scar removal - where to start?

LegacyUser

one of my arms is extensively scared with white scarring from where i self injured as a child. now i am a happy adult with this daily reminder of my childhood, and cannot wear short sleeves as they are so noticeable, and it would be innapropriate to have them showing in my line of work. i attended my gp recently for advice on removing them, she reckoned nothing could be done and wouldnt reffer me to anyone as she felt i would be wasting my time and money. i am heartbroken - surely something can be done? i am not expecting miracles, but even to change th scars into a different scar so it doesn't look obvious that they are self injury scars would be enough. i have tried all the creams, bio oils to no avail as they are too old. does anyone know where to go for scar removal anywehe in this country? would appreciate reccomendations. i have seen scar removal for these type of scars online, and although they aren't completly gone they are hugely improved so i am hopeing she was incorrect in her assertion that nothing could be done...

Oryx

Noone here can give you medical advice on scar removal. I would suggest going to another gp for a second opinion, or insist that your own gp refer you to a specialist anyway.

Please to anyone responding here, personal experience only, do not offer medical advice.

LegacyUser

sorry for the misunderstanding, of course i don't want or expect medical advice. that is why i attended the gp, as a first port of call. i just want to know if anyone knows how to go about being referred or who you need to be referred to - dermatologist etc. at least then i can go to the gp and demand t be referred to a particular person. its frustrating for the gp to say nothing can be done, they literally are general practitioners therefore wouldn't be up to date on specialist areas, so i just want a more expert opinion but not sure where to go or even where to find information.

Novella

Tbh, I think it was pretty out of line for your GP to say that there is nothing at all that can be done. If I were you, I'd definitely go about getting a second opinion. Other than that, I've used Bio-Oil on scars myself and found it worked quite well. I know you said it hasn't helped you, but did you use it every day for a prolonged period? Moisturising is good as well.
You can buy a scar reducing patch in Boots. I had one after a couple of surgeries on my arm a few years ago. Used to sleep with it on at night, and what was once an angry, raised and purple scar is now light pink in colour and nowhere near as noticeable.

If you are adamant about seeing a dermatologist, is it possible to just ring and make an appointment yourself, or do you need a referral? I've no idea, but you could have a quick look online for dermatologists and see what the story is. If you need a referral, see a different GP.

Best of luck.

Orla K

A friend of mine has a bad scar on her arm, it's the same thing she has been told nothing will completely get rid of it (it's still quite red). It doesn't really bother her but she is a bit paranoid about it sometimes, lately people have been telling her about costume make-up it's the make up used in plays and films to cover up tatoos and scars.

It doesn't get rid of the scar but at times when you want to wear something with short sleeves it may make you feel more at ease.

LegacyUser

My child has a scar from a chemical burn from mid arm to elbow and its white and red, have tired Dermatix (you can see them on facebook of goggle) it worked wonders in the first 2 weeks, now she will always have this scar but Dermatixs has really helped it, its expensive €120 for a tube that lasts a month and have being using it for 10, its just brilliant, probally use it for another 2/3 mths.

LegacyUser

as has previously been mentioned, this forum is not for medical advice. however there might be some sort of laser therapy, similar to the one used for removing tatoos, although I don't know. it might be very expensive and have side effects or health hazards. why would it not be appropiate to show in you line of work? Loads of people with different history work in loads of different areas. Maybe you should just try to ignore peoples reactions.