Skin camouflage creams are a completely non-invasive way of reducing the appearance of scarring whilst undergoing treatment or after treatment is complete. Skin camouflage creams are medical grade, pigmented (contains colour, like a temporary paint for the skin) cream that comes in many colours and can be mixed to match any skin colour. They can be used by any gender or age. Skin camouflage can help increase your confidence by reducing the appearance of your scar and the amount of staring and/or questions from others.
Moisturisers increase the water content (hydration) of the stratum corneum (top layer of the skin) which fills the spaces between partially desquamated skin flakes and makes the skin appear smoother. In normal skin there is minimal water loss through the epidermis to the surrounding atmosphere. Due to damage to the skin barrier, young and inflamed scars have higher amounts of water loss; this is increased by dry skin. There is a wide range of over-the counter moisturisers available, some products claim to reduce the appearance of scars.
For newly healed wounds and scars that are exposed to sunlight it is vital to use a moisturiser with SPF protection. Because the melanocytes (pigment-cells) are unbalanced and fragile in these areas, they can over-react to normal sun exposure. This can cause the new skin or scar to become permanently darker in colour (hyperpigmented).
Several prescription and over-the-counter topical agents are available, many claim to alleviate symptoms, improve the appearance of scars and accelerate wound healing. Topical therapies have the advantage of being easy to use, are easily available and deliver the ingredients directly to the scar. Patients often decide (maybe based on word of mouth) themselves on which topical agents to use rather than through recommendations from a scar specialist. Topicals are not usually effective on their own and other treatments are also usually necessary. Some information on common topicals is given here:
Vacuum massage is also known as depressomassage, vacuotherapy or Endermologie®. It is a non-invasive mechanical massage technique. It is performed with a mechanical device that lifts the skin by suction and creates a skin fold which can be mobilised. In the late 1970s, Louis-Paul Guitay developed the Endermologie® system (or LPG), this uses both suction (negative pressure) and mechanised rollers to mimic manual massage. LPG can provide consistent and effective treatment in a shorter time. Treatment sessions are painless and vary from 10 minutes to longer depending on the state and size of the scar.
There are many treatments for keloid and hypertrophic scar. In addition to corticosteroid injections many other chemotherapeutic agents have become popular as injectable anti-scarring agents.
