Hello "Spineys",

After my ADR and 7 other surgeries my abdomen was left looking a bit like an NFL play book. Thanks to my terrific naturopath I have begun diminishing my scars and kelloids through the use of wheat germ oil. Wheat germ oil is available at most health food stores and is rather inexpensive. Simply prick the capsule and rub the oil into your skin. Repeat this procedure 3 times per day. After 2 weeks I am already noticing a difference in scars that I've had for 10 years. According to my naturopath, the oil also helps the body heal more efficiently and create less scar tissue around the incision.

To your health,
Crystal

L5/SI Charite ADR 7/18/05
L5 Shattered 9/24/05 Work training accident

How cool is that?! It's the first time I heard of a natural remedy...I love it!

Vitamin E oil works for the external scarring, but it is not as effective for kelloids and scar tissue. It is important to have as pure a concentration as possible.
Crystal

I just visited Sephora.com to check Mederma and other scar remedy prices - the average cost around $30. Wheat germ oil is about $6 for 90 capsules. Save the $24 for a few gallons of gasoline.

A few other items that will help fade scars are cool laser treatments and antibiotic cream with analgesic. Not only does it help the incision heal and keep it sanitary, it also helps soothe the pain.

Emu oil is great on scarring etc Also works on other skin conditions. Not as inexpensive as wheat germ but works much better than it in my humble opinion. It is great on burns too!

Thanks Crystal,

Couldn�t of come at a better time my pain management specialist took off the sterri-strips today and I�m ready to start some natural healing so I will try the wheat germ oil for sure.

Love all your natural advice. I am trying to eat as much organically as I can these days. You have to be careful when you shop and read the label to make sure you are buying organic even when you go to a store like Whole Foods.

By chance, I heard about the healing properties of arnica from a few different people in the past few weeks -- for scar reduction -- among other things.

More here about this natural remedy:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/arnic058.html

---Medicinal Action and Uses---In countries where Arnica is indigenous, it has long been a popular remedy. In the North American colonies the flowers are used in preference to the rhizome. They have a discutient property. The tincture is used for external application to sprains, bruises, and wounds, and as a paint for chilblains when the skin is unbroken. Repeated applications may produce severe inflammation. It is seldom used internally, because of its irritant effect on the stomach. Its action is stimulant and diuretic, and it is chiefly used in low fevers and paralytie affections.

Great info--thanks!
I recently had some dermatological procedures to try to erase the effects of 3 surgeries, chronic pain and sleeplessness since my MVA. The dermatologist prescribes arnica pills to prevent/reduce bruising--and eating a whole pineapple the day before the procedure. She also advised a friend to take the arnica prior to her hysterectomy. Info to consider prior to surgery...

I am just about to try Curad Scar Therapy pads. I tried the local pharmacies and they did not have them. So I did an internet search and found them on ebay for around $13.00. I think it is an eight week supply. I'll let you know the results.