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Scar – an unsightly remnant of wounds and wounds, surgical procedures and operations, acne and other skin lesions. When it is visible to the environment, it can be a discomfort for the owner. You should take care of this place immediately after the skin heals, using preparations, e.g. scar ointment, to improve the treatment of the scar, make it less visible.
Scar formation
Scars are formed in the process of healing a deep cut in the skin caused by, for example, tissue damage by burns, surgery and wounds, or an inflammatory process that occurs, for example, in acne.
Scars are characterized by a color that stands out from the skin and is distinguished by a different structure. They are formed from fibrous connective tissue and their appearance is closely related to our genetic predisposition to scarring as well as from the place on the body where the damage occurred. In addition, the appearance of scars is also influenced by the size of the injury itself, the healing process as well as the use of given methods to reduce the risk of these characteristic skin lesions.
Check out other remedies for scars – Scar patches – indications, application, contraindications
Types of scars
The methods of treating scars vary depending on the type (appearance) of the scar. These are:
- hypertrophic scars that form as soon as the wound is healed;
- atrophic (atrophic) scars that result from acne and chicken pox;
- Keloids – hard, growing lumps;
- stretch marks as a result of skin cracking during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or therapy with steroid drugs;
- scar contracture – resulting from severe skin burns. These types of scars are usually deep and can tighten the skin, which can sometimes restrict movement.
Find out more: How to remove a scar? Methods, advantages and disadvantages
How to treat scars?
You should start caring for the scar as soon as the wound heals. When the scar is old, the skin’s regeneration processes are complete, so there is little that medication can do. Therefore, it may be a good idea to take advantage of specialized dermatological treatments or numerous aesthetic medicine treatments.
On fresh scars, you can use:
- gels – to be used mainly after burns and surgical operations; soften the tissue forming and create a protective coating,
- creams – protect and soften the skin,
- creams with retinoids (available on prescription), intensely exfoliate the epidermis, which stimulates the renewal and regeneration of the skin; the surface of the skin evens out,
- ointments that accelerate tissue renewal,
- capsules with vitamins A and E for rubbing into the skin,
- tea tree oil, cucumber juice, lemon juice, honey – home remedies to soften and lighten the scar.
- laser treatments – the laser is able to reach the deeper layers of our skin, which is why it is so effective. However, this method must be repeated (sometimes up to 5 times), and the skin after the treatment may be red and irritated. In addition, it must be admitted that not everyone can benefit from this type of treatment. Contraindication in this case is, for example, breastfeeding, pregnancy, taking retonoids or a strong and fresh tan. Laser treatments are usually used to remove acne scars;
- plastic surgery – this method is performed under local anesthesia. It consists in cutting out the scar and re-stitching the skin so that the wound is as little visible as possible.
To reduce the visibility of scars, you can use the 2in1 Balance T-zone FLOSLEK face cleansing clay, which accelerates the regeneration of the epidermis, exfoliating it gently and cleansing the skin.
When we are dealing with old scars that we would like to lighten and smooth out, we will most likely have to use a strong lightening ointment. Remember, however, that the final choice of the type of ointment or method should always be consulted with a specialist. A dermatologist will advise which scar preparation will best suit the needs of our skin and the type of scar.
Among the products recommended for scars, there is a gel with snail mucus from the Medonet Market offer. We also recommend NoScar® mother-of-pearl scar cream, which is currently available at a promotional price.
See also: Can a scar be tattooed?
Scar ointment – characteristics
For example, the ointment for scarring may be in the form of a cream or gel. The choice of scar ointment depends on the type of scar you have. Various preparations are available in pharmacies, in addition to creams and gels, silicone patches for scars are also recommended. Contratubex and Cepan gel have a very good reputation.
If you want to try out the scar patches, you can order the Sikatris Max silicone scar patch or the Sikatris 5 x 30 cm silicone scar patches.
Also read: Every scar is different. How to fight it effectively?
Scar ointment – Cepan
Which scar ointment is the best? User opinions relate to various preparations. The effectiveness of the drug depends on the type of scar, duration of therapy, composition of the preparation.
Cepan ointment has a good reputation. It is used to treat scars:
- after burns,
- after surgery,
- after ulcers, boils and acne,
- on the eyelids.
It is also effective in the treatment of contractures. Importantly, it can also improve the appearance of old, hard scars by whitening them and smoothing their surface.
The active substances in the composition of this ointment are:
- allantoin (stimulates cell division and cell growth, thanks to which it regenerates the skin, moisturizes, reduces redness, relieves burning, smoothes the skin),
- chamomile extract (makes the skin elastic, which prevents the formation of a permanent scar,),
- onion extract,
- heparin (supports proper circulation).
What are the contraindications to the use of scar ointments? The leaflet informs that these are only allergic reactions to any of the ingredients of the preparation.
Ointment for acne scars
There are many ointments on the market that are designed to eliminate acne scars. However, many people doubt their effectiveness. The effectiveness of the ointment always depends on the appearance and depth of the scar and its quantity. A quick response is also important – the sooner we start treatment, the better for our skin.
Sometimes the ointment itself is not enough and additional dermabrasion or other cosmetic facial treatment is necessary. The ointment will not help much in people who have been struggling with persistent acne and whose scars are deep and extensive. Then the only thing left is a visit to a dermatologist who, after careful examination of the scars, adjusts the appropriate treatment method.
The doctor replies: Will acne scar ointment be effective?
Ointment for postoperative scars
In general, doctors try to reduce the size of the scar by carefully suturing the wound. And although we have no influence on how the doctor sews us together, we can then influence the final appearance of the scar. It is important here to use appropriate preparations after removing the sutures.
Treatment of the postoperative scar should be consulted with a doctor, usually it is possible after about two weeks after the surgery. Treatment consists of regular lubrication of the diseased area. The ingredients contained in ointments for postoperative scars should be controlled by clinical trials. These ingredients include, but are not limited to, silicones.
The effects are visible after a few weeks of using the ointment, and the whole process takes up to six months. If the scars are very extensive – it is worth continuing the therapy longer.
The visibility of scars will be reduced, for example, by Fish Collagen in a skin care gel available at a favorable price on Medonet Market.
See also: Scar hypertrophy after surgery
Silicone ointment for scars
One of the silicone scar preparations available on our market is BLIZNASIL. It is a preparation with the consistency of a quick-drying and odorless gel. It is used in the treatment of various types of scars, both postoperative and acne scars and burn scars.
BLIZNASIL gel brings relief, reduces the feeling of tension and itching, and makes the scar less visible. In addition, it reduces the risk of hypertrophic scars and relieves the symptoms associated with them. It works on both new and old scars.
The preparation should be massaged into the skin twice a day, and then left to dry for a few minutes. If too much preparation has been applied, the excess can be removed with a tissue. Keep in mind that rebuilding old scars is a much slower process. Therefore, the best results can be observed after about two months of use.
The editorial board recommends: Laser scar removal – indications, course of the procedure, contraindications, effects
Children’s scar ointment
In children, e.g. after smallpox, you can use ointments and oils that accelerate the healing of scars and help rebuild damaged epidermis. Onion-based ointments have a good effect, as they not only have a bactericidal effect, but also lighten scars. Since the onion can cause allergic reactions, it should be tested on a small part of the skin before using it. You can also use silicone-based ointments that rebuild the epidermis and vitamin E. For home remedies for smallpox scars, it is recommended to:
- aloe – not only removes scars, but also moisturizes the skin;
- coconut oil – moisturizes and has collagen-forming properties;
- lavender oil – accelerates the healing of scars.
Home remedies for scars
In addition to scar ointments and creams, plant compresses can also be used to help heal wounds and remove scars. These plants include:
- onions – onion extract can dissolve fibrins, which are a component of the insoluble protein that creates clots, and consequently brightens and flattens the scar. It is also worth adding that onions also have an antibacterial effect;
- flax seeds – seeds, more specifically the oils contained in them, have an anti-inflammatory effect, as well as soften and facilitate wound healing and prevent the formation of visible scars;
- marigold – marigold extracts can accelerate the scarring process of all kinds of wounds and scars;
- rose seed oil – has properties that make the skin more elastic and reduce the appearance of scars after burns.