Scars are the great human condition, resulting from trauma, injuries, burns, or surgeries that we encounter through life. Any cut on the skin deeper than the epidermis results in a permanent mark, or a so-called scar. Well-healed scars are typically a similar color and depth as the surrounding skin. Sometimes scars can appear wider, thicker, darker, lighter, or redder than the rest of the skin. How scars look long-term depends largely on the cause of the scar, subsequent wound care, and genetics.
There are many potential treatment options available to minimize a scar’s impact and visibility. The human body and especially the skin has an amazing ability to heal. After injury or surgery, skin typically takes an average of two weeks to regain 5% and one month to reach 50% of its original strength. Once an incision or wound has healed, it can take up to one year for the body to remodel scar tissue.
Wound healing begins with balanced nutrition with a high protein diet and making sure well medical conditions like diabetes and poor circulation are well managed. Nicotine use can have a significant negative impact on wound healing and should be avoided.
When treating a new wound, there are numerous products that could be used such as petroleum-based ointments, tapes, glue, gauze, and silver-impregnated dressings. The old rule of thumb rings true: if it’s dry keep it wet, if it’s wet keep it dry. Maintaining adequate moisture at the wound helps the skin heal optimally. The best option is typically based off the wound characteristics determined by your healthcare provider.
Once the wound has finished the initial healing phase and a new scar starts to form, there are many scar products available. Currently, the most substantial data supports the use of silicone-based scar products, which are produced as sheets, gels, and creams. Other common scar products include Vitamin E and onion extract.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes scars do not heal in as well as we wish and may require further treatment. Whether it is darker or lighter pigmentation or thick scars, tools such as microneedling, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, laser resurfacing, or dermabrasion may be beneficial to help improve the appearance of scars. For some traumatic scars, formal scar revision may be needed to surgically remove the old scar tissue and re-stitch it closed to achieve a better cosmetic appearance.
It is always important to remember to protect your scars from the sun during the healing process. Scars may be susceptible to darkening if exposed to too much UV light.
Since every scar is unique, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider the best options for managing your treatment.
Commenti