To reduce the appearance of scars, it's important to keep the skin moisturised. Using emollients can help soften and hydrate the skin. Examples of suitable emollients include: Aveeno bath oil.
Use silicone products
Silicone products, such as silicone sheets and gels, can keep your scar moisturized and help it heal. You can use them under your makeup and clothing.
Wet or moist treatment of wounds has been shown to promote re-epithelialization and result in reduced scar formation, as compared to treatment in a dry environment. The inflammatory reaction is reduced in the wet environment, thereby limiting injury progression.
Massage is a way of softening and flattening scars and reducing the adhesions between the different layers of the tissue, making the scar tissue more flexible.
Scar massage is a way of softening and flattening scars. It can stop scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Your scar or scars will continue to grow and change for about twelve to eighteen months, so the earlier and more regularly you massage your scar, the less the chance of long-term problems.
Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery. Surgery will not eliminate the scar but can change its shape or make it less noticeable.
Regularly massaging and moisturising the scar are important for reducing its appearance.
Once your wound is healed and a scar is formed, keeping it hydrated is also extremely important, especially if you are attempting to reduce the appearance of your scar. Keeping your wound hydrated will help your body produce a more flexible scar that is able to be reduced in the future.
The presence of debris, bacteria or other impurities in open skin can trigger infection and extend the inflammation period. Fisher says prolonged inflammation enhances scar formation. That's why it's essential to clean the wound carefully, with professional help if necessary.
Between 3 months and 2 years the scar should become paler, flatter and softer and can then be referred to as a 'mature' scar. To help your scar mature it is recommended that you massage and moisturise your scar.
Scar Process
It will take six to 18 months for the scar to have its final appearance. Your scar should gradually soften and fade over these six to 18 months, but will look pink initially (photo B). Some scars never fade. If your scar stays pink after 12 to 18 months please call to discuss options.
For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.
Lasers and other light treatments: This is becoming the go-to treatment for all types of scars because these treatments can: Prevent raised scars and keloids. Reduce the appearance of existing raised scars and keloids. Decrease scarring after surgery.
Medical research proves that creating moist wound healing conditions will not only accelerate the healing process, but also prevent scarring and scabs, meaning healthy unimpaired skin. That's why Elastoplast Fast Healing wound dressings are based on the principle of moist wound healing.
Don't Pick at the Wound
It can worsen acne and scarring, per the AAD. In addition to picking, refrain from scratching or manipulating wounds or newly formed scabs. “Picking at wounds during the healing process leads to increased inflammation and scarring,” Salyards says.
Keep the wound moist: Applying petroleum jelly or moist burn pads will keep the wound from becoming too dry and developing a scab. Scabs can make scarring worse. Protect it from the sun: Cover the scar or use sunscreen to protect it. Sun exposure can make a scar darker.
The burn scar needs to be looked after by massaging the scar with moisturiser cream (Sorbolene is best) as it helps to: • stop itchiness and dryness • keeps scars soft • stop contracture (kun-trak-cher) - when joints get stuck in a bent position.
Normal fine-line scars
It will gradually get paler and flatter over time. This process can take up to two years. The scar won't disappear completely and you'll be left with a visible mark or line. Fine-line scars are common following a wound or after surgery.
Numerous products are available that claim to decrease postoperative scar formation and improve wound healing. These products attempt to create an ideal environment for wound healing by targeting the three phases of wound healing: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.
How should I care for a scar following surgery/injury? Pat dry your scar after a bath or shower. Use a non-perfumed moisturising cream such as E45 cream or aqueous cream to moisturise the skin surrounding your scar twice a day. Avoid picking or scratching your scar.
By keeping the wound moist and protected from external irritants, Aquaphor provides an optimal environment for tissue regeneration and re-epithelialization. This enables the skin to heal properly with minimal scarring. Regular application helps minimize permanent marks or discoloration.