Scars are annoying, unsightly, and uncomfortable. In some cases, scars can lead to more serious problems, such as restricting movement. Fortunately, if your scar is already very bothersome, there are a variety of natural and medical treatments you can try. For less severe scars, try natural treatments like rosehip oil or onion extract. If home remedies don't work, try over-the-counter treatments or talk to your doctor for more aggressive options. In addition, scars can be prevented or minimized with proper wound care.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Try Natural Treatments
Step 1. Try a daily treatment with rosehip oil
There is some evidence to suggest that applying rosehip oil to scars daily for 6 weeks or more can improve scars. Dissolve rosehip oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or avocado oil, and apply it to the scar twice daily for a few weeks or until you notice significant changes.
- You can buy rosehip oil at a health supply store or pharmacy, or online.
- Do not apply rosehip oil or other essential oils directly to the skin as they can cause irritation. Dilute in a carrier oil or moisturizer first.
- Use 15 drops of rosehip oil per 30 ml of your carrier oil of choice (such as coconut oil or olive oil), unless your doctor or naturopathic medicine professional recommends a different dosage.
Step 2. Apply onion extract on the scar to soften it
Studies show that applying onion extract to scars daily for at least 4 weeks can soften scar tissue and improve their appearance. Look for over-the-counter scar treatments that contain onion extract, and follow the directions on the package carefully.
You can buy pure onion extract in liquid form or buy a gel or ointment that contains onion extract. If it's not available at your local pharmacy or drugstore, check online
Step 3. Apply vitamin E ointment on the scar carefully
Evidence on whether vitamin E can reduce scars is mixed. Some research indicates that vitamin E can help, while other studies suggest that vitamin E can cause irritation and do more harm than good. Talk to your doctor about the correct use of vitamin E ointment, and follow the directions on the package carefully.
- Start by applying a thin layer of vitamin E ointment to the scar, and increase slowly if there are no negative reactions. Make sure you stick to the dosage recommended on the package label or by your doctor.
- Stop using the ointment if you experience any side effects such as skin irritation, itching, burning, blistering, redness, or rash.
Warning:
If you decide to try a vitamin E oil or ointment, do a test first. Apply a small amount of the ointment to a hidden area, such as behind the knee or behind the ear, and wait 24-48 hours to see the reaction.
Method 2 of 3: Using Medical Treatment
Step 1. Try an over-the-counter silicone gel on new or old scars
Silicone in the form of a gel or sheet is one of the effective home treatments for scars. Silicone works great on new scars, but it can also fade old scars. For best results, cover the scar with gel or silicone sheet for 8–24 hours every day for several months.
Silicone gels or sheets can be purchased at pharmacies. You can also buy it from the internet
Step 2. Use a fading cream for small scars or tips
There are a variety of over-the-counter creams and ointments that can be purchased to lighten scars. Read the ingredients listed on the package and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. Look for an ointment that contains ingredients such as:
- Retinol cream. This ingredient is very effective for fading acne scars.
- Glycolic acid. This ingredient has also been shown to be effective at fading scars, especially when combined with retinoic acid.
- Protective and moisturizing ingredients, such as oxybenzone (sunscreen), petroleum jelly, or paraffin.
Step 3. Try a chemical peel at the clinic or an at-home peel product for thin scars
Chemical peels are especially helpful for scars that are not too deep or thick, such as acne scars or chickenpox scars. Ask your doctor or dermatologist for a medical peel treatment at their clinic. You can also buy over-the-counter peels that you can use at home.
- Over-the-counter peels aren't usually as effective as medical peels, but they can help fade thin scars.
- Peels containing glycolic acid or salicylic-mandelic acid may be especially effective.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about fillers for deep scars
If your scar is deep or perforated, scar tissue fillers can fade its appearance. In this treatment, the doctor or dermatologist will inject a soft substance, such as fat or hyaluronic acid, into the tissue under the scar to fill it. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you.
Fillers are a temporary solution because the injected substance will break down after a while. You should repeat this treatment every six months
Step 5. Try dermabrasion for acne scars or chickenpox scars
Dermabrasion is usually used to smooth the surface of the skin, such as chemical peels. This treatment involves the use of a motorized wire brush. Doctors use this tool to thin scar tissue. This procedure is usually quick, but you may remain conscious and it may be uncomfortable.
- Before the procedure, your doctor may ask you to stop using certain medications, such as aspirin and skin care products.
- You should also stop smoking for as long as possible before and after the procedure.
- During recovery, protect the skin by wearing sunscreen, cleaning the treated area regularly, and using a doctor-recommended ointment to speed up recovery.
Step 6. Consider lasers for severe scars
Lasers don't completely remove scars, but they are very capable of fading and repairing problems associated with scars, such as pain, itching, and stiffness. If your scar is severe, ask your doctor about laser or light therapy.
- The effectiveness of this treatment depends on many factors, including your medical condition and the medications you are currently taking. Provide detailed information about your health to your doctor or dermatologist before trying laser therapy.
- Follow your doctor's instructions about home treatments to maximize the effectiveness of laser therapy. For example, you may need to protect the area from the sun in order for it to fully recover.
Warning:
Certain medications or supplements and substances can hinder the recovery process and reduce the effectiveness of laser treatments. These include cigarettes, vitamin E, aspirin, and topical medications that contain glycolic acid or retinoids.
Step 7. Talk to your doctor about surgical treatment
If your scar is very bothersome and other treatments don't work, talk to your doctor about surgery. With surgery, scars can be thinned, shortened, disguised, or even hidden behind wrinkles and hairlines, for example.
- If you choose surgery, you still have to be realistic. Surgery may not be able to completely remove the scar, and several procedures may be needed to get the best results.
- Not all scars can be treated with surgery. Ask your doctor, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon if this is a good option for you.
- Surgery will show the best results for scars that are less than 12–18 months old.
Step 8. Ask your doctor about a punch graft for very deep scars
In this procedure, the surgeon will take a small piece of normal, healthy skin and use it to replace the scar tissue. They will cut the scar tissue and graft healthy skin in place. Ask your doctor if a punch graft is appropriate for your type of scar.
- The skin taken for the punch graft is usually taken from behind the earlobe.
- You will need to repair the skin surface for a few weeks after surgery to correct the difference in color and texture between the grafted skin and the surrounding skin.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for treating your skin before and after surgery for the best results.
Step 9. Consider cryosurgery for thick or raised scars
In cryosurgery, the doctor will inject liquid nitrogen into the scar to freeze the tissue. This will turn off the network and eventually disconnect. You will need to treat the wound after this procedure for it to heal properly.
- It may take a few weeks for the scar tissue to come off on its own, and a few more weeks for the area to heal.
- Perform treatment as directed by the doctor. The doctor will teach you how to bandage and clean the wound.
- Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage pain during and after treatment.
- Cryosurgery can affect skin color or pigmentation.
Step 10. Try cortisone injections to soften tough scars
These steroid injections help shrink and even out tough scars. These injections are great for fading hypertrophic scars and keloids that are the result of an overly aggressive recovery process. In most cases, you will need cortisone injections every 4 or 6 weeks until the effect is seen. Ask your doctor if this treatment is a good option for you.
- Cortisone injections usually work best when combined with other treatments, such as cryosurgery.
- Doctors may combine steroid injections with local anesthetics to reduce pain.
- Cortisone injections can cause skin atrophy, ulcers, as well as hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing and Disguising Scars
Step 1. Clean fresh wounds regularly
Keeping the wound area clean can prevent infection, irritation, and scar formation. Wash the wound area daily with mild soap and warm water to remove germs, dirt, and debris.
- Avoid soaps that contain harsh perfumes and dyes.
- If your wound is being treated medically, follow the instructions for cleaning and dressing the wound as directed by your doctor.
Tip:
No need to use antibacterial soap. Studies show that antibacterial soap is no more effective than regular soap in preventing infection, and that the negative effects may outweigh the positive effects.
Step 2. Moisturize the wound with petroleum jelly as it heals
A wound that forms a scab will most likely leave a scar. To prevent scabs, grease the wound with a moisturizing petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline. Cover the wound with a bandage to keep it clean and hydrated.
Change the bandage, clean the wound, and apply petroleum jelly frequently or whenever the bandage gets wet or soiled
Step 3. Treat the burn with aloe vera gel
Medical researchers have found that aloe vera is more effective in aiding burn recovery than petroleum jelly. To minimize scar formation, apply 100% aloe vera gel on the wound daily until the burn heals.
- For third or second degree burns that are larger than 7 cm, seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to treat a severe scar on your own.
- You can also ask for a prescription for silver sulfadiazine to prevent infection in second- or third-degree burns.
Step 4. Protect the scar from direct sunlight during the healing process
After the wound has healed, you should still protect the wound area to minimize the potential for scar formation. If the marks are new, apply sunscreen or cover them with clothing (such as long sleeves) until they fade or disappear.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- For surgical scars, the surgeon may recommend avoiding the sun for at least 1 year.
Step 5. Remove the sutures when recommended by the doctor
For wounds that require stitches, you can minimize the potential for scar formation by removing the stitches within the time period recommended by your doctor. If the stitches are removed too long or too early, the scar will be more severe.
- Do not attempt to remove the stitches yourself. Ask the doctor to remove it.
- Remove stitches on the face after 3–5 days, on the scalp and chest after 7–10 days, and on the arm or leg after 10–14 days.
Warning
- There is not much evidence to support the effectiveness of home remedies that many people use to disguise scars, such as applying honey or olive oil. Other natural treatments, such as lemon juice, can irritate the skin and possibly make the scar worse. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist before trying any home remedies for scars.
- Do not apply creams, ointments, or natural oils and extracts to open wounds or scars that have not healed completely, unless you have consulted a doctor.
