the most. Silicone patches like InvisiScarâ„¢ work to help heal a scar in several ways. They help promote healthy cell growth by providing nutrients and moisture to the scar. Furthermore, the added protection the thin sheeting give prevents outside contaminants like dust and grim from getting into the delicate new tissue.
When selecting a scar remedy for use, it is important to carefully review the ingredients. Many of the most popular contain a variety of the substances listed above – these simply dont work as well as a silicone based treatment. There are many studies that show evidence based scar treatment means silicone patches.
