Scars can be prevented by being extra careful to avoid the minor injuries associated with scars. Anticipating dangerous that can lead to a scar, especially around toddlers and children can prevent a lot of scars. Sometimes, however, it is impossible to prevent a minor accident. You can still reduce and heal the scar using aloe vera, honey, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon, and a host of other natural scar treatment remedies.
A lot of incidents and accidents in our daily struggles usually leaves a mark or two on our bodies. These accidents can vary from the really serious ones like a car accident to the minor slip of the hand when using a razor. The result is usually an injury that ends up leaving a hideous scar behind. Nearly everyone has one or even more scars to remind them of such scenarios. Scars can trigger significant discomfort especially when near joints and can likewise minimize self-confidence, particularly when located on visible parts of the body like the face.
How scars are formed?
Scarring is a natural procedure that takes place when the skin repairs itself, for example from a cut or graze. They occur when the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis is cut, and the injury reaches the dermis. The specialized tissues cannot be replaced the same way it was. Rather, the wound is "fixed" with connective tissue: In order to recover this wound or injury, the body produces more collagen to repair the damaged skin tissue. Collagen serves to 'bind' the damaged skin together, thereby closing the healing wound.
Even after the wound has recovered, the body continues to direct collagen to the location resulting in modifications to the shapes and size over time. The resulting scar does not have good blood circulation, and is sometimes irregular and is less flexible. Scars can sometimes be raised locations (hypertrophic scars) or have a sunken look, depending upon the damage done to underlying layers of skin and tissue. Likewise, variations in color are possible.
How to Minimize a Scar? Proper Wound Care
How do you heal a scar?
The body works very hard to repair any injury on the skin, whether from an accident or from surgery. A scar usually forms as the skin heals, this is a natural part of the healing process. The appearance of a scar frequently depends upon how well the wound heals. While scars from surgical treatment or over joints like the knees and elbows are hard to avoid, scars brought on by small cuts and scrapes can end up being less visible by appropriately dealing with the wound.
Skin doctors' tips for minimizing the look of scars
Always keep your injury or cuts clean
Carefully wash the location with mild soap and water to keep out germs and remove particles.
Use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist- it helps the skin heal
Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying and forming a scab; injuries with scabs take longer to heal. This will also assist prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or scratchy. If the wound is cleaned on a daily basis, you will not need to use anti-bacterial ointments.
After cleaning up the wound and using petroleum jelly or a comparable ointment, cover the skin with an adhesive bandage. For large scrapes, sores, burns or consistent soreness, it may be useful to use hydrogel or silicone gel sheets.
To keep the wound area always clean, change the bandage regularly
Use a non-adhesive gauze pad with paper tape if your skin is sensitive to adhesives. If using hydrogel sheets or silicone gel, follow the directions on the plan for changing the sheets.
Injuries and wounds with stitches need consultation from the doctor
If your injury needs stitches, follow your doctor's advice on how to care for the wound and when to get the stitches removed. This might assist decrease the look of a scar.
Apply sunblock to the wound after it has recovered
Sunscreen might help in reducing red or brown discoloration and help the scar fade quicker. Always use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply regularly.
If you have small cuts or scrapes, you can help in reducing the appearance of a scar by effectively dealing with the injury on your own. Nevertheless, if your injury is deep, really unpleasant or if your skin ends up being infected, look for immediate medical care.
How to best deal with a wound and prevent scarring?
Leaving injuries uncovered or using standard plasters and bandages generally leads to the development of a scab which can result in unsightly scars. Nowadays there is a lot you can do to ensure quick recovery if you have suffered from problems to your skin-- all thanks to brand-new technologies and medical insights.
Moist wound healing
Do wounds heal faster covered or uncovered?
Moist wound healing is the best way to treat a wound. The wound is kept covered with plaster. This offers moist conditions all the time. Why is this much better than letting your skin recover in dry air?
Why use the moist wound healing technique?
- It will accelerate the repair work of your skin.
- It will keep your wound supple.
- It will lower the risk of scarring and ensure gorgeous healing.
- It will prevent scabs from forming.
- It is skin friendly.
Preventing Minor Wounds
How to prevent scarring and heal better?
It's not easy to prevent minor wounds and scrapes. You can easily use a lot of force on a blunt tool and before you know it you have injuries yourself. When using sharp tools, ensure you have some sort of protective gear on. In the kitchen, slice away from yourself. Remember, there is a greater risk of injury when using a blunt knife than using a sharp one. Pass sharp tools with the sharp ends pointing towards you and away from the other person. It is not possible to prevent all cuts and grazes, so ensure to have a well-stocked emergency treatment kit at home.
If the wound is deep and showing signs of infection like swelling and reddening, you should visit the doctor. Moreover, the doctors active is also important if you are unable to clean the would properly by yourself. If you have diabetes, the importance of proper wound care is becoming more relevant. Any concerns should be directed to your doctor or podiatrist, even for the care of minor injuries and skin fractures-- particularly on your feet. Always take the recommendations from your doctor even if it goes against what you read online.
How can I prevent scarring naturally?
Natural home remedy for effective acne scar removal
Aloe vera for scar removal
Scars recover when there are moisturizing and soothing characteristics present in your treatment. Aloe vera contains these properties along with others. The antioxidants in aloe vera minimize swelling and redness, while its natural astringent eliminates dead cells and excess oil. Aloe vera is also great for sunburns and can even be consumed if diluted appropriately.
Aloe vera does not have a specific dosage. Even if you grow the plant domestically, you can easily use the leaves fresh from the plant. Simply scrape it off the leaf and lather the scar and cover it with some plastic wrap. It may feel odd and sticky but very advantageous to the skin.
Honey for scar removal
This solution is everywhere when it comes to dealing with skin problems. It is a natural moisturizing agent that stimulates tissue regeneration. This makes it a popular active ingredient to mix into your skin care regimen. Raw honey is fantastic and the darker it is, the more medical advantages it has. Blending honey with cinnamon is a great renewal treatment that can help keep skin smooth and clear.
Coconut oil for scar removal
Any oil can work as long as it is rich in omega fats to permeate and hydrate the skin so as to restore your skin's radiance. Coconut oil is particularly excellent for this and is even recommended by devoted users to make them a part of your everyday regimen. Dab some coconut oil under your eyes, on your lips, and bare brows in the early morning to keep your face looking naturally fresh. It should be noted that excessive use of coconut oil might just cause a breakout.
Apple cider vinegar for scar removal
Apple cider vinegar has actually been touted as a well-rounded natural component for everything from cleaning up to skin care. When it concerns treating scars, blend it with honey and leave it on for 10 minutes after using it to the location. Do this as much as three times a day for the best outcomes.
Essential oils for scar removal
There are many types of essential oils including; tea tree, carrot seed, lavender just but a few. The scar that you have will most likely determine which essential oil to go for. Mixing oils is also a terrific choice. You can mix apricot oil with lavender, neroli and rose. Keep in mind to just use essential oils topically and with a carrier oil.
Baking soda for scar removal
How exactly can baking soda help with getting rid of scars? It acts as a natural exfoliator and stabilize your pH. This, therefore, eliminates dead skin cells and leaves you revitalized with zero damage to the skin surrounding the skin. Mix water and baking in the ratio of 2:1 to make a paste. Scrub it on the affected area, washing thoroughly and gently after a minute.
Onion extract for scar removal
If you do not mind a little sting, then onion extract is another excellent choice to consider. With bioflavonoids, like kaempferol and cephalin, onion extract has been known to substantially reduce the look of scars after only a few weeks, with daily usage, of course. Onion extract is likewise outstanding for battling acne. It has properties that minimize swelling, redness, and soreness.
Lemon for scar removal
If you wish to lighten your scar, lemon is a great choice. It has alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), suggesting it has the healing characteristics your skin needs. Referred to as a natural bleach, this lightener aids in new cell growth and provides your skin its flexibility back. Use half a lemon to rub over the scar; let the lemon soak the scar for about 15 minutes. Dab with cool water to wash. Lemon makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, you need to use a moisturizer with SPF every day prior to going out in the sun.
Shea butter for scar removal
We are aware that shea butter helps females prevent or eliminate stretch marks, so why wouldn't it deal with scars? Apply it every day as your skin will brighten due to its moisturizing effect. Raw shea butter is preferred if available. It is better than the refined ones. Refined typically implies a lot of valuable nutrients have been broken down or ruined.
What is the best scar removal treatment?
Medical procedures to remove scars
If natural remedies have failed to remove your scars, you might want to visit a specialist and discuss other treatment options.
Surgical treatment for scars
There are a couple of ways deep scars can be surgically removed. The commonly practiced procedures include laser surgery, dermabrasion, excision, and skin grafts where skin from another body area is used on your scar. This is very common for burn victims. It should be noted that scars do disappear, fade, or become less noticeable with time. For example, if you have undergone a surgical treatment that has left you scarred, give it a year before you decide to go to remove the scar.
Injections for scar removal
This treatment is typically used for scars that are raised or the ones that are pitted. Steroid injections can be used for raised scars. They can work on their own or sometimes be used along with other remedies. For pitted scars, collagen injections or fillers may be used. This, however, is a rather temporary remedy.
Prescription creams, gels, and ointments for scars
These creams are specialized in treating the most common types of scars. These are scars caused by injuries, minor cuts, and other types of wounds. If your scar is from a cosmetic procedure such as plastic surgery, then consult your surgeon to discuss the effectiveness of over-the-counter creams and whether or not they will work for you. They may advise prescription treatment that includes the use of steroids and oral antihistamines, especially if your scars are very sensitive and itchy. The same consultation is necessary if your scars are caused by severe acne. Your dermatologist will advise you further. Silicone gel sheeting is another alternative that can be prescribed to help and potentially prevent scars.
Conclusion on how to prevent scarring
The proper way of preventing scarring is to avoid carelessness that would lead to injury and hence scarring. Unfortunately, if you do get injured, there are various ways you can reduce the appearance of scars and treat it.
