Time heals all wounds, but how do you deal with a surgical scar?
MANILA, Philippines - Q: I have a nine-inch vertical scar on my chest from open heart surgery. The top five inches of my scar (the part that extends above my bra line) is only about 1/8 of an inch wide. It looks pretty good. But the lower four inches or so is a keloid scar (about an inch wide). I’m not sure why. My heart surgeon did a great job (I’m here!), but I would like to find some way to minimize my scar as much as possible. Do you think the alpha lipoic acid-DMAE lotion would be effective on a chest scar? I belong to a group called WomenHeart and I would love to give this information to my other “bypass buddies.”
A: Massage Phosphatidyl-E creams with tocotrienols into the scar twice daily. At night, after applying the cream to the scar, cover the area with silicone pressure bandages that are made expressly for scars (you can buy these at your neighborhood pharmacy). You do not need to wear the pressure bandage during the day, but do remember to apply the cream.
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What to do with adult acne
Q: I’m a 27-year-old female who has suffered from adult acne for more than two years. Since its onset, I have been seeing a dermatologist who prescribed antibiotics to be taken daily, a day cream, and a gel to be applied at night time. When I took the antibiotics, the acne appeared to be under control. However, when I tried to discontinue the antibiotics, the acne returned with a vengeance in about six weeks. In fact, it was worse than it had been prior to taking the antibiotics. Now, two months after that big eruption of acne, the marks are still vivid. I don’t want to stay on antibiotics for the rest of my life.
A: Because acne is a systemic inflammatory disease your first and best line of defense is to alter your diet. In addition to eating foods that are rich in antioxidants (Nature’s natural anti-inflammatories), you must avoid pro-inflammatory foods. Foods that are starchy — for example, bread, potatoes, chips, sweets, etc. — cause inflammation at a cellular level that leads to a clogged pore, the first step toward an acne lesion. Therefore, what you eat is a direct cause of your breakouts, and you need to stop the cycle. Start a supplement regimen that includes antioxidants (Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE, vitamins C and E), a good multivitamin with zinc, the B vitamins, and the essential fatty acids discussed in my books. Cleanse twice daily with a gentle cleanser, and tone with pads containing DMAE. I have formulated an anti-acne regimen that include anti-inflammatory alpha lipoic acid — I recommend using this after gently cleansing and toning. Use only oil-free makeup. And remember, if your pores are not clogged you will not develop a secondary infection, i.e., acne.
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Acne on chest and back
Q: My daughter is experiencing severe acne on her chest and back, which is leading to scarring. What can be done to control this? We’ve tried all the body washes and benzoyl peroxide creams, but nothing seems to help. Please help us find a solution!
A: First and foremost your daughter needs to begin the anti-inflammatory diet and nutritional supplements, which I’ve outlined previously in my books. Pro-inflammatory foods are the reason our pores clog up — and a clogged pore is the first step toward a full-blown acne lesion. Make sure that all foods made with flour and sugar, are eliminated from your daughter’s diet; she must also avoid chips, fries and other greasy, starchy foods. There are plenty of tasty substitutes. For example, at snack time, she can try raw, unsalted almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. Also have her increase her intake of brightly-colored fruits and vegetables. This step alone will make a huge difference in the development of the acne. Also, start her on a supplement regimen rich in antioxidants, and try a topical glutathione treatment on the lesions.
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In the Philippines, the N.V. Perricone, M.D. skincare line is exclusively available at Rustan’s Essenses.
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E-mail your questions to lifestyle@philstar.net.ph
