Ugly Scars

LegacyUser

About 8 years ago I was going through a hard time and used to cut my arms and burn myself. I have long since got over those problems, but now I have horrible scars all over my arms. They are noticeable, and people sometimes comment on them. I don't want to have to wear long sleeves forever. I have tried bio-oil but it's not helping. I can't afford to have anything done medically to them, I'm not even sure there is anything medical that could be done. Does anyone know anything I can try to make them fade? They are the raised kind of scar.

lucernarian

If you're not sure if anything medically can be done, mabye you could go to your GP to discuss the options or refer you to someone who can? The price may not be that bad if it can be done in the public system. But I'm not an expert. A doctor will know best.

LegacyUser

I was hoping someone might be able to recommend a lotion or something that they had tried.

G&T

Glad to hear you are over your problem's,

Think your GP would be the best person to speak to.

Good luck.

You could also try posting in fashion and appearance,
they might be able to help.

The Black Oil

I know someone who used bio oil, it takes ages though. Something like the vitamin E ones here:http://www.fote.com/prod_skin_lotion.html
There are scar reduction patches but I think they're quite expensive. Maybe ask your chemist for advice.

This might help too http://www.nshn.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10734.0

the_syco

Ask your doc can you tatoo them. Not sure about the "raised" scars, but you may be able to hide the other ones in some weird chinese tatoo, or something?

xebec

Raised scar tissue could be keloid scarring. AFAIK this happens when a wound isn't closed properly - eg. if stitches aren't used on a cut. I've had some small keloid tissue removed before, it worked a treat for me but I've been told that it doesn't always work.

I don't know of any lotions that will remove/reduce the scarring. Best bet would be to talk to your GP.

LegacyUser

I use dermatix. You can get it over the counter, it's a silicone gel. It's quite expensive though (70 euro approx) and the tube is quite small. I think it is also used after surgery scars and stuff. It seems to be doing something to my scars, although they're not raised, although if you look at the link it seems to be good for that too.

http://www.dermatix.co.uk/introducing_dermatix/new_silicone_gel/

All the best.

jdivision

Vitamin E is the one I think most people use. I also got a tattoo done on one of my scars. Ironically it's a Chinese spiritual symbol which somebody else suggested getting done. Glad you're over the cutting, it can take a long time to stop.

LegacyUser

Thanks for the info everyone. It appears dermatix is available on prescription, I'm going to ask my doctor if I can get it, if not I will save up and buy some. I don't want to tattoo the area, because the tattoos would have to cover my whole arms and that wouldn't be any better for me.

LegacyUser

'Best of luck with it! I have the same problem myself so I know wearing long sleeves all the time can be really annoying. Just remember to give it time, because it can take a few months before any difference starts happening. By the way, you can also get a referal letter from your doctor to see someone about treatment for them through the public system as another option.

Hope it all works out well for you.'