Acne Scarring on Chest

  • Thread starter Thread starter FlyingWalrus
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FlyingWalrus

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A few years ago I started getting some mild acne on my chest. But the problem was that the acne never really healed, they just turned into big keloid scars.

Luckily I haven't had much problem with getting any new acne, just the old scars that are still there. However I have noticed that during any strenuous activity(exercise, etc.) my chest turns really red, feels hot and sometimes it even itches, kind of like allergies.

Another thing I realized, is that I don't think my chest sweats. I have never once noticed that my chest was sweaty. I'm wondering if this is all connected, and what I should do about it.

I've been to a dermatologist and she said she had never seen anything like it and just gave me some acne medicine. She also said there was nothing she can do about the keloid scars other than hope that they fade in time. So any suggestions about what's going on or what I should do?
 
Thats pretty ridiculous that your derm said he'd never seem anything like it :confused:

I have the same, on my chest.

However, theres a difference between hypertrophic scars and keloid scars. Keloid Scars grow (sometimes exponentially) outside the initial wound area.

Hypertrophic scars are the same in that they are raised and red, however are restricted to the area of the initial wound.

I have about 8 hypertrophic scars on my chest - they basically look like spots from a distance.

I recieved steriod injections at my derm which made some dissapear completely, only to return months later (this is often the case for many).

However, I continued to recieve them over the space of 5 years (maybe 7 injections) and I think they have made mines more red than if I had left them (they would have probably faded to an extent).

Ask to be referred to a plastic surgeon. And look up other treaments - Pulse Dye Laser etc - However with keloiRAB, if you were to choose surgery (cutting them out), there is a 50% chance of regrowth and it can come back 3 times as big - I would never risk this.

Given the criteria, do you think yours are hyperptrophic or keloid?

Also look up things like Dermatix (or Dermatix ultra) silicone gels - Availabe by Over the counter or by prescription in the UK.

If use religiously over a long period of time 4months+ these are said to reduce size and colour, but results may vary.

Hypertrophic and keloiRAB scars are tricky and your derm is right in that there is not alot that is effective in treating them, but there are methoRAB to try. Hypertrophics being probably the more responsive.
 
Thanks for the reply. I've never even heard of Hypertrophic scars, but the way you describe them it does sound like what I have. I'll look into those treatments you recommended. I'll also try to find another dermatologist, however I live in Hawaii and the the one I saw was the only I one I could find on the island.

Thanks again for the advice.
 
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