Massaging a scar involves rubbing and moving the skin and underlying tissue in a firm manner. When massaging, it is recommended that you use a non-perfumed moistur- ising cream such as, sorblene or vitamin E cream. This will help moisturise the scar.
Silicone gels or sheets can be used on healing skin (not open wounds) to help soften and flatten a scar. They can also relieve itching and discomfort. To be effective, silicone gels or sheets should be placed over the scar for 12 hours a day for at least 3 months.
Castor oil can be applied directly onto skin surface scars, then covered with a warm wrap or compress – and even left overnight. Alternately, a series of treatments with a castor oil pack can be beneficial for gently encouraging the dissolution of internal scarring and adhesions.
Scarring is a natural part of tissue repair, and it can take up to two years for a scar to look like normal skin again. Regularly massaging and moisturising the scar are important for reducing its appearance.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
Wet or moist treatment of wounds has been shown to promote re-epithelialization and result in reduced scar formation, as compared to treatment in a dry environment. The inflammatory reaction is reduced in the wet environment, thereby limiting injury progression.
Complete scar removal is not possible, but most scars will gradually fade over time. A number of treatments are available that may improve a scar's appearance and help make it less visible. If scarring is unsightly, uncomfortable or restrictive, treatment options may include: topical silicone gel or silicone gel sheets.
Physical therapists commonly use scar tissue massage to help remodel scar tissue that has developed in injured tissue. You might have this type of physical therapy after you experience an injury that results in a buildup of scar tissue, including: Surgery. Fracture.
Use Vaseline® Jelly for Scars
By sealing in moisture it also helps to reduce dryness of scarred skin, once your skin has healed. This may help to improve the appearance of scars, making the skin look smoother and softer, as well as help to reduce itchiness caused by dryness.
Regularly applying moisturizer to an external scar and massaging it in the direction of the tissue can keep the scar softer and more flexible and it may decrease tissue sensitivity. There are also silicone gel patches that adhere to the skin and can help promote tissue healing.
One tip for taking care of scars is to use a topical ointment. Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery.
KEEPING YOUR SCAR HYDRATED
Once your wound is healed and a scar is formed, keeping it hydrated is also extremely important, especially if you are attempting to reduce the appearance of your scar. Keeping your wound hydrated will help your body produce a more flexible scar that is able to be reduced in the future.
Once there is no more scab and the wound is visibly closed (which means that the skin has healed) you can start caring for your scar with topical creams or oils. You'll need to care for your scar differently at each scar healing stage for the best results and to maintain your skin's health.
You should continue daily scar massage for at least the first 6 months and then if the scar is no longer painful and is mobile, you can reduce to 3-4 days a week until the scar is fully mature. This is when the color becomes pale pink and the skin is flat.
You can use any type of over-the-counter cream such as Vaseline, cocoa butter or hand lotion for this. The tissue should be massaged in the direction of the scar for ten minutes twice a day. This is useful for 3-6 months or for as long as it seems to be helping.
In scar tissue, collagen proteins grow in a single direction rather than in a multidirectional pattern, as they do in healthy skin. This structure makes scar tissue less elastic , which may cause it to feel tight or to restrict a person's range of movement. Scar tissue may also form inside the body.
Use a non-perfumed moisturising cream such as E45 cream or aqueous cream to moisturise the skin surrounding your scar twice a day. Avoid picking or scratching your scar. Keep clothes loose around your scar to avoid tension or friction which may irritate it.
Heat helps reduce scar tissue formation and relieves the aching caused by the chronic stage of inflammation. Apply heat as described in the Subacute stage of inflammation as needed and receive at least 1 massage a month to reduce scar tissue formation.
DO NOT EVER PICK OFF A SCAB. This will cause a scar by further traumatizing the fragile wound. 1. Continue applying Vaseline or Aquaphor for 2-3 weeks after suture removal.
Massaging your scar(s) twice a day can help to stimulate the repair process and help you connect with the scar emotionally. Wait until your wound has fully healed and allow 4 weeks after any stitches have been removed before you start to apply Bio-Oil.