Scarring around mouth?

[Orlea]

Hi all,

I have got a lot of fine scarring around my mouth caused by chronic attacks of cold sores over the last ten years.

After the blisters heal, I am left with patches of spider naevi, fine red lines and a weird 'bitty' or 'dotty' texture, sort of like black-heads, only red. It looks like I am wearing lipstick that is bleeding, even when I have no make-up on!!

I'm also just starting to get those awful, tiny wrinkles in the same area, making lip make-up a nightmare to apply. It doesn't matter what I do,(line, powder, blot, etc.). I can't get a smooth outline and it really does just bleed everywhere.

I use Garnier Wrinkle Decrease Creams on my face and eyes and it works really well. But they don't do a cream that targets just the mouth area.

Has anyone else had any experience of a problem like this before?

Any suggestions for a plumping or de-crease cream and/or a product or method that will refine/camouflage the colour/texture around my mouth.

Thank you.

Orlea

 

[Dragonfly]

Curious - have you had a dermatologist look at your scars?

If so, what did they recommend?

I'm almost tempted to recommend Retin A because it is the only product that has been clinically shown to reduce or even remove wrinkles. And it has been shown to rejuvinate collagen, which may help with the "plumping' you are looking for. And Retin A also helps exfoliate skin at an exilarated rate, which might help fade scars.

 

[Kathy]

I tried doing a search on Sephora for you and found a couple products that look like they might help you. I've not tried them, but I know both Bliss and Philosophy make great products. hth

Sephora: Bliss Spiff Upper Lip: Lip Plumpers

Sephora: Philosophy Hope In A Tube Eye & Lip Cream: Dryness

 

[Orlea]

Hi,

I have now been given medication to stop me getting a rash anymore. The only thing the doctor suggested was to put pure Vitamin E oil on to help stop any more scarring.

Rachel

 

[Dragonfly]

What about being referred to a cosmetic dermatologist? They would be able to offer all kinds of skin treatments.

 

[Orlea]

Hi Carolyn,

Thanks for your advice!

This might sound daft, but I don't know what Retin A is. Is it an ingredient or a brand?

Re the cosmetic dermatologist - unfortunately, I live in what I believe you would call a 'real backwater', LOL!

I would have to travel some distance to attend one and even just to have a consultation and an initial assessment with a reputable clinic in the UK costs several hundred pounds which I just can't afford

So, I think the only affordable option for me really, is to find a topical application that someone has tried and found to work.

Rachel

 

[Dragonfly]

Rachel, The active ingredient of Retin A is Tretinoin. In Canada, it is marketed under Stievaa Vitamin A Acid Gel. The UK could have a company the produces Tretinoin and is marketed under a different name.

In Canada, I don't need to see a dermatologist - my family doctor can write a prescription for me. The cost of a tube is $18 and lasts 6 months or so.

You might consider talking to your doctor about trying a tube. Mention that it goes by Retin A or Tretinoin and they will know what you are refering to.

Explain to him/her that it can be used for cosmetic purposes as well as for acne.

If you google Tretinoin, you'll find lots of info.

It may take a bit of time to show results but if you use it daily and follow directions, you just might see the results you are looking for.

PM me if I can help you further. Carolyn

 

[Jesskaa]

I have to agree with Retin-A. And pretty much everything Carolyn has said.