hello. When i first got my severe kp in my arms i used to pick them a lot. Now i have mild kp. But i am left with scars in my arms.
What gets rid of those scars? does chemical peel helps?

i have been exfoliating as i shower for weeks and it does not help. And sun exposure is just a cover, and it is not recommended by dermatologist.

thank you
peter;

Does picking at the KP leave noticeable scars? It's hard not to pick at it though

Picking can leave terrible scars, some that last for years. Do everything in your power not to pick. It will only make it look worse.

kebod

but the problem is that i did already. And i have those scars... What can i do to take care of them?
chemical peel? "deep"?

It took two summers of sun tanning for my scars to disappear. I go in the sun for about 10-15 minutes about 3 times a week. This is not enough time to burn. I wouldn't let a dermatologist stop me from doing this.

I have never done a chemical peel, so I don't know if that will help or not. Can anyone else answer Peter?

kebod

I have bad scars everywhere (from playing soccer, fighting and just being wild...) and here's what has helped for me:
* using a pumice stone in the shower 2 to 3 times a week - don't overdo it or you'll be left with worse marks!!!!
* applying 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) directly on the scars. usually you can only find 30% - 35% in your pharmacy so you'll have to dilute it in distilled or demineralised water (you can find this in your supermarket where the stuff is for ironing clothes etc...) USING GLOVES or you'll burn your hands... Mix 11 parts of distilled/demineralised water with 1 part of 30-35% H2O2. Apply it on the scars using a cotton ball or q-tip depending on how big the scar is, let it dry. If you can find a Vitamin E cream to put on after the H2O2 has dried, would be even better...
NOTE: NEVER apply H2O2 directly on wounds, it slows down the healing process.
* chemical peels do help (I've had several: TCA, glycolic, ...), but they're painful and take time to heal and chances are you'll end up with discoloration on your skin... I wouldn't do it unless the scars are very very big and bad....but it's up to you!

Best of luck!

If anyone uses 30-35% hydrogen peroxide, please read the warning below. I use it safely, but I follow precautions, knowing direct contact can burn, as Lot points out.

EARTH CLINIC'S ADDITIONAL WARNING NOTE:
From Earth Clinic:
A hundred years ago, both hydrogen peroxide and tincture of iodine were used to treat a variety of illnesses and infections. Now, they are discredited because they are so cheap. How can Merck or Pfizer make billions of dollars on something that costs 79 cents?

kebod

try retin A and hydroquinone.

Are your scars indented scars? Like small holes in the skin?

Or are you scars red and brown colored skin? Like small red/browmish circular marks?

Hey guys, i know it's bad but I recently picked and they're huge and red and inflamed.
What can i do to almost immediately reduce the redness?!

Try fresh aloe, or an aloe product. It is soothing and healing. Skin healing takes time. Please let me know if you try this and if it helps.

kebod

yeah, i've been using aloe vera, it's not effective at all.

Any other suggestions, epsom salt bath maybe?

yeah, my scars are red and brown colored.. I dont have holes..

Why would anyone want to pick? Does it do something to help temporally or something?

yeah peter, if I remember correctly you have a derm that you go to, right?

Ask him for retin-a and hydroquinone 4%. It will be rough at first but it will fix those marks up better than almost anything. Kojic Acid also helps lightend those scars too. Lactic acid Peels and vitamin C serum(L ascorbic acid works well too).

But I think retin A and hydroquinone is your best bet.

Also ask for Hydrocortisone to help you when you go through that initial irritaion.

Retin-a will keep the bumps from coming back too as long as you keep using it.

ask your derm about ALL of this.

These products will make your skin very photosensitive, so keep out of the sun or keep treated areas covered.