Scar Treatment Questions and Answers

Search: 

Question:

To whom it may concern: I am an 18 yr. old female, sexually active, on ortho-tri-cyclen. I have been having a strange thick white discharge when I urinate, and also throughout the day. This has been worrying me and I was just wondering what it is and how I can stop the problem. Thank You for your time, carissa_lyn@hotmail.com

Answer:

Hi...here's what Medline says about white discharge... "Definition Return to top Discharge of a substance from the vagina. It may vary in consistency (thick, pasty, thin), color (clear, cloudy, colored), and smell (normal, odorless, malodorous). Considerations Return to top Some vaginal discharge is quite common and normal for women of childbearing age. Normally, cervical glands produce a clear mucus secretion that drains downward, mixing with bacteria, discarded vaginal cells, and Bartholin’s gland secretions. These substances may (depending on how much mucus there is) turn the mucus a whitish color (leukorrhea) and the discharge turns yellowish when exposed to air. There are times throughout the menstrual cycle that the cervical glands produce more mucus than others, depending on the amount of estrogen produced (see: menstrual cycle). This is normal. Sexual excitement and emotional stress have both been associated with a normal vaginal discharge. This discharge is a clear, mucus-like secretion. Disease may be indicated if vaginal discharge is abnormal in color, odor, or consistency, or significantly increased or decreased in amount. Very often, when the abnormal discharge is caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or transmitted through sexual intercourse, the sexual partner(s) may require treatment as well" Hope this helps... Julie Adinolfe RN AskANurse

Question:

greetings doctor! :) one of my wishes in life is to become a mother. by the grace of God i know it will happen. for the past three years, i have been trying, and trying. i've done the home ovulation kit, with no success. the problem that i'm incounter are irregular periods. i had a period in aug.'01. then next one came dec.11,'01, then recently jan. 16,'02 it is very obvious that i'm not really regular. i think this may be a big reason why i'm having a hard time getting pregnant. i was pregnant three times in the past, but lost all three pregnancies. one miscarriage and two tubels. what would you suggest i do? i plan on getting a complet physical, but finanacial, i can not afford to get the best care or treatment that i would like to have. i know that the Lord will provide and make a way. in the mean time, i would greatly appreciate your advice in this matter thanks and God Bless :) Susette

Answer 1:

If you are having irregular periods, you are very likely not ovulating regulkarly and so will have highly reduced fertility without ovulation inducing drugs. The fact that you have had ectopic or tubal pregnancies twice in the past is a strong indicator that your fallopian tubes are blocked meaning that you will need in viro fertilization. I would recommend that you see a reproductive endocrinologist as soon as possible to begin the evaluation process. Many centers participate in clinical trials that might allow you to do treatment at a highly reduced cost. Also, patients that can demonstrate financial hardship can submit a form to the fertility drug companies (serono/organon) to get medication for free or at a reduced rate through their compassionate use programs. Best of luck! Daniel A. Potter, MD Huntington Reproductive Center infertility.org

Answer 2:

Dear Susette You need to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility specialist). It sounds like you will require in vitro (test tube baby) since your tubes are damaged. That specialist can tell you what can be done. Good luck Fady I. Sharara, M.D VA Ctr for Reprod Med

Question:

This question needs to be directed to a gynecologist, but that was not one of the options. Since I started my period when I was 13, I have had an abnormal amount of discharge. By 'abnormal' I mean that for the week prior to and the week after my period I have to wear a panty liner and change it every 3-4 hours. It's like having my period for three weeks. It is mostly clear and sort of thick. I have noticed that when I am sexually active I do not discharge nearly as much. If there is a reason for this, I would like to know it. Also, I would like to know if there is anything I can do to lessen the discharge, or if I should be concerned. Thank you.

Answer:

Hi...A visit to your GYN should be first and foremost to make sure everything is okay...use Locateadoc to find one in your area...Vaginal discharge is an occupational hazzard of being a woman...good for the people that make panty liners...Here's what medline says.... "Definition Discharge of a substance from the vagina. It may vary in consistency (thick, pasty, thin), color (clear, cloudy, colored), and smell (normal, odorless, malodorous). Considerations Some vaginal discharge is quite common and normal for women of childbearing age. Normally, cervical glands produce a clear mucus secretion that drains downward, mixing with bacteria, discarded vaginal cells, and Bartholin’s gland secretions. These substances may (depending on how much mucus there is) turn the mucus a whitish color (leukorrhea) and the discharge turns yellowish when exposed to air. There are times throughout the menstrual cycle that the cervical glands produce more mucus than others, depending on the amount of estrogen produced (see: menstrual cycle). This is normal. Sexual excitement and emotional stress have both been associated with a normal vaginal discharge. This discharge is a clear, mucus-like secretion. Disease may be indicated if vaginal discharge is abnormal in color, odor, or consistency, or significantly increased or decreased in amount. Very often, when the abnormal discharge is caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or transmitted through sexual intercourse, the sexual partner(s) may require treatment as well. Common causes atrophic vaginitis (common in older women) nonspecific vaginitis foreign bodies (such as a forgotten tampon) Monilia (white cheesy discharge caused by candidiasis), a type of yeast infection Trichomonas (white, frothy discharge and intense itch) sexually transmitted disease (if discharge is cheesy, smelly, or bloody) bacterial vaginosis drugs (some antibiotics and estrogen-containing drugs) irradiation of the reproductive tract sexual excitement (normal discharge) emotional stress (normal discharge) during ovulation Home care Return to top Good hygiene can help prevent some of the causes of abnormal discharge as well as help get rid of it if it occurs. Sometimes a little bit of extra patience is needed. While many women use a douche to clean themselves after menstrual periods or sexual intercourse, gynecologists discourage such routine cleansing. The vagina is made to cleanse itself, and douching may remove the healthy bacteria lining the vagina (normal flora) that help protect you from infection. By attempting to treat an abnormal vaginal discharge by douching, you might actually worsen the condition. Depending on the cause of the vaginal discharge, your health care provider might recommend a douche. Douche recommendations may include: douche daily (and following intercourse) with a Betadine solution (two TABLESPOONS to one quart of warm water), baking soda solution (one teaspoon to one quart of warm water), or with white vinegar (2 TABLESPOONS to one quart of warm water). Do not douche without your health care provider’s knowledge, and do not douche for 24 hours prior to seeing the doctor. For vaginitis, multipurpose medications (such as AVC creams) may help. For yeast infections, medications such as Monistat can now be purchased over the counter. Prescription drugs may be necessary for some cases. Use these only if you KNOW that the discharge is caused by a yeast infection (if you have had identical symptoms that were diagnosed by a health care provider as a yeast infection). If the discharge is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, the sexual partner must also be treated, even if there are no symptoms. Many organisms can harbor themselves without producing symptoms. Failure of the partner(s) to accept treatment can cause continual reinfection which may eventually (if not taken care of) lead to more extensive problems, possibly limiting future fertility and affecting overall health. Call your health care provider if the discharge is associated with abdominal discomfort, pain, or fever. the problem occurs in a child who has not reached puberty. the discharge may be caused by taking a drug. the problem persists for longer than 2 weeks or becomes worse. a sexually transmitted disease is suspected." Hope this helps... Julie Adinolfe RN AskANurse

Question:

I have about a dozen scars on my shins due to chemical burns (from Nair Hair removal cream) and electrical burns due to bad electrolysis. All of the scars are small (about pea sized) and shallow rather than raised, and are very discolored--brownish purple while I am very fair skinned. I've tried silicone sheets to reduce the scarring, but it hasn't worked at all. I REALLY want to get rid of the discoloration, and would love to get rid of the shallowness, also, but it's the discoloration that bothers me more. What type of surgery (dermabrasion?) could help with with these scars, and what's a rough estimate of the cost? I hope you can help me. I can't go another summer in pants every day, but I can't bear to wear shorts with all of these ugly scars. Thanks for any help you can give me. Carla

Answer:

Dear Carla, The pigmentation can be readily removed with lasers although that will do little for the textural skin changes. You may wish to have the larger ones surgically removed to leave a fine scar that is level. The former should not cost too much - I charge $20 per spot per treatment with about 3 or 4 treatments required to lighten the pigmentation. The surgery costs about $200 per scar.

Question:

My hip ached, I got a flyer in the newspaper for free chiro. eval and exam. I was told my hips were rotated, posture poor. Scared, I was convinced to buy a year service plan for adj & traction for $2800. My hip felt better but left side & neck hurt. After 3months of 2-3x a week traction my neck really hurt, I called and cancelled. They told me I could not get any money back(it cost$32/adj,$20/traciton) $52.00!!each 15 min. visit!!! but NOW visits are free until 8/02. I feel this is a SCAM, using pressure & scare tactics, even arranged for a health credit card when I couldn't pay. Is this common practice or ethical? Do I have any options? I feel foolish it was my first chiro and a sad lesson What can I do to warn people about this? PS I'm going to a new chiro who has releived all my pain in 6 visits, I can even excerise without aching.it's amazing.

Answer:

Hi Judith, While I can't address your particular condition, I can say that anytime you aren't getting better with ANY form of treatment, you should discuss your lack of results with your doctor. Also, as we correct one problem in a patient, it is not uncommon to have other things pop up as the patient is going through the process of correction. In our office we look for a 25-50% improvement within 2-4 weeks maximum. If those results cannot be achieved, then we suggest that the patient consider additional testing or referral to another doctor for additional evaluation. We have used credit cards to help patients work out affordable monthly payments for care plans to correct long term problems. With these plans if a patient requests a refund, moves or is otherwise unable to complete the plan, arrangements can usually be made to refund the unused portion of the plan. It seems a little odd to me that your plan would be exhausted but that you would have free visits until Sept. If the doctor is unable to provide you with relief, then additional free visits are of little use to you. I do caution my patients to beware of quick fixes. It has been my experience that just eliminating the pain without correcting the problem is a very dangerous thing and is not fair to the patient if they are not educated in the consequences of allowing the condition to continue even if the pain is gone. Imagine if you were to go to your doctor and they said, "Well you have cancer, but we'll give you this treatment and you'll not feel any more pain". Your first question would be does the treatment get rid of the CANCER? If a treatment doesn't correct the problem, then it is temporary at best. It sounds like your first doctor didn't get to the cause of the problem despite the length of your care. While no doctor of any type can GUARANTEE a cure, monitoring the results of any treatment plan is a wise practice. Please feel free to contact me again as you get things resolved.

Question:

i want to know all about facial plastic surgery i have tribal marks on my face.i want to know the after effects.thanks.

Answer:

Dear Lisa, I am not sure if tribal marks are tattoos or scars. If they are the former, they can readily be removed with several laser treatments. If they are scars, they could likely be improved but never erased.

Question:

I am interested in finding out what can be done about unsightly veins that are visible under my eyes. They have been there since I was a child and they are a bluish-purple color that is hard to cover up with make-up. Is there a procedure available to get rid of them or reduce their appearance, and what risks are involved? Thank You!

Answer:

Dear Jamie, Sclerotherapy is the golden standard in the treatment of veins but it should not be performed near the eye. I would suggest a direct excision or ligation (tying off) of the veins. This could be performed through an inconspicuous incision and would give you the best result with minimal risk of scarring. Laser treatment, for veins that large would run the risk of a severe scar.

Question:

i hope i am in the right place. i finaly made an appt. for my first mamogram. i am scared to death. i thought i found a lump and i have checked so many times i have made my self black and blue. i had my last clinical exam one year ago.i have been making my self crazy about all of this. HELP. I am 47 yrs old.

Answer:

Dear Ruth...Hopefully you have had your mammogram and everything turned out allright. If not...all breast lumps aren't malignant. The important thing to do is monthly self examination and get prompt treatment if something strange is found. They say all women over 40 should have a yearly mammo... Julie Adinolfe RN AskANurse

Question:

i had a birthmark removed from my face 4 years ago and it went well. i only was left with a little pink scar which wasn't very visible. however it feels like it may be growing back. is it possible to take that long for a birthmark to grow back and if so is there anything i can do to get rid of it besides having surgery again?

Answer:

Dear Scott, I am not certain if you had a vaascular (red) or a pigmented (dark brown or black) birthmark. Some pigmentation can recur after laser procedures requiring occasional repeated treatments. Most of my patients require treatments about one year apart for recurrence.

Question:

My questions regards bad achne scars. I have had bad achne problems through out my teenage years and now it has somewhat scared my back with dark pigments that's obvious when i take off my shirts. Its very embarassing around friends and I would like to know if there are any treatment of resolving it. Lazer treatment ?? Its an embarrassing fact and i can't seem to find someone to ask these personal problems. Where should i start looking and who can help me? Thank you much for your time...

Answer:

There are a few potential treatments: microdermabrasion, mild chemical peels, and laser treatments. I would start by seeing a dermatologist who is affiliated with the American Society of Dermatological Surgery by going to www.asds-net.org and seeing if you can locate someone in your area by clicking on where it says "find a dermatologic surgeon". These are dermatologists who are more oriented towards cosmetic problems and hopefully can find a solution for you. Good Luck!

Amy Taub, M.D.
Lincolnshire, IL

Question:

My mother (57) sunburned her face 2x this year. In June a patch formed on her cheek below her orbital bone. It was small like a pimple but now it is the size of a quarter and oblong in shape. It is rough in texture ( scar looking). Her Dr. advised polysporin be used and says not to worry. This has been 5months now. Her Dr wont refer her to a specialist. What should we do?Urgent

Answer:

I can't really say unless I saw it, but it sounds like it should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Ask your neighbors and friends who is a reputable dermatologist in the area and then make an appointment. Then write a letter to your insurance company and the doctor complaining that he isn't giving you a diagnosis yet says you don't need a specialist. Seeing a dermatologist may cost you some money (but it should be less than $100) and if he/she feels that it is a problem and needs to be treated than perhaps he/she can convince your doctor to refer you for treatment. If all this occurs and he still won't refer you, get a new doctor.

Amy Taub, M.D.
Lincolnshire, IL

Next Step

• Learn about Scar Treatment in the Articles Section
• Ready for a consultation? See qualified Dermatology doctors in your area

Browse All Questions & Answers

Example searches: lasik costs, tummy tuck recovery

Search: