How to Prevent Scarring

Scars are marks that remain on the skin after the wound heals completely. When the skin is injured, the body produces a substance known as collagen to cover the wound. The collagen is the protein that forms the scar. People suffering from wounds are often concerned about the formation of these unwanted marks. Here are some useful tips to prevent formation of scars.


How to Prevent Scarring

Practicing proper wound care can go a long way in preventing scars. The wound should be treated immediately to prevent infection. In the case the wound is a cut, first clean the area, then apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin, and then cover it with a bandage. Some individuals may not be comfortable using a bandage. For them, petroleum jelly would be a good option as it keeps the area moist and stops collagen production. Do not forget to clean the wound with an anti-bacterial soap daily to decrease the risk of infection. When having a bath, do not aggressively rub the area around the wound. Excessive rubbing can aggravate the wound. This would not only delay the healing process but also increase the chances of scarring. Clean the wound area gently to prevent scarring.

The juice extracted from the Aloe Vera plant is also recommended to prevent scarring from wounds and burns. Apply it daily so as to heal the wound free from scars. The wound area can be further damaged if it is exposed to the Sun. So stay away from the harmful UV rays. One can also apply a Sun block lotion as it contains moisturizers that are helpful to prevent scarring. Direct exposure to the Sun can lead to the development of noticeable scars.

In some cases, use of silicone gel sheets can also help in preventing scars. These sheets are easy to apply, and especially useful for people suffering from deeper cuts. Hypertropic scars or keloids that occur at the injured site can also be prevented by applying these sheets regularly. Onion extract, due to its antibacterial properties may also help to prevent scars. In recent years, medical grade honey is applied to heal wounds effectively. This type of honey contains nutrients, vitamins and amino acids that can greatly decrease the risk of scar formation. This honey provides a unique environment to repair the wound that plays an important role in the reduction of scars. As this honey has no side effects, it is ideal for the wound dressing, and is more capable in preventing scarring.

Having a nutritious diet can also contribute in accelerating the healing process, which in turn can help to prevent a scar from occurring. Drink lots of water and fruit juices, but avoid highly sweetened food. Smoking should also be avoided until the wounded area has healed. This is because smoking does not allow sufficient oxygen delivery to the injured site. Natural home remedies such as application of vitamin E oil unfortunately cannot prevent formation of scars. Rubbing topical vitamin E oil on the affected part can actually trigger an allergic reaction. So it is advised not to use these home remedies to make matters worse. One can also take the advise of a physician to know how to efficiently manage the wound so as to prevent scarring.

Remember, the sooner a wound is treated medically, the lesser will be the chances of developing any scars. The steps aforementioned can definitely help in preventing a scar from forming.

source: buzzle.com