Wellness Lab Health Info: 5 Ways To Keep Scars From Sticking Around

Thursday 4 June 2015

5 Ways To Keep Scars From Sticking Around

Do you know how to keep cuts from becoming keepers? Test yourself by answering true or false to the following:

1. Wounds should be Kept Uncovered so The Air can Help Them Heal.

False: Allowing a fresh cut to "breathe" delays healing by as much as 50%. Keep wounds moist and covered to encourage faster healing — moisture prevents the formation of a hard scab, which acts as a barrier to tissue development. Plain petroleum jelly works well to keep the wound moist.

2. Scars Blend into Surrounding Skin Better after Sun Exposure.

False: Scar tissue is more sun sensitive and prone to burning. UV rays also slow healing by interfering with new collagen production. Always keep healed wounds protected with a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.

3. Cuts Shouldn't be Disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide.

True: Though it does kill bacteria, hydrogen peroxide also destroys white blood cells that help repair wounds, slowing healing. Rinse the cut with clear water—soap and rubbing alcohol can be irritating. If you can't remove remaining dirt or debris using tweezers sterilized with alcohol, see your doctor. Thorough wound cleaning reduces risk of infection and scarring.

4. Applying Vitamin E Doesn't Help Reduce Scarring.

True: In one study, vitamin E slowed healing and caused allergic reactions. A natural remedy that works: onion-derived Mederma gel. In one study, wounds treated after skin grew over the site were far less noticeable after 6 weeks.

5. Once a scar has formed, it's there for good.

False: Even old scars (including stretch marks) can be improved with lasers (which remove redness and flatten scars) and surgery (say, to reposition a conspicuous scar). But you get better results if you treat them early—within 6 to 8 weeks after the injury.