DIY scar removal ops is a not-so-new trend where people use rubber bands, strings and a host of other improvised materials to tie an unwanted outgrowth on the body cutting off the blood supply until the growth dies and falls off.

These folks are trying to put health practitioners out of work?





Doctors advice scar-removing ops will cost less than it will cost to treat/contain an infected DIY ops as people who DIY their scars risks various infections/complications.





The British Skin Foundation also warned that this improvise technique could cause ugly scarring, flesh-eating bugs and death, the British Skin Foundation has warned





Increasing numbers of YouTube videos showing people how to remove a keloid scar - a raised blister-like scar which can form at the site of even minor cuts.





Dr Anton Alexandroff, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, said:

"This is a very unhelpful practice which is very painful and can result in infection."

"It can also result in further disfigurement in certain areas because it can cause necrosis in an uncontrollable and unpredictable way."

"More importantly, keloid scars frequently recur and often grow even bigger than the original scar."

Problem areas for keloidal scars include the upper chest, breastbone, shoulders, chin, neck, lower legs and earlobes - especially after ear piercing and those with darker complexions are at a higher risk, occurring in around 15 to 20 per cent of people with African, Asian or Latino ancestry.





Scar reduction specialist Peter Batty, spokesman for the scar-reducing gel Nourisil, said the tutorial clips are extremely concerning:

"These videos are deeply disturbing."

"I'd advise in the strongest terms possible that no one should attempt to follow the instructions."

"And what they illustrate is a real lack of understanding about both the prevention and the treatment of keloid scars."

"Around one in ten of us are susceptible to keloids forming, and it’s a condition which appears to run in families."

"If there’s a history of keloids in your immediate family, you should think twice before having your ears pierced or being tattooed."

"Likewise, keloid scarring can also be brought on by laser tattoo removal."

"And if you were to attempt a DIY removal of a keloid, you’d merely be running the risk of the keloid returning even larger than before."





There is no known cure for keloidal scars but specialized gels, silicone tapes, steroid injections and cryotherapy can be used to treat them.





Dr Alexandroff added:

"Keloid scars are rare but can be very disfiguring."

"Risk factors include family history and they're most common in those aged between ten and 30 years old."

"We see it more commonly in young females than young males, probably due to the prevalence of ear piercing."

"And Keloids can affect any part of the body but most commonly upper chest, back and shoulders."

"Even temporary tattoos are known to cause keloids if patients react to the tattoo."



