How to Treat Scars for Faster Healing

Understanding and Treating Scars

New home cooks often get minor cuts and burns, leading to a common question: Why do some wounds scar while others don't?

How Scars Form?

     Scars form when a wound goes deeper than the top layer of skin (epidermis) into the deeper layer (dermis). Scars can also result from infections or from picking at scabs.

Types of Scars

• Depressed/Pitted Scars: The skin appears sunken or indented.
• Raised Scars: These are firm, raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound.
• Keloid Scars: Similar to raised scars, but they grow beyond the original wound site. Common areas for keloids include earlobes, jawline, shoulders, and the middle of the chest or back.

Treating Scars

Treatment varies by scar type.

• For dark or red marks: Use topical creams, avoid sun exposure, or get laser treatment.
• For depressed scars: Doctors may recommend topical creams to boost collagen, surgery, or laser therapy.
• For raised or keloid scars: Treatments include steroid injections, cryotherapy (freezing), laser therapy, and radiation.

Preventing Scars

     To prevent scars, it's crucial to care for new wounds properly. Keep the wound clean, avoid picking or scratching it, and keep it dry until it heals. For larger or inflamed wounds, consult a dermatologist early on. Once a scab forms, do not pick it off. Applying scar treatment cream as soon as the wound begins to heal can also help minimize scarring. The best time to treat a wound to prevent a scar is when it is new.