Treating Scars / Body Care / Skincare Tips

How to prevent and minimise scars?

scars

How scars are formed?

 
A scar is a mark left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed.
 
Scarring is part of the body's natural healing process after the tissue is damaged.
When the skin is wounded, the tissues break, which causes a protein called collagen to be released. Collagen builds up where the tissue is damaged, helping to heal and strengthen the wound.
New collagen continues forming for several months and the blood supply increases, causing the scar to become raised and lumpy.

How to minimise scars?

 
Get stitches if needed. 
 
Cuts that deep often heal better when they are stitched by a medical professional. 
Keep in mind that stitches must be sewn as soon as possible, while the injury is fresh.
 
Reduce the risk of infection
 
keep the affected area clean throughout the healing process. 
Washing the area gently with mild soap and water daily.
 
keeping the scar moist
 
Keeping the wound moist will help to prevent the area from drying out. This is important because it helps to reduce the depth and size of any scarring, as well as to decrease the likelihood of scab formation, which can lengthen the healing process.
 
Treat with Silicone gel or sheet
 
Silicone gels or sheets can be used on healing skin (not open wounds) to help soften and flatten a scar. They can also relieve itching and discomfort.
To be effective, silicone gels or sheets should be placed over the scar for 12 hours a day for at least 3 months. They can be washed and reused.
 
Avoiding direct sun exposure
 
Apply sunscreen to the wound after it has healed. Sun protection may help reduce red or brown discolouration and help the scar fade faster. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply frequently.
 
Be patient
 
Healing takes time!
 
A photo of Andrea Patel
Andrea Patel Dermatology Nurse Practitioner & Director Author
View all posts by Andrea Patel