Scars

• Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that form after the skin has been injured or damaged. They are a natural part of the body’s healing process and can result from cuts, burns, surgery, acne, infections, or skin conditions like chickenpox. While scars are usually harmless, they can be cosmetically concerning or even itchy, painful, or tight in some cases.

Scars form when the dermis (deep layer of skin) is damaged and the body produces collagen to repair it.

How a scar looks depends on:

• Type and depth of the wound

• Genetics and skin type

• Healing time

• Sun exposure during healing

• Atrophic Scars:

  • Sunken or pitted scars (e.g., acne or chickenpox scars)

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• Hypertrophic Scars:

  • Raised, thick, and often red scars that stay within the wound’s boundary

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• Keloid Scars:

  • Thick, raised scars that grow beyond the original wound, more common in people with darker skin tones

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• Contracture Scars:

  • Caused by burns, can tighten skin and affect movement

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• Stretch Marks (Striae):

  • Form when skin stretches too fast (pregnancy, growth spurts, weight gain)

• Discoloration (red, pink, brown, or pale)

• Raised or sunken texture

• Itching or discomfort

• Restricted movement (in contracture scars)

• Emotional distress, especially with facial or visible scars

• Scar treatments aim to reduce appearance, flatten texture, relieve symptoms, and support healing.

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1. Silicone Gel or Silicone Sheets

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• Gold standard for flattening and fading scars

  • Used for raised scars (keloids, hypertrophic scars)

  • Wear daily for several weeks or months

  • Helps reduce redness, size, and itching

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• Examples:

  • ScarAway, Mederma Silicone Scar Sheets, Cica-Care

2. Topical Scar Creams and Gels

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• Mederma (Allium cepa / onion extract):

  • Helps soften and improve texture of scars

  • Used on both old and new scars

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• Vitamin E Creams or Oils:

  • Popular but scientific evidence is limited

  • May cause irritation in some people

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• Hydrocortisone Cream:

  • Reduces itching and inflammation in raised or thick scars

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• Retinoids (e.g., Tretinoin):

  • Promote skin cell turnover

  • Helpful for acne scars and stretch marks

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• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and glycolic acid:

  • Mild exfoliants that improve skin texture and pigmentation

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3. Oral or Injected Medications (For Severe Scars)

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• Steroid Injections (Corticosteroids):

  • Reduce inflammation in keloids and hypertrophic scars

  • Help flatten and soften raised tissue

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• Oral antihistamines:

  • Relieve itching if the scar is bothersome

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4. Natural Remedies (Supportive)

• Aloe Vera Gel:

  • Soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizes healing skin

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• Honey:

  • Promotes wound healing and may reduce scarring

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• Coconut Oil or Rosehip Oil:

  • Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, supports skin regeneration

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• Note: Natural remedies help hydration and healing, but won’t drastically remove scars.

• Mild Reactions:

  • Redness or irritation (from creams or silicone sheets)

  • Dryness or flaking (from retinoids or acids)

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• Serious (but rare):

  • Allergic reaction (rash, swelling)

  • Skin thinning (from overuse of steroids)

• Doctors evaluate scars based on:

  • Type of injury and location

  • Appearance (texture, size, color)

  • Pain, tightness, or functional impact

  • May recommend skin biopsy if unsure about the scar's origin

• Treat wounds early and properly

• Keep healing wounds moisturized and covered

• Avoid picking scabs or acne

• Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to prevent darkening of scars

• Avoid tight clothing or pressure on healing wounds

• Use silicone products or scar gels early in healing (after wound closes)

1. Can scars be removed completely?

• No. Scars can’t be erased, but treatments can significantly reduce their appearance.

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2. How long does it take to see improvement?

• Visible improvement may take 4–12 weeks, and up to several months for older or deeper scars.

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3. Are over-the-counter scar creams effective?

• Some (like silicone-based products and Mederma) are clinically proven to help, but results vary by scar type and age.

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4. Can I use scar cream on my face?

• Yes, but choose non-comedogenic, gentle formulas—especially if you have acne-prone skin.

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5. Do acne scars need different treatment?

• Yes. Topical retinoids, chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments are commonly used for acne or pitted scars.