Scar treatment for black people requires specific attention to keloid scarring. According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, keloid scars are most common among people with darker skin tones. Additionally, black people must deal with some typical universal types of scarring, such as acne scarring. With the right treatment, black people can reduce the appearance of most scars.
Steroid Injections
Keloid scarring is characterized by an excessive build-up of collagen at the scar site. Steroid injections help combat this growth of collagen, often reducing the overall size of the scar. Furthermore, steroid injections reduce redness and help ease burning and itching at the scar site. A doctor will determine a dosing regimen, although sometimes steroids can heal a keloid scar with just one injection.
Pressure Therapy
If the keloid scar is not actively spreading, you may be able to reduce scar tissue protrusion with pressure therapy. During pressure therapy, a clear sheet of silicone gel is applied to the scar site. This sheet flattens out keloid scars, and it is also useful for similar hypertrophic scars. The sheets are designed for continual wear over the course of four to six months. After pressure therapy, the protruding scar tissue is permanently flattened for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Tissue Fillers
Collagen and fat fillers are useful for icepick scarring. Commonly caused by acne, icepick scarring is characterized by indented and reddish discolored skin. When injected at the scar site, collagen can puff out the indentation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Collagen and fat fillers will smooth out the scar, but discoloration will remain. Additional treatments are required to reduce icepick scarring redness.
Vascular Lasers
A vascular laser is useful for removing reddish discoloration from African American skin. Vascular lasers target the inflamed blood vessels responsible for scar discoloration. The laser shrinks the blood vessels, reducing redness in both keloid and icepick scars. The procedure is safe and performed entirely without anesthetic. According to the University of Michigan, vascular laser therapy feels similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin.
Erbium Laser
In addition to reducing redness, certain laser therapies can also smooth out scarred skin and soften hard scar tissues. Erbium lasers work best for black people, according to the University of Michigan. During erbium laser therapy, layers of scarred skin are burned off. After the skin is burned away, new skin regrows at the scar site. Depending on the depth of the scar, multiple treatments may be required.
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