Scars can be annoying, unsightly, and sometimes embarrassing. In other cases, they can cause more serious problems, such as restricting movement. Fortunately, if they are only unsightly, there are several natural and medicinal remedies to use. If the situation is not very serious, try a herbal solution, such as rosehip oil or onion extract. If home methods are not effective, opt for a pharmaceutical treatment or consult your doctor to get a prescription for a stronger action product. You can also prevent scars from appearing or soften their appearance by treating wounds properly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Try Natural Remedies
Step 1. Use rosehip oil every day
Some evidence indicates that daily application of rosehip oil to scars for at least 6 weeks can greatly improve their appearance. Just dilute it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or avocado, and apply it to the scar twice a day for a few weeks or until you notice a major improvement.
- You can buy rosehip oil at a herbalist's shop, drugstore, or on the Internet.
- Do not apply rosehip oil or any other essential oil directly to the skin, otherwise it may irritate it. Blend it first with a carrier oil or moisturizer.
- Put 15 drops of rosehip oil in 30ml of the carrier oil of your choice (such as olive or coconut oil) unless your treating physician or naturopath you contacted recommends different doses.
Step 2. Use onion extract
According to some studies, applying onion extract to scars daily for at least 4 weeks can soften scar tissue and improve its appearance. Opt for a pharmaceutical treatment containing onion extract and carefully follow the instructions on the package to treat the injury.
You can buy pure onion extract in liquid form or in the form of a gel or ointment. If you can't find it in a pharmacy or herbalist's shop, do an online search
Step 3. Apply vitamin E in the form of an ointment very carefully
There is conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of this vitamin in relation to the improvement of scars. Some research indicates it is helpful, while other studies suggest it may cause irritation and do more harm than good. Consult your doctor to learn how to use vitamin E topical products correctly, and carefully follow the instructions in the package.
- Start by applying a very thin layer of ointment to the scar and, in the absence of adverse reactions, gradually increase the amount. Use only as directed in the instructions for use or by your doctor.
- Stop applying if you experience any side effects, including irritation, itching, burning, blistering, redness, or rash.
Safety measure:
if you decide to try vitamin E oil or ointment, do a test first. Place a small amount in an inconspicuous area, such as the back of the knee or behind the ear, and wait 24-48 hours to see if you experience any reactions.
Method 2 of 3: Using Pharmaceutical Treatments and Medical Treatments
Step 1. Try a silicone gel for scars
Gel and silicone sheets are among the most effective treatments against scars to be done at home. Although silicone is best suited for newly formed scars, it is also able to soften and tone down the appearance of older ones. For best results, cover the wound with gel or silicone sheet for 8 to 24 hours a day, over the course of several months.
You can buy these products at the pharmacy or order them on the Internet
Step 2. Use a specially formulated cream to improve the appearance of scars if they are small or light
On the market you can find a wide range of creams and ointments that can alleviate these lesions. Pay attention to the principle contained therein and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions and concerns. Opt for an ointment based on:
- Retinol: It is especially effective in the treatment of acne scars.
- Glycolic Acid: It has been shown to be effective in alleviating scars caused by acne, especially when combined with retinoic acid.
- Protective or moisturizing ingredients, such as oxybenzone (a UV filter found in sunscreens), petroleum jelly or paraffin.
Step 3. Find the chemical peel for mild scars
Chemical peels can be useful for these types of lesions if they are not too thick or deep, such as acne or chickenpox scars. Talk to your dermatologist to find out if they can do it in their office. You can also buy a special kit to use at home.
- Generally, products intended for home chemical peeling are not as effective as a professionally performed treatment, but they can help reduce less obvious scars.
- If they are based on glycolic acid or salicylic and mandelic acid, they have a higher level of effectiveness.
Step 4. Learn about fillers for deep scars
If you have a deep or retracting scar, soft tissue filler helps improve its appearance. During this treatment, the dermatologist infiltrates a soft substance, such as fat or hyaluronic acid, into the tissue underneath the scar in order to fill it. Consult your dermatologist if you think this technique is suitable for your needs.
The filler is a temporary solution because the injected substance tends to break down over time. Therefore, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment every 6 months
Step 5. Consider dermabrasion for acne or chickenpox scars
Like chemical peels, dermabrasion is generally used to give the skin a smoother appearance. This treatment involves the use of steel micro-brushes or diamond micro-burs which mechanically remove the superficial layers of scar tissue. Generally, the procedure is quick and is performed under local anesthesia, but afterwards it is possible to feel burning, tension and / or tingling, in any case tolerable.
- Before surgery, your cosmetic surgeon may instruct you to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, and skin care products.
- Also, you should avoid smoking for as long as possible, both before and after the surgery.
- During the healing phase, protect your skin by applying sunscreen, regularly cleaning the area treated with dermabrasion, and using the ointments prescribed by your doctor to help it heal.
Step 6. Learn about laser treatment for severe scars
Although it cannot completely eliminate them, it could drastically reduce their appearance and improve other complications associated with scar tissue, such as pain, itching and tightening of the skin. If you have a hypertrophic scar, consult your dermatologist to get a better idea of the effects of laser therapy.
- The effectiveness of this treatment depends on many factors, including existing medical conditions and current medications. Tell your dermatologist detailed information about your health condition before undergoing laser therapy.
- Carefully follow the dermatologist's instructions regarding home care in order to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment. For example, after laser therapy you will need to protect the affected area from the sun until completely healed.
Warning:
some drugs, supplements or stimulants can slow down the healing process and inhibit the effectiveness of laser treatment. These include tobacco, vitamin E, aspirin, and topical medications based on glycolic acid or retinoids.
Step 7. Learn about scar revision surgery
If you have a scar that bothers you and no treatment has produced the desired effects, consult your cosmetic surgeon to find out which operations you may be undergoing. You can thin, shorten, camouflage or even hide scars in certain places, such as between wrinkles and towards the hairline.
- If you choose to have a scar revision surgery, you need to have realistic expectations. This procedure is not guaranteed to completely eliminate this type of injury, and if so, you may even go through several surgeries for better results.
- Not all scars can be corrected surgically. Ask your doctor, dermatologist, or cosmetic surgeon if this option is right for your needs.
- Scar revision surgery is best suited for scars that are at least 12-18 months old.
Step 8. Consider skin grafting for deep scars
During this procedure, the surgeon takes a portion of healthy skin that will replace the scar tissue. The latter is removed and the healthy one is grafted in its place. Ask your doctor if this surgery is suitable for your scar.
- Typically, the grafted skin is taken behind the earlobe.
- A few weeks later, a resurfacing treatment may be necessary to correct any discoloration and discrepancies between the grafted skin and the surrounding skin.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for skin care both before and after surgery for best results.
Step 9. Try cryosurgery for hypertrophic scars
During the cryosurgery procedure, the doctor injects liquid nitrogen into the scar to freeze the tissue, causing it to die and eventually fall out. You will need to carefully dress the surgical wound to make sure it heals properly.
- The scar tissue may take several weeks to fall off and begin the healing process which will end in an equally long time.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about home care. He will show you how to dress and keep the wound clean.
- He will also likely prescribe a pain reliever during and after treatment.
- Cryosurgery can alter the color or pigmentation of the skin.
Step 10. Undergo cortisone injections to soften the toughest scars
Steroid injections help shrink and thin scar tissue. They are especially indicated in the case of hypertrophic and keloid scars, which are the result of an overproduction of collagen during wound healing. In most cases, it is necessary to have cortisone infiltrations every 4-6 weeks until they take effect. Ask your dermatologist if this treatment is right for your needs.
- Cortisone infiltrations are often effective when combined with other treatments, such as cryosurgery.
- The dermatologist can use a local anesthetic to reduce pain.
- Cortisone infiltrations can cause skin atrophy, ulcers, but also hypo- or hyper-pigmentation.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent the Appearance of Scars and Reduce Their Appearance
Step 1. Clean them regularly if they are recent
If you have injured yourself, keep the area clean to prevent infection, irritation, and any scarring. Wash it daily with mild soap and warm water to remove germs, dirt, and debris.
- Avoid cleansers that contain harsh fragrances and dyes.
- If your doctor has prescribed drug therapy for you, follow their instructions regarding cleaning and dressing.
Advise:
you don't have to use an antibacterial soap. According to some studies, it is no more effective than regular soap at preventing infections and can do more harm than good.
Step 2. Keep wounds hydrated with petroleum jelly as they heal
If the scab forms, a scar is more likely to develop later. To prevent this risk, apply petroleum jelly to the clean wound so that it stays hydrated. Cover it with a bandage so it stays clean and protected.
Change the bandage, clean the wound, and reapply petroleum jelly every day or whenever the bandage gets wet or dirty
Step 3. Treat burns with aloe vera gel
Medical researchers have found that aloe promotes burn healing more effectively than petroleum jelly. To reduce the appearance of scars, apply 100% aloe gel to the wound daily until it heals.
- For third-degree or second-degree burns larger than 7.5 cm, seek immediate medical attention. Don't treat the most severe burns yourself.
- You can also ask your doctor to prescribe a silver sulphadiazine cream to prevent second or third degree burn infections.
Step 4. Protect the scar from direct sunlight as it heals
Even once healed, it is important to continue protecting the affected area to reduce the appearance of scars. If scar tissue has developed as a result of the wound healing, put on sunscreen or cover it with protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts) until it fades or disappears.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- If it's a surgical scar, your surgeon will likely recommend that you protect it from the sun for at least a year.
Step 5. Remove the stitches on the recommendation of the doctor
If the wound requires stitching, you can decrease the risk of a scar developing by having the stitches removed within the time period indicated by your doctor. If removal is late or early, the tissue repair may be of poor quality and generate abnormal fibrous tissue.
- Don't remove the stitches by yourself. Go to the doctor's office.
- Remove the stitches on the face after 3-5 days, on the scalp and chest after 7-10 days and on the limbs after 10-14 days.
Warnings
- There is not much evidence to support the effectiveness of popular home remedies for scars, such as the application of honey or olive oil. Other natural treatments, including lemon juice, can irritate the skin and make the situation worse. Consult your doctor or dermatologist before trying them.
- Do not apply topical medications or natural oils and extracts to open wounds and scar tissues that have not yet healed perfectly without first consulting your doctor.
