Scars are not uncommon, but they can be quite disturbing. According to statistics, 100 million people acquire scars each year. It is also estimated that about 11 million develop keloid scars and about 4 million develop burn scars.
Scars and their effects have been a matter of intense research across the world on the physical, psychological and social aspects of our lives. For Dermatix, it continues to be one of our focus areas and we regularly collect feedback from clients on their personal journey with their scars. What we found has been quite interesting.
Some people wear their scars with pride. Even if they use treatment, they recognise that having a scar marks an important memory or event. This is especially true for mothers. Here are some of the testimonials Dermatix has received:
A mum:"I have had my scar for 16 years now. No, I never felt conscious about it, rather I feel quite proud of bearing it as it meant having the pleasure of experiencing motherhood!"
And an avid biker:"I've got these 2 really big scars on both of my knees ... they're signs of a Biker and I'm super proud of them!"
However, not everyone's experience is the same. Scars can be mentally disturbing as well. The unwelcome glances, prying questions and uninvited suggestions, however well-intentioned, can affect self-esteem to a great extent.
One of our clients said this:"I have got several scars of varying ages - four from my knee reconstruction surgery conducted six months ago, one from washing dishes when I was four years old, one from falling during childhood, three scars from an accident about 6 years back. I do get conscious about the ones on my arm and knees and get asked a lot of questions, as most people ask out of curiosity or concern. It has also aggravated my body image issues. I do use ointments for the knee scar since it's pretty new and I get sudden urges to get them tattooed."
For some, their scars are reminders of a bitter time that was spent trying to recover from severe trauma.
A marketing manager of a leading MNC told us:"I have a scar from a breast abscess surgery, only six months after my delivery, which reminds me of the one month of dressing pain that I went through and the painful hormonal injections to stop the production of milk that would affect the wound.And for some, the incident that leads to the formation of scars can be physically restricting, too."
A professional designer who suffered from a severe tooth issue told us:"I have a slight scar on my left mouth due to a double hook wisdom tooth removal, when the tools rubbed against the corner of my left mouth. I had to deal with the scar to let it dry for 2 weeks, and it was difficult to eat. Now, I have to always remember to shove my food on the right and drink with a straw. It is not that painful, but irritating nonetheless."
Does any of the above sound familiar to you? Just remember, you are not alone.
Here are a few ways you can avoid letting your scars affect you negatively:
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Stop thinking about your scars
This is of course easier said than done. However, it is often our thoughts that lead us to immense stress and anxiety. It is up to you how you want to wear the scars. Whether you want to expose it to the world, or conceal it with makeup, it is entirely your choice. Don't focus on the people who stare. It shows that they have an issue with themselves rather than you if they look at someone's physical appearance. Our physical body is only a part of us, and it is the many layers that inside us that truly matter. -
Talk about your scar
Sharing our problems with someone helps to lessen the burden. The same applies to scars. If your scars are affecting you mentally, talk to someone about it. Find a confidant and don't be afraid to express how your scars may be taking a toll on your mental health. After all, your loved ones would not want you to struggle alone. Some of our respondents have mentioned that when people stare at their scars, talking openly about it helps. Tell them about the incident that led to your scar. Once they know the story and how you feel about it, they will be able to empathise and understand that their stares make you uncomfortable. -
Find reliable treatment
Gone are the days when you could do nothing about your scars except stare at them and silently wish they would disappear. Today, several handy treatment options exist. While makeup can conceal them temporarily, finding a reliable treatment will help you get rid of them, or at least significantly reduce their appearance.
Dermatix Advance is a silicone-based gel that was created using the revolutionary CX5 technology. It has been clinically proven to lighten, soften and flatten scars with regular usage. It also contains Vitamin C, which protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Patients have found that this product has helped them immensely. The lady who suffered from the issue of her wisdom tooth removal wrote to us after realising the benefits from using Dermatix Advance:
"Dermatix Advance and pure aloe vera are my best friends at this point. My scar has faded considerably now."
Learn More about Dermatix Advance today.