Scar Treatment for Black People
Scarring is a sometimes constant reminder of skin conditions, ranging from acne to eczema. While many scars can be treated to at least fade in color or depth, darker skin is more difficult to treat successfully. Unfortunately, many present-day techniques for removal of scars are not applicable to black people. Although their darker skin is more resistant to the sun and aging, they must turn to alternative ways to reduce their scarring rather than simple laser treatment.
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Laser Treatment
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Laser treatment of scars was, until recently, an option that was not possible for people with darker skin. However, fractional infrared lasers that feature a long pulse are a far better option for black skin, as is a new technology called Thermage, which emits radio frequency waves that tighten affected areas of skin.
Chemical Peels
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Chemical peels use acids, sometimes in different combinations, and are customized for a patient's specific condition, including scarring. They gently remove the top layers of skin to create a smooth surface, without the damaged skin that was once present. Besides treating scars, chemical peels are very effective in combating the darkening effects of hyper-pigmentation, a very common skin condition for black people.
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Topical Creams
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Fortunately, many cases of mild skin scarring can be effectively treated with one of the many different healing creams available. A cortisone cream can be used to help alleviate virligio, a skin condition affecting black people that features a large amount of pigment in random blotches on the skin. Exposure to ultraviolet rays is a common treatment for eczema and pityriasis alba, but it is not as effective on black skin. Therefore, pityriasis alba and eczema must also be treated with specific topical creams prescribed by a dermatologist.
Keloid Treatment
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Keloids are overgrowths of scar tissue that appear at the site of a healed patch of skin. According to Brownskin.com, black people have extra-sensitive skin, so changes to the skin such as a piercing or a tattoo will often result in a keloid. Unfortunately, they tend reappear even if treated, and surgical removal or cortisone injections may be needed.
Systemic Treatment
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Systemic therapy is available to black people who suffer from severe cases of psoriasis. The treatment works throughout the entire body and involves taking a pill orally or getting a liquid injection. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, systemic treatment is often the last step for patients who have not responded to either ultraviolet light treatment or topical creams.
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References
- Photo Credit African American boy at the beach image by jc from Fotolia.com
