How to: Prevent Scarring
How do scars form?
Before we go into how to avoid scarring, let’s learn about the skin’s healing process.
After a cut, scrape or burn, the body immediately responds with a series of steps to heal itself:
Hemostasis: The body prevents blood loss by sending platelets to the site, which bind together and seal the wound, forming a scab.
Inflammation: White blood cells arrive at the area to fight off bacteria. You may notice redness, swelling, heat and pain. This is a natural part of the healing process and resolves on its own unless infection takes over. More inflammation in the healing process can mean a greater chance of scarring.
Proliferation: This is when the skin and vessels create new cells. As proliferation continues, you’ll see the edges of the scab shrink toward the middle, leaving new skin behind.
Maturation: The wound is healed, and there may be a scar in its place.
What can I do to avoid scars?
Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered.
For minor injuries, Fisher stresses the importance of keeping them clean and protected. Use antibacterial cream or ointment and cover the area with a bandage, which can speed healing. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, which can be harmful to healing wounds.
The presence of debris, bacteria or other impurities in open skin can trigger infection and extend the inflammation period. Fisher says prolonged inflammation enhances scar formation. That’s why it’s essential to clean the wound carefully, with professional help if necessary.
Fisher advises, “If you have a scrape, such as ‘road rash’ from falling off a bicycle, treat that like a burn, and be aware that there can be a crush injury to the skin as well.”
Avoid scratching or picking scabs.
Healing wounds may itch, but you should avoid the temptation to scratch them. “Scratching the wound or picking at the scab causes more inflammation, making a scar more likely,” Fisher says.
Get help for serious skin injuries.
It’s always better to be safe, rather than be sorry. Don’t hesitate to visit your doctor or urgent care for any alarming skin injuries.
Causes for alarm may include:
Continued bleeding
Deep puncture wounds
Bites
Burns
Skin wounds preceding extreme pain and fever
