White Scars & Hypopigmentation: Their Causes & Cures

White scars and hypopigmentation (loss of skin coloring) can result from trauma to the skin.

Scars take on a white appearance because melanocyte production has been impaired. Melanocytes make melanin- the pigment that gives the skin its color. If melanocytes are damaged, so is the skin's ability to produce darker skin tones.

After damage to the skin, whether or not hypopigmentation or white scarring occurs depends on how the injury took place.

Causes of hypopigmentation and white scarring

For example, if you were riding a bicycle, fell and only scrapped your knee, this would have created a superficial abrasion on the skin. A scab would develop to protect the wound. Over the course of the few days, the scab would fall off. Once the scab shed away, the skin would then produce pigment in response to sun exposure and eventually, the color of the scar would match that of the rest of the skin.

On the other hand, had the bicycle fall involved a deep gash to the knee, most of the pigment producing layers of the upper skin would be damaged while the deeper layers of the skin would need to repair the injured tissue.

To start the dermal repair process, the skin would then knit together collagen and elastin to protect blood vessels beneath the skin. If blood vessel damage occurred, increased amounts of inflammation would accompany the wound healing process. Under these circumstances, a mild form of fibrosis, or excessive scarring, may happen because of the increased in skin damage and inflammation.

With this build-up of scar tissue, melanocytes may not reach the surface of the skin where they make melanin and give color to the skin. This results in white, coarse scar tissue.

Laser resurfacing & hypopigmentation

Unlike bicycle accidents, laser re-surfacing is a form of intentional scarring. Since laser resurfacing corrects skin damage by inflicting tiny wounds in the skin, laser treatments can cause hypopigmentation. At times, the hypo-pigmented spots may not show up until two to six months after the laser treatment.

Treatments for white scarring and hypopigmentation

Treatments for white scarring that result from acne scars or accidents include medications for vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin disorder of unknown cause involving loss of pigmentation in patches of otherwise normal skin.

Dermatologist Dr. R.W. Urbanek, reported to E Skin and Allergy News that a product know as V-Tar helps combat the effects of hypopigmentation. According to Dr. Urbanek, this compound causes the skin to produce melanocytes which in term create melanin and restore the skin's normal pigmentation.

Dr. Urbanek has seen improvements with using V-Tar in as little as eight daily applications. However, side effects of V-Tar include a burning sensation when exposed to direct sunlight. This can be mitigated with using a sunscreen. You can ask you doctor for V-Tar.

Ironically, when hypopigmentation results from skin resurfacing, the treatment could involve more laser resurfacing. In a study published in Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. James E. Fulton revealed his method for treating hypopigmentation that resulted from laser or chemical skin resurfacing.

Dr. Fulton gave 22 patients who had hypopigmented scars a pre-treatment with a vitamin A and glycolic acid lotion. Next, the patients received a series of laser and chemical resurfacing treatments. After the resurfacing treatments, researchers specially bandaged the treated hypopigmented scars and allowed them to heal.

At the conclusion of the study, melanocytes did return to the previously hypopigmented area and ultimately the skin spot blended with the rest of the skin's natural tone.

Preventing hypopigmentation and white scarring

Since hypopigmentation and white scarring have historically proven themselves difficult to cure, the best treatment is really prevention. You can help prevent hypopigmentation by properly bandaging deep wounds immediately after they happen. In the case of skin resurfacing, ask your health practitioner what steps she is taking to avoid post hypopigmentation and what you can do, in addition to wearing a good sunscreen, to prevent possible hypopigmentation.

Sources:

Norra MacReady. Tar Product Tackles Hypopigmentation Quickly. E-Skin and Allergy News: March 2002, Vol 33, no 3, p 39.

Fulton J.E., A.D. Rahimi; S. Mansoor; P. Helton; P. Shitabata. The Treatment of Hypopigmentation After Skin Resurfacing. Dermatologic Surgery. January 2004, Vol 30, no 1, pp 95-101(7).

By Naweko San-Joyz

Stretch Marks on Thighs - Top 7 Ways to Get Rid of Thigh Stretch Marks!

As the body grows quickly -- whether it be due to pregnancy, body building, growth spurts, or just your typical weight gain -- it over stretches the skin and causes tearing and other damage in the top three layers; the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous. This damage results in scars known as stretch marks. These scars are unsightly anywhere on the body but stretch marks on thighs can be particularly bothersome due to their location and ease of visibility.
1. Light to Moderate Exercise (With Plenty of Stretching!)
Light stretching exercises can be beneficial in treating stretch marks on thighs because they can help to break down the scar tissue that makes them visible. It is important to keep in mind that more extreme exercises such as squats using weights can actually cause stretch marks if the legs develop muscle rapidly. Keep a mild to moderate pace.
2. Daily Skin Exfoliation Treatments
Exfoliation works well anywhere on the body but can be particularly effective at removing stretch marks on thighs. The thighs have a thick covering of the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin as well as a subcutaneous fat layer that is deeper than on most parts of the body. That allows for more vigorous exfoliation techniques than would be wise on other areas of skin.
Exfoliating twice a day using an effective cleanser and an abrasive applicator can remove a thin layer of dead skin cells and scar tissue that will, over time, significantly reduce stretch mark visibility. Applying a natural moisturizing cream after exfoliation is a good, and highly recommended, idea.
3. Have You Tried Massage Therapy?
Massage is a well known holistic method of reducing and removing these hideous scars. Because the thighs have thick layers of skin massage techniques using far-more-than-normal pressure can be used to cause the scar tissue to break up. The massaging action also increases the circulation of blood to the area and helps to deliver nutrients to the skin that protect it and repair damage.
4. Modify Your Diet to Get Healthier, Stronger Skin!
Eating a healthy diet that includes all of the nutrients, minerals and vitamins that the body and skin need is an effective holistic way to get rid of stretch marks on thighs. A nutritious diet has lots of fatty acids and antioxidants that protect the skin from toxins and other damaging factors and make it better able to repair itself.
Good food for the skin's health include things like fresh fruits and vegetables, cold water fish, beans, peas, and legumes, foods made from whole grains, as well as small portions of lean meats. It is also important to drink a lot of water so that the skin stays properly hydrated.
5. Give Your Skin a Boost With Regular Supplements!
Healthy skin requires a large number of different nutrients in order to stay flexible and be able to repair stretch mark scars effectively. Many of the vitamins such as A, C, and E can be acquired through good dietary nutrition but some others like vitamin K and the mineral zinc can be difficult to get enough of. For that reason, taking a daily supplement with a full complement of vitamins, minerals and nutrients is HIGHLY recommended.
Quick Note: Most people don't get the right vitamins they need from their diets. This is due to fast foods and junk foods being the norm in our society. That said, don't assume you've been getting the right vitamins & minerals. Get yourself on a daily supplement as soon as you can.
6. Specialty Creams, Lotions, Gels, & Ointments
Numerous holistic and natural creams and lotions are available to help prevent, reduce and remove stretch marks from the body. Some of them are well known folk remedies like cocoa butter, and some of them are fairly recent such as shea butter and mink oil.

How To Deal With Those Awful Blackheads - Acne Treatment 101

Acne is one skin condition that anyone would be grateful never to have at all. However, acne is part of life; everyone gets them at some point. The condition affects people in varying degrees too. Some will get by with only the mildest case of acne while others will have severe acne that physically scars them for life. In addition to whiteheads and pimples, blackheads are the visible signs of an acne. Who doesn't want to get rid these unsightly blemishes regardless of the cost?
Removing blackheads can be quite challenging and tricky. Improperly removing blackheads can leave scars on your face. You may be sorely tempted to smash, squeeze and scrape the blackheads as soon as they appear, but you need to exercise restraint and a good dose of common sense. A few minutes of satisfaction over getting rid of the blackheads could equal to a lifetime of remorse when scars replace the blackheads. As much as possible, you want to get rid of acne without any scarring or blemishing your skin.
If you are constantly plagued by blackheads, your first line of defense is knowledge. If you know and understand what you are up against, you will be able to take proper steps towards fighting blackheads. Clogged pores are what cause blackheads. Blackheads are the result of a reaction that the clogged pores have undergone, creating discoloration. While whiteheads tend to create a pustule on your skin's surface, blackheads will not; they are leveled with the skin and are discolored instead.
So how exactly can you avoid blackheads from appearing at all? And when they do appear, what should you do? Unfortunately, you cannot completely avoid blackheads. However, if you are healthy and maintain good hygiene, you will be helping yourself a lot in terms of keeping your skin clear. There are over-the-counter drugs available for acne breakouts but they are not completely fool-proof.
Blackheads can be the bane of anyone's existence. No person in his or her right mind would ever welcome blackheads once they rear their ugly, discolored heads. If blackheads start appearing on your face, use skin care products that have been created for removing blackheads. Avoid removing the blackheads with your fingernails, tweezers or any other small tool. Doing so could leave permanent scars on your face. If you must absolutely take those blackheads out, go to the pharmacy and get strips that are designed to pull the blackheads out. If you have a severe case of blackheads, don't think twice -- go to a dermatologist so you can be properly treated.
There not a single medication that can profess to completely curing acne -- blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and all. If you suffer from mild to severe acne, finding the right medication may take some time; it requires a lot of patience from your part. A great deal of self-restraint may be called for, particularly when you are tempted to pop pimples, dig out the blackheads and squeeze the whiteheads. What you can do is lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right and have good hygiene. Of course, seeking the help and advice of a doctor is always a good thing to do.

Tim Gorman

Stop Squeezing Your Pimples - 7 Safe Ways to Get Rid of Pimples

It's everyone's worst nightmare. Waking up the day before a special event to discover a big, red pimple baring itself for all to see right on your face!
Here's how to get rid of it quickly and safely:
1. Don't ever pinch, squeeze or pick at a pimple. This only causes it to become more red and inflamed, and will spread the bacteria and oils that caused it in the first place, to other parts of your face! It can also lead to scars.
2. Every 30 minutes, apply an ice pack to the pimple and hold it there for about 2 minutes. This will decrease the swelling and redness and help shrink the inflammation and pain that sometimes comes along with it.
3. They don't call it concealer for nothing! Covering the pimple with a light dose of flesh-tinted concealer can help mask it when you're in a hurry. It also helps cover up that oily shine.
4. Cleanse your skin 2-3 times a day with mild, unscented soap or a specialized acne cleanser that has no harsh chemicals (such as lye). Scrub skin gently with an exfoliating pad or washcloth, but don't rub too hard, otherwise you'll sap your skin of its own natural oils, which help to repel buildup naturally.
5. Apply a cream or ointment containing benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid (many over-the-counter acne medicines contain these ingredients) to the blemish or around the entire facial area. Note that these ingredients both have a tendency to dry out skin if used too much and are not recommended if you have
sensitive skin.
6. Wear oil-free makeup whenever possible. These types have less of a tendency to cause the pore buildup that results in blemishes. Remove your makeup nightly and cleanse with an acne-fighting medicine to remove dirt, oil and makeup from deep within the skin.
7. If you're in need of a quick fix, a dab of toothpaste on the affected area right before bed can help soothe irritation and reduce redness. Pressing and holding a wet tea bag or a cotton ball with a dab of lemon juice against the blemish for five minutes can also reduce swelling and redness.
If you follow these tips, chances are you'll notice a significant difference rather quickly - often within a day or two. If pimples become a recurring problem or worsen, your doctor or dermatologist can suggest a daily skin cleansing routine that will suit your skin type. Other long-term remedies, such as facial masks, diet adjustments and increasing the amount of water you drink can also help combat outbreaks.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program. 
 By:Emily Clark