Scars

[Carol]

I have a very embarrassing problem.  I am 41 yrs old and have scars all over me.  Almost all are the result of picking at any cut or bite that I received until it became infected.  The scars that I have are mostly indented, round and look white and have little indentations in them.  Some of them have not turned white yet...still sort of pink or purple and some are quite deep.  Ocasionally, the scars itch and become a sore again when scratched.

   I want these scars on my hands, arms and legs removed.  I have not been to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon because I have been too embarrassed and too afraid that nothing can be done.
I guess there is also the question of why I did this to my self.  I have read many of the self-injury books, but feel like I'm not really in that category.  Mostly this has been a really bad habit.

Any advice you can offer will be appreciated.

[hannah hill]

i fell and broke my nose on saturday which has also left a 1 cm long cut on my nose - this was quite deep but fairly clean( like a score on a piece of meat)no stiches but steri-strips to keep it together.  how can i prevent it from scarring?any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Mary B]

Dear Doctor, I would like to know if there are doctors in training that would perform laser resurfacing or dermabrasion on the face for deep acne scars,at a very reduced rate or free as part of there training and part as a patient reference? I know all doctors must start somewhere and I personally would not want to be charged full rate if I was the first patient or first few. I cannot afford this type of surgery at full price ,but I would be willing to let a training doctor perform this at a large discount or free. If you have any information about this I would appreciatei t so much. You can e-mail me. Thank You very much,    mary b.  e-mail : ***@****.

[Pat]

Dear Doctor,
I HAVE AN EMBARASSING SCAR ON MY FACE, AND I CONTINUE TO PUT VITAMIN E ON IT, BUT IT HAS NOT HEALED AT ALL.  iF YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE PLEASE E-MAL ME AT ***@****

[jan]

i have the same problem, Carol, and we're not nuts!  mine started with a constant bad reaction to mosquito bites, but i have now developed a hive type skin problem that burns and itches so bad i have to scratch.  i have hundreds of scars mostly on my arms and legs. i will never be able to wear short sleeves or shorts again.  i know its no help, but you are not alone.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Carol:

You give a very vivid description of one effect of obsessive=compulsive disorder on the skin: you can't stop picking.

These scars cannot be removed (without leaving bigger scars.)  But not all of them are permanent scars.  You just have to leave them alone long enough to heal.

Get help.  Find a psychiatrist or dermatologist skilled in the drug treatment of this disorder.

Good luck.

Dr. R