scartreatmentblog.com

Scar Itch Relief

beas — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:04:49 +0000

Do your scars itch? This post is about why scars itch and how to get some scar itch relief.

Fresh scars tend to itch more often but also older scars, especially surgery scars, may itch. Even scars that are years old can be itchy. Many people describe the feeling as itchy and numb at the same time. In most fresh scars the itchiness will fade away with time.

Scar Itch Causes

The itch is part of the healing (maturation) process. New tissue is created, nerve endings are stimulated, and other nerves have been disconnected which may cause the numb sensation.

The blood circulation is affected and overlapping scar tissue being stretched may also cause itchiness or sometimes a burning feeling. (e.g. in case of c-section scars during a new pregnancy) Some people experience a burning sensation followed by itch after stretching their scar full out.

Causes of scars itching are the aforementioned healing process, the scar drying out, the nerves being damaged and disconnected, collagen reacting and moving, and skin irritation as a result of (surgical) tape or other topical applications used.

Scar Itch Relief

Make sure to avoid scratching your scar whenever possible. It might damage the tissue especially when the scar is young and the tissue still thin and delicate. Damage caused by scratching will worsen scar appearance and may cause infection (which will also worsen appearance).

This is just theorizing but I think whether or not you can treat the itchiness depends on where the itch is exactly located. Is it superficial, on the scar itself, the skin so to say? Or is the itch deeper, probably caused by nerves and/or collagen turning over. If it’s the latter I guess there’s nothing much you can do about it except for maybe massaging.

Massage A good massage therapist will be able to loosen up the scar tissue thus effectuating less tension and friction. This way the scar tissue is under less physical stress which will lead to less burn or itch. When massaging your own scars keep in mind that fresh scar tissue is relatively thin and fragile so massaging should be done very gently.
Moisturizing Scars tend to dry out a bit because the skin’s ability to hydrate itself has been affected. That’s why moisturizing the tissue regularly may offer relief by diminishing itch.
Anti-itch creams I haven’t used any anti-itch creams on my scars myself because I used silicone gel sheets and ointments (more on this in a bit) but here are a few popular creams that are reported to offer scar itch relief. Benadryl is a so called antihistamine cream. Prolonged use of such creams is said to possibly result in the development of an allergy to the active ingredient (Benadryl) Other itch relief creams are topical anesthetics such as lidocaine and benzocaine. These have shown to cause skin irritation in some cases. Therefore the best anti-itch creams are the topical steroids such as hydrocortisone cream. Examples of commonly used and well reviewed hydrocortisone creams are Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream and Member’s Mark Hydrocortisone Cream Apart from these there’s a skin spray called ThermaSkin Itch Blocker that uses hot pepper extract (capsaicin) to stop itching.
Silicones There are several topical silicone gel brands such as Dermatix, Kelocote, Zeraderm, and ScarAway. These silicone ointments do not only offer relief from itch and pain they will also reduce redness, prevent problematic scars from developing, and flatten and soften excessive scar tissue.
For me these silicone creams (and sheets) were a godsend because apart from the occasional itch some of my scars really felt uncomfortably sensitive so each contact with clothing or e.g. a seat belt made me shiver.

Do you have any questions or comments on scar itch relief? Don’t hesitate to share your opinion below.

Rejuvasil Scar Cream Reviews

beas — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:23:34 +0000

Has anyone tried Rejuvasil? It’s a silicone scar cream that also contains emu oil, vitamin C and squalene. According to the manufacturer it:

” has more effective ingredients than any other liquid silicone products and has been clinically proven to reduce keloids, hypertrophic scars, surgical scars, and burns. [...] is made with emu oil and squalene (shark oil) to make this treatment even more effective.”

I would love to hear your experiences because there are little to no reviews of this product. The reason I think it might be an effective scar treatment cream is because it also contains vitamin C.

Next to the, proven effective silicones (dimethicone), vitamin C is backed by several studies as an effective scar cream component. It is mainly considered a wound healing agent but topical use seems to have some benefits regarding scar treatment.

Some of these benefits include:

promoting healthy scar tissue regrowth (collagen synthesis),
protection from harmful sunlight radiation (ultraviolet A and B),
lightening of dark colored scars (hyperpigmentation),
and improvement of skin irritation, inflammation, itch, redness (inflammatory dermatoses).
It’s also thought to have excellent hydrating properties.

Source: Wiley Interscience.

The problem with the addition of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) to skin care products is that it is highly unstable. This means that it reacts when exposed to e.g. air. Cosmetic manufacturers found a solution by using a more stable vitamin C variant called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. RejuvaSil contains this stable form of vitamin C.

I’m not aware of emu oil having any scar treatment benefits. Nevertheless the addition of this natural oil to Rejuvasil scar cream might still be useful because it is considered to be one of the few oils able to penetrate the skin. This trait would allow active ingredients to be carried with it into the deeper layers of the skin.

The only review I could find online is this one: (Average Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 )

“So far, the best scar gel for the price. I don’t see much of a difference between this one and another best seller scar gel that I have tried from the Derm Store, except this one is about $20 less. This was my second purchase and I plan on purchasing again.”

Rejuvasil scar cream can be purchased online at Amazon (cheaper) and MakeMeHeal. (two for one)

After application silicone creams provide a thin film covering the scar. The area should be clean and dry before the self-drying cream is applied. Daily use is recommended for optimal results. Major advantage of silicone ointments over patches is that it can easily be used on the face and other parts of the body that are hard to keep covered with patches.

“The application of silicone gel improves the redness, itching, texture and thickness of hypertrophic and keloid scars in 60% to 100% of cases “ (Poston, 2000)

Ingredients: Silicone (dimethicone), Emu Oil, Squalene (Shark Oil), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)

Did you use RejuvaSil? Please let others know what you think. You can share your experiences below.

ScarAway Review

beas — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:12:52 +0000

ScarAway silicone gel for scars

A ScarAway Silicone Gel Review

I have used medical grade, doctor-approved silicone scar sheets myself. (Silicones are the only over the counter treatment proven with over 20 years of studies to work to flatten and fade old scars and help prevent thickened scars.)

The sheets I used were of an European brand of which the quality can be compared with that of ScarAway sheets. I created a write-up on my experiences with silicone scar treatment where I recommend ScarAway. A visitor of this review page informed me about how she tried various silicone sheet brands which made her aware of the many differences between them.

She notes: “there are very distinct differences in the types, thicknesses and material that cause each one to be a whole different experience. Some are thick, some are thin, some are clear and some are opaque. Some are fabric, some have a plastic or polyurethane outer layer on the silicone, and some have a fabric backing.”

Because there are so many different brands to choose from choosing the right one be very confusing. That’s why she had an in-depth conversation with her plastic surgeon. Here’s what she informed me about the conversation with her surgeon:

Make sure to use breathable silicones “It is important that the material baking on the silicone is breathable. Silicone fabric types with a baking that does not allow the transfer of oxygen should be avoided. Do not use the cheaper “tape” types that don’t breath which can cause skin maceration. Definition: The softening and breaking down of skin resulting from prolonged exposure to moisture. The skin softens, turns white, and can easily get infected with bacteria or fungi. This type of problem can cause more scarring or widening of the scar.”

Avoid the use of sheets that are too sticky. “I was baffled by this as I see a complaint of users of silicone sheet products is that they don’t stick real well by themselves and roll off after a period of time, etc. Some sheets are not made to be self adhering at all ..more like a piece of rubber, but those buckle even under medical tape. My surgeon explained that a proper silicone sheet should never produce a severe pulling on your scar. If it is too sticky, there is the potential to further damage the new skin, or even open a delicate healing area. in general, he said the ideal sheet would be sticky enough to help you position it on the scar, and use a medical tape..cotton or silk, to secure further if necessary…but stickier does not equate to more effective.”

Thin silicone sheets vs thick silicone gel pads “Thinner sheets with a compact layer of silicone are more comfortable and more “durable” which means they do not break down and you get more use out of them. The thicker “gel” type pads get dirt, etc embedded in them which is not sanitary when sealing to your skin for hours each day. He advised against a thick gel type pad. The thinner “sheet type” can be washed cleanly. So which ones are which out there on the market?

ScarAway Review
The only silicone scar treatment product that has the breathable fabric AND the thin washable medical grade silicone in one is the expensive sheets through your surgeon and the new ScarAway sheets. He gave me a coupon for $2.00 off ScarAway at Walgreens. I have also found them online at Amazon.com and Drugstore.com. So, I will journey on using ScarAway sheets. Like you do, my surgeon recommended using the sheets at night and the ScarAway 100% Silicone Serum during the day. I know this is long..it took my doctor 45 minutes to explain it all to me. I hope this is helpful to all and answers the many question out there about silicone scar treatments.”

If you have any questions regarding silicone scar sheets, ScarAway, or scar treatment in general don’t hesitate to ask me by leaving a comment. There are also many questions and answers on the silicone scar treatment page I was talking about. Thanks again for sharing this in-depth information Laura!

Scar Esthetique Reduction Cream Review

beas — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:43:09 +0000

Scar Esthetique Reduction Cream Review

Scar Esthetique Reduction Cream is often bought in combination with silicone sheets. This scar reduction cream is marketed with the pay off:

“Containing more ingredients that promote scar healing and scar reduction than any other scar cream on the market”.

Which in fact is true. It contains an impressive amount of ‘active’ ingredients. (w/Silicone, Arnica, Antioxidants, Copper Peptides, Co-Q10)

Scar Esthetique Reduction Cream

Some of them are frequently occurring scar cream components which have no scientific scar treatment value. Onion extract is one of those. Vitamin E is also a popular skin care product component but whether or not it is useful in scar treatment hasn’t been scientifically proven. Some other ingredients of Scar Esthetique however seem more promising. Vitamin C for example.

Several studies have shown vitamin C to be an effective scar treatment constituent. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) has shown to hydrate scar tissue, reduce scar discolorization and redness, and regulate excessive collagen formation. Major downside of vitamin C and products containing it is that it is very unstable. This means that if it is exposed to the air (oxygen) it will loose its action. (A more stable form of vitamin C is Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) I am not sure whether or not Scar Esthetique Reduction Cream contains a stable form of vitamin C.

Arnica montana, also referred to as Leopards bane or Mountain Tobacco, is known to promote wound healing. Historically used to reduce bruising, swelling, and inflammation. Although advertised frequently as an effective scar treatment component its scientific efficacy has to be proven yet. Study reports from the ‘Archives of Facial and Plastic Surgery’ show that when arnica is taken orally before surgery it reduces inflammation and bruising. Arnica stimulates white blood cell activity which might be beneficial in scar tissue reduction.

Copper peptides is another supposed scar reducing ingredient. –Proteins called peptides boost the body’s reserve of an enzyme which regulates the way cells age and deal with stress. In a previous post on copper peptides I concluded that copper peptides will probably help a little bit because copper is a part of healthy collagen placement but they have to be used in combination with peels and results will only be seen over (a relatively long) time.

Silicones (dimethicone) are proven effective scar reducing agents. Silicone sheets or ointments reduce scar elevation, redness, itch, and pain. I know of some other creams containing silicones that they stay on the surface of the skin and seal it to enable the rest of the ingredients to work. Whether this is the case in this particular cream I don’t know.

Vitamin A is an important skin care vitamin. “Today it is well recognized that the rejuvenation of skin can be achieved by applying vitamin A to the skin.” There are many types and derivates of vitamin A. Retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, and beta-carotene are a few of them. Retinyl palmitate, present in the Scar Esthetique cream accounts for about 80% of the vitamin A found in the skin. For more in dept info on vitamin A in skin care visit this post on varieties of vitamin A.

According to the manufacturer: “Scar Esthetique Scar Cream penetrates deep into the skin’s epidermal layers to treat scar tissue damage from the inside. It stimulates new cellular growth to reduce scarring and is the only scar cream available that can remove scars. Scar Esthetique Scar Creme is clinically proven to improve the appearance of scars, including hypertrophic and keloid scars, that result from surgery, trauma, burns, laser resurfacing and acne. It is also highly effective in reducing stretch marks and lightening brown aging spots.”

Whether or not this is completely true remains to be seen. No real evidence proving these statements is available. On the other hand, there’s no real evidence this cream doesn’t work at all. My conclusion for now: I think that, among the possibly, not yet proven, effective scar reduction creams Scar Esthetique might be a promising contender.

Read More Reviews of Scar Esthetique Reduction Cream

Aldara Imiquimod Scar Cream

beas — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:05:35 +0000

Aldara is the brand name of 5% imiquimod cream. This prescription cream is mainly used to treat genital warts, basal cell skin cancers and other skin conditions. It has also shown to improve the quality of new hypertrophic scars after surgery in one preliminary clinical trial. Knowledge about this treatment is limited. Some side effects have been reported but you could always ask your doctor or surgeon for more information when undergoing surgery.

Aldara Imiquimod Scar Cream

Aldara cream seems to work by stimulating the body’s natural immune system to oppose scar tissue formation.

I think this can be an option in case nothing else works. The following post on the breasthealthonline.org shows it did improve a very problematic scar:

“I had a horrible keloid scar and the doctor cut it out and then I began treatment with A ldara. The scar did NOT keloid up again. The only thing is that your scar will look a LOT worse before it looks better. The Aldara causes the area to scab up and look really bad, (but that is indication that it is working)”
Source: breasthealthonline.com

There are a few clinical trials showing evidence for the efficacy of this prescription cream.

“In one study, 15 patients with 2 months old hypertrophic breast surgery scars were treated with either petrolatum (e.g. Vaseline) or imiquimod 5% cream. After 24 weeks when the scars were evaluated (by assessment with standardized scales) almost all the scars treated with imiquimod cream scored better . Conclusion of this study was that imiquimod cream improved scar appearance after surgery.” (Topical Treatments for Hypertrophic Scars. Zurada, Kriegel, and Davis)

Other studies have shown imiquimod cream to be effective when applied after a keloid scar had been excised. More than one studies showed that none of the keloids reoccurred after the treatment. Minor side effects reported were a mild irritation during and right after the application of the cream. (some patients a had to temporarily stop using the cream). Also scar redness (hyperpigmentation) occurred on more than half of the patients in this study.

Tummy Tuck Scar Treatment

beas — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:43:28 +0000

How To Optimally Treat Your Tummy Tuck Scar

Many women (and some men) are willing to undergo a tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty) in order to effectuate several aesthetic improvements. Most common reasons for this surgery are to get rid of wrinkled skin and/or excessive fat on the stomach, the tightening of abdominal muscles, to get a slimmer waist line and to improve overall body shape. Also pre-existing scars, e.g. from earlier cesarean surgeries, will in some case be removed.

The only aesthetic downside of the tummy tuck, and one of the reasons women are reluctant to get this surgery, are the inevitable new scars. But with the right approach these can be treated optimally so the final appearance will be as minimal as possible. The size of the scar depends on the type of tummy tuck surgery performed. There are several variations such as the traditional, mini, circumferential, endoscopic, and extended tummy tuck. Tummy tuck scars are known to get worse before they improve. In contrary to many other surgical scars they will be roughly at their worst in about 3 months after the procedure.

Wound Care
It is important to realize that optimal tummy tuck scar treatment already starts when the scar is still a wound. During this wound care phase some things can be done to boost the wound healing process, and to prevent infections and scabbing. A faster healing wound without complications such as infections and inflammation will commonly lead to less scar tissue development.

The tummy tuck wound might be a little more complicated to treat properly because drains (tubes) are commonly inserted into the wound to drain excess fluids. Also the high chance on swellings is something to take into account when treating the wound. For this particular reason compression garments (elastic bandages) are worn to reduce swelling but also to keep the pressure of the incision by applying pressure on the whole area. Things like surgical tape, and wound dressings can make a big difference in achieving optimal wound healing. I would like to address one particular type of wound dressings; those based on medical grade manuka honey.

Medical Honey for Surgical Wounds
These FDA approved medical devices have shown to have unique wound healing properties. Some of their properties are that they speed wound healing by creating an ideal moist and clean environment and prevent and treat infections. (medical grade manuka honey has shown to be able to cure seemingly untreatable, antibiotics-resistant infected wounds). Because of these properties the honey based dressings have shown to minimize scarring. Click here for more info on Medihoney wound dressings.

Compression Garments
Special, dedicated, tummy tuck garments are designed to apply the exactly needed amount of pressure. This takes the tension off of the wound thus stimulating the wound healing process. It also reduces the mostly inevitable swelling and bruises. Furthermore the pressure applied by garments stimulates blood circulation which is an important factor in scar healing.

Tummy Tuck Scar Treatment
Whether you use surgical tape, hydrogel strips, or Medihoney wound dressings, when the wound has closed it is time to start treating the scar with the best product available. The only product for which clinical proof on its efficacy exists are silicone sheets. (also referred to as patches, strips, or dressings)

Especially for surgical scars such as the tummy tuck scar these are the best over the counter product you can use. The silicone sheets flatten and smoothen the scar. They make it less discolored and more skin color. They reduce itch and pain and prevent hypertrophic and keloid scar tissue from developing.

Special shaped, custom made silicone tummy tuck scar treatment strips are available online.

Be patient because, especially with the right treatment, the tummy tuck scar will improve over time. Keep in mind to moisturize the scar with a cream of your liking. Petroleum based ointments such as Vaseline have shown to be just as effective as Mederma. Finally, don’t forget to protect your scar from sun exposure and excessive tension.

For more info on clinical evidence: Abstract of study on the effects of tension on scars, microporous tape, scar hydration, and silicone sheeting.

Rosehip Seed Oil Useful in Scar Treatment?

beas — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:47:49 +0000

Rosehip seed oil, also referred to as rosa mosqueta, is considered to have many skin care benefits. This oil is a natural source of unsaturated fatty acids. It should have a rejuvenating action and diminish wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and even stretch marks by boosting cell renewal and collagen and elastin production. Moreover, according to research (by Horst Kehl and Bertha Pareja, 1990) rosehip seed oil should improve the appearance of scars. It is supposed to reduce redness and elevation and prevent keloid and hypertrophic scars from developing.

The use of rosehip oil as a skin care product is said to have a vitalizing influence on the innermost skin cell layers. Its beneficial effect on cells that produce collagen, elastin, and other compounds, is said to be responsible for skin firmness and elasticity (Kasayama S et al, 1994) That’s why it is thought to work on stretch marks as well.

The fact that Indians in the Andes in Chile have been using this oil for centuries also seems to be in favor of rosehip seed oils supposed efficacy. But what does science have to say? Let’s have a look at the available clinical studies.

Rosa mosqueta, Rosehip seeds

Aforementioned doctors Pareja and Kehl attributed rosehip seed oil’s replenishing activity mainly to the presence of transretinoic acid (retinol, retin-A). However the presence of this vitamin is disputed. A study conducted in Chile states that “the analysis of a batch of rosehip seed oil contained 0.83 mg of trans-retinoic acid / 100 g of oil.” Another study carried out by King’s College London failed to find any trace of this vitamin in the soil samples they examined.

Rosehip seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acids, known to be involved in cell regeneration related processes. Therefore this oil is of great use to promote wound healing. (Moreno Jiménez JC et al., 1990). But what about scar treatment?

Photo by Naturaleza | Creative Commons

A study was carried out with women between 45 and 68 years, who had undergone mastectomy (breast removal surgery). These women applied rosehip seed oil after suture removal, twice a day (morning and evening) for a three months period. After three month, less apparent scars, no skin thickening and improved skin elasticity and color were observed (Pareja B & Kehl H, 1990).

In another study, 10 patients suffering from varicose ulcers and post-surgery wounds were applied a 26% rosehip seed oily solution. Enhanced epithelization (wound closure) was observed in these patients as compared with a control group. No side effects were observed. These results lead the researchers to the conclusion that this preparation is helpful to treat this kind of processes (Moreno Jiménez JC et al., 1990). Source: Centerchem.com (pdf file)

Camacho F et al (1994) also evaluated the effects of pure rosehip seed oil on post-surgery scars and defects. Unfortunately I could not find any results of this particular study.

Conclusion
The limited reports show rosehip seed oil has an anti-inflammatory action. Whether this is due to the possible presence of retinol or solely because of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is not clear. (according to Wikipedia also the effect of GLA on inflammation is disputed.) The large deal of the studies are concentrated on wound care and not specifically on scar treatment. So I can only conclude that rosehip seed oil will probably have some beneficial effects on wound healing but whether or not it works as an effective scar treatment product remains to be seen. It might be worth a try but there are better alternatives which do have evidence behind them.

Scar Massage Therapy

beas — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:01:43 +0000

Here are a few home scar massage techniques. Scar massage can be administered by a trained physician or be done at home by yourself. The advantage of consulting a scar massage therapist is that you will learn the proper technique. You will also be able to get feedback on your progress. For problematic scars it is recommended to at least consult an expert once or a few times to know what you are doing.

Scar massage should only be started after the wound has closed completely and once your surgeon or dermatologist has authorized you to do so. This is usually a few weeks after the wound was inflicted. Premature massage might lead to damaging the tissue (the wound could open up) which will probably lead to more scar tissue.

Sometimes the advice is given not to use oil or a lotion during massage because this would lead to the fingers slipping away. I do not agree with this. When I started massaging my surgical scars they were very sensitive. In fact I’d rather not touch them at all, even clothing getting in contact with some scars was very irritant. That’s why using oil and lotions really worked for me. Because it reduced friction it made me tolerate the massage better.

Scar massage should always be conducted gently and with great attention. When the scar tends to get redder, will hurt, or a burning sensation will occur, immediately stop massaging.

Directions:

In case you’ll use lotion, oil, or a cream apply it.
Massage it in by making circular motions or dabbing if this feels better.
Use the pads of your fingers to make gentle circular movements over the length of the scar and the surrounding tissue.
When the tissue becomes less sensitive expand with vertical and horizontal movements.
Gradually increase the pressure over the next few days as the area becomes less sensitive.
Massage at least two times a day for about 5 minutes. (Depending on how it feels and looks).
It is best to use non-scented lotions. In case you use scar sheets make sure to clean the scar and surrounding skin thoroughly after massage and before re-applying the sheets.

Apart from massage, moisturizing the scar will help keeping it from drying out and making it more pliable. Heat application can add to the suppleness of the scar. Most commonly used for heat application are heating pads, paraffin wax, and in lesser amount, ultrasound.

Some people prefer to use a scar tissue massage tool.

This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional. Scars come in all types and the directions provided are only a general guideline for informational purposes only.

Scar Massage Therapy Benefits

beas — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:55:04 +0000

Disfiguring scars can drastically affect someones well being, both physical and psychological. That’s why treating scars the best way possible can be very important. Scar massage is a way of taking action and part of the ‘doing all you can to improve your scar’ approach. Whether you administer self-massage or make use of the services of a trained physical therapist, scar massage has some proven benefits.

The overall purpose of scar massage is to control the development of a fresh scar. It improves the blood circulation, and is said to promote collagen remodeling by the application of pressure to the scar. (studies on other therapies have also shown pressure to be an effective factor) In other words, massage helps break down thick layers of collagen thus preventing scar tightness.

Benefits of regular scar massage are that the tissue will turn out be softer and more pliable. Redness, itching, and pain can be reduced. Also the stimulation of new tissue growth is thought to be an effect of massage. Then there is the reduction of the chance on problematic scars such as hypertropic, keloid scars and contractures. A contracture is when the presence of scar tissue hinders a muscle’s ability to stretch. On top of that the scar surface will be prevented from becoming dry, cracked, and sore. These conditions, if left untreated, might lead to infections or other complications.

Study on effects and possible benefits of scar massage therapy. The outcome: The massage therapy group reported reduced itching, pain, and anxiety and improved mood.

Whether or not scar tissue is sensitive depends on the person and the location on the body. In my case, especially the scar on my chest bone was very sensitive. (The skin in this area seems to be very delicate.) For example clothing with zippers or the seat belt caused an annoying, irritant feeling. Massaging the scar is also a way to gradually get used to the scar tissue getting in contact with and getting touched thus making it less sensitive.

Commonly, scar massage can be self-administered when done cautiously and with care. With severe scars such as burn scars and for example in case of contractures it is best to consult a skilled physical therapist.

It is generally advised to massage at least three times a day for about ten minutes at a time. Only start after the wound has closed completely. When the scar tends to get more red then before stop massaging. Even when you are visiting a skilled skin therapist, working your own scar tissue in addition will often lead to greater improvements. Always massage as directed by your doctor or therapist. In case of surgical scars, always check with your surgeon or dermatologist before starting scar massage therapy. Directions on how to massage your scar yourself in my next post.

ScarAway Intensive Stretch Mark Therapy Review

beas — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:05:00 +0000

Stretch marks are scars that have been formed in the deeper layers of the skin. In fact stretch marks (striae) consist of damaged skin collagen. Collagen fibers have been frayed under the influence of hormonal changes, repeated stress, stretch and strain. After a while this tension results in the breaking of the collagen fibers which causes an abnormal, crinkled surface texture. These less elastic and crinkled marks are called stretch marks.

As with all scars complete removal is impossible because once the skin is damaged it can hardly be repaired fully. But there are certain procedures that can significantly fade stretch marks to make them less noticeable.

A fairly new over the counter stretch marks product is the in 2009 released ScarAway Intensive Stretch Mark Therapy. This particular product might be promising because of the fact that it comes from the manufacturer of the high quality ScarAway brand. But does this new product live up to its expectations?

First lets take a look at its active ingredients. According to the manufacturer’s website; a synthetic peptide, a vitamin, and organic Marrubium extract. Marrubium vulgare is a gray-leaved bushy herb with white flowers which looks a bit like mint. It is also known as White Horehound or Common Horehound. This member of the Labiatae family is, according to Wikipedia, particularly rich in biodiversity and has been used since ancient times by humans for many purposes. Water extract of Marrubium vulgare is widely used as anti-hypertensive treatment in folk medicine. Some other members of the Labiatae family are Hyssopus, Lavandula, Majorana, Melissa, and Mentha.

Then there is the statement that the anti stretch marks effect of this new product has been measured in a 3 months clinical study.

The skin-protecting properties against stretch marks have been shown by a new cell culture assay simulating skin stretching in a glass/acryl box by stretching a monolayer of fibroblasts’ cultures. ScarAway’s innovative Stretch Mark Therapy is proven in vivo and vitro studies to protect stretched skin structure as well as diminish stretch marks.

Summary of efficacy (evaluation questionnaire) * Decreasing in stretch marks’ length 92% * Decreasing in stretch marks’ width 92% * Decreasing in stretch marks’ color 92% * Skin on stretch marks more supple 69% * Disappearance of stretch marks on the treated zone 31%.

(In vivo means: “experimentation using a whole, living organism as opposed to a partial or dead organism, or an in vitro controlled environment.” source Wikipedia)

I remain skeptical. We don’t know how the studies have been conducted nor if they are done on human test persons. The mentioning of a evaluation questionnaire at best suggests this. I could not find any trials showing Marrubium vulgare to be beneficial to skin problems or the skin in general. Which peptide is in the ingredients and what it does also remains unclear.

But maybe there is a synergistic effect. And of course my theorizing here does not proof at all this product should not be able to diminish stretch marks. Medical scientists still do not agree on the exact action of silicone sheets. But they do work and because this product is so new only time will tell if it actually does work. The only review I found online is a positive one. I would love to hear your experiences with this product.

“I used ScarAway Intensive Stretch Mark Therapy during my pregnancy for months 5 through 9 when my skin started to get tight on my abdomen. I have stretch marks on my thighs and breasts from growing and puberty so I was quite resigned to getting them during pregnancy as well. I am happy to report that I had my daughter on December 23rd…healthy and beautiful and… I have NOT ONE STRETCH MARK! I never imagined I would come through with none at all. I used ScarAway Stretch mark cream every day at least morning and night…sometimes I massaged it on 1 or 2 more times during the day if I thought of it. During the last 2 months I applied it when I felt the tight, itchy feel, and it soothed that feeling right away. I am so happy for so many reasons. Thanks ScarAway!

(source)

Small study on Tretinoin

Many doctors and dermatologists state that there is no over the counter product that is able to improve stretch marks. Especially not older, white striae. But there are some studies showing vitamin A derivates such as tretinoin to be effective. Here’s a short study abstract I found.

In this small study, topical application of tretinoin 0.1% significantly improved the clinical appearance of pregnancy-related stretch marks. (Rangel, Arias, Garcia, & Lopez-Padilla, 2001). I will get back to on vitamin A and stretch marks later.

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