During the holiday season, we are more exposed to minor mechanical injuries, which may result in breakage of the epidermis, which in turn often causes scarring. There are still many myths around the topic of their care and removal. We decided to overthrow them once and for all.
How are scars formed?
Scars are skin lesions resulting from damage to the dermis. It is a kind of replacement tissue that replenishes the epidermal defect, which contributes to faster wound healing. Scars may be more or less visible depending on the size and depth of the lesions. What’s more, their appearance also depends on e.g. age, location, genetics and the course of the wound healing process.
Multiple surface damage, incl. Scratches, abrasions, and areas of infection can heal without scarring. In this case, the regeneration of skin cells consists in the production of tissues with the same structure and appearance as the skin of undamaged places.
Unaesthetic-looking scars are not only a cosmetic defect. Depending on their size and location, they can negatively affect the psyche of their owners, contributing to a decrease in self-confidence, reluctance to develop interpersonal contacts, and even the development of depressive states. Moreover, if they are located in the vicinity of an organ, the probability of impairment of its function increases. An example would be eyelid regurgitation.
The biggest myths about scars
Myth # 1 – Scar remedies don’t work
Fact: Proper care of scars increases the chance of their lightening and smoothing faster. In pharmacies, effective preparations are available, e.g. Contractubex, enriched with active substances (e.g. heparin, allantoin, liquid onion extract), which are regularly used at the site of scar formation, not only reducing its visibility, loosening the scar tissue, but also have a preventive effect on the formation of pathological scars, including keloids.
Myth # 2 – You can sunbathe scars
Fact: There is no justification for tanning scars. Moreover, any contact of a fresh (up to 6 weeks) lesion with solar radiation can be dangerous. The sun not only does not accelerate wound healing, but even worsens the condition of regenerating tissues. As a result of excessive exposure to UV radiation, inflammatory processes are intensified, as well as the amount of metalloproteinases, enzymes that have the ability to destroy collagen fibers. This, in turn, accelerates scarring. In addition, the structure of the scar does not contain the skin pigment, melatonin, and therefore it is not possible to tan them.
Myth # 3 – It is not worth using preparations for old scars
Fact: Gel or ointment preparations available in pharmacies can be successfully used on scars up to 10 years old. However, it should be borne in mind that in order to notice the first results of their use, regularity, patience and time are required (on average about 6 months). Active substances will lighten, smooth and reduce the visibility of the scar. These effects, however, depend on many factors, both the individual predisposition of the skin to the regeneration process, as well as the age and condition of the epidermis.
Myth # 4 – A scar can only be removed with a laser
Fact: It cannot be denied that the laser is an effective tool to eliminate large, visible scars and to even out the skin tone. However, this is not the only method of their elimination. The choice of technique depends on the type, location, size and depth of the scar and it is worth consulting with a dermatologist. You can choose from, among others dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, deep chemical peeling, cryotherapy, mesotherapy, silicone dressings and pharmacy gels.
Myth # 5 – The scar does not require special care
Fact: It is quite the opposite. Proper care of scars accelerates their lightening and smoothing. Immediately after damaging the dermis, remember to frequently clean the wound and change dressings systematically. This will prevent infection and thus reduce the risk of keloid formation. In addition, it is necessary to lubricate the scar with specialized preparations that accelerate the regeneration process. It is worth looking for products enriched with, among others:
- heparin – stimulates the cell rebuilding process, reduces swelling and softens the scar,
- allantoin – keratolytic (it allows you to remove callous epidermis), soothes itching,
- onion extract – has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
When lubricating the scar, it is recommended to massage it gently, which will improve the blood supply to the tissues. In spring and summer it is necessary to protect it with a cream with a high sunscreen. It is also worth taking care of proper ventilation of the scar (clothing made of natural materials, airy), because it should not be exposed to overheating and frequent friction.
Myth # 6 – Keloid is a natural stage in scar healing
Fact: Scar and keloid are two separate concepts. The scar is associated with tissue overgrowth only within the area of damage. It does not tend to spread to further areas of the skin. Keloid, or keloid, is the result of an abnormal scar healing process. Then, there is an excessive, pathological growth of the proper fibrous tissue beyond the area of the injury site. Keloids can come in a variety of shapes and colors (e.g. bluish, red, dull white) and often protrude above the epidermis. They are also much more difficult to treat with invasive and non-invasive techniques.