Scar treatment

Scar treatment

Scars are something that occurs after damage to the skin. The skin in a scar is less elastic than normal skin and is also weaker. Scars mature over a period of 1-2 years. It can therefore take a long time before you can judge how the scar will look in the end.

What is a scar?

A scar is something that occurs after an injury to the skin, and is formed after the wound has healed and the dog has healed. The skin in a scar is less elastic than normal skin and is also weaker. Scars mature over a period of 1-2 years.

A scar is often red and pink at first, and becomes more and more white and "skin colored" as time goes on. It can therefore take a long time before you can judge how the scar will look in the end.

Different types of scars

There are several different types of scars, and the shape and size of the scar can vary based on genetic factors and where on the body the wound is. Visible scars are more common on certain skin areas, such as the chest and shoulders.

• Hypertrophic scars: red, thick and raised. Grows only in the original wound area and usually occurs a few weeks after the injury occurred. Hypertrophic scars heal on their own, but this can often take a long time (1-2 years). In the case of burns, hypertrophic scars are the most common afterwards.

• Keloids: irregular, red and thick scar with scar tissue that spreads over the original area of damage. Keloids often appear several months after the injury has occurred, and are often red and dark compared to the surrounding healthy skin. Keloids can intensify during pregnancy.

• Atrophic scars: scars that lie below the skin's surface. Atrophic scars are small and round depressions, and often occur after acne or chicken pox.

How to prevent scars?

Always wash your hands before treating your own or other people's wounds.

Clean the wound well.

Open wounds and cuts should be held together using strips or tape for as long as possible. If necessary, put a bandage on top - this will protect the wound from infection.

Protect the injured area with sunscreen and an oily moisturizer during the period while the wound is healing.

How to treat scars?

Use creams that prevent scarring, for example La Roche Posay Cicaplast.

Use scar plasters that prevent scarring, such as Mepiform scar treatment. A skin-coloured bandage tape is also great to use as scar tape for good protection of the scar.

Protect scars with sunscreen, even after the wound has healed. Preferably in the first year after the injury has occurred. For small scars, a sun stick can be used.

When should you contact a doctor for wound and scar treatment?

• If you get large wounds or severe burns (second or third degree).

• If you get sores on your face or other highly visible places.

• If the wound will not heal.

• If the wound bursts a lot.

• If the wound shows signs of infection (red, hot, throbbing pain and pus are signs of infection).

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Source: Own information material, hudguiden.no