A quick look at a common nail condition you've never heard of
If you've ever had a hangnail, you know how irritating they are. Hangnails can be painful and getting rid of them is an exercise in trying to avoid an infection.
We've all been there - seeing a cut or scrape leave behind an unsightly scar. While it's tempting to spend tons of time and money on over-the-counter treatments, the truth is they aren't always effective! That's why we're here today: To talk about everything scars - what causes them, how to prevent them when you’re injured, and how dermatologists can help when nothing seems to be working out.
Scars form when the dermis, or deep layer of your skin, is damaged. When this happens, the body forms new collagen fibers to mend the wound. Sometimes scars are barely visible, and other times they can be raised and noticeably uncomfortable. It all depends on the severity of the wound and the individual person.
Scars fade eventually, but many people are not willing to wait the length of time it takes to get rid of them!
To minimize scarring and promote healing, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to any new wound and wrap it with sterile gauze. Change out the bandage frequently and apply fresh petroleum jelly whenever necessary.
In the weeks following your wound or surgery, it’s also wise to avoid sun exposure. Scars are susceptible to burning, and might also darken in color.
In-office treatments are the most effective way to improve your scar's appearance. In particular, there are two highly effective treatments we’d like to introduce you to that may help you out. These are commonly used on facial scars but may also work for other areas of the body.
This treatment is the perfect option for those who want to improve their skin without undergoing surgery. It uses microscopic laser columns, which target damaged areas and encourage new collagen growth from within rather than using injections or needles on top of your skin's surface. This quickly stimulates fresh cell production and can reduce acne scars and surgical marks, leaving you with a healthier look overall!
Intensif Radio Frequency Microneedling uses tiny sterilized needles to introduce radiofrequency energy into the skin so that it can break up scar tissue and encourage new collagen growth. Most patients can see a change after just one session, very little discomfort, and no downtime. As Intensif is entirely mechanical and uses no chemicals whatsoever, it is ideal for all types and colors of skin.
There are other types of treatments available to treat scars, such as microdermabrasion or prescription-strength topical medications. Your treatment will be specific to you, and you can only really know what that is after talking to a dermatologist. Your skin is not the same as someone else’s, and a care plan tailored to your specific needs will always treat you better than an over-the-counter remedy that may not work at all.
Looking for some advice on how to treat your scars? Schedule a consultation with us, and we’ll get started on a personalized treatment plan for you today!
