Content

• Steps
• Warning

The scars can be bothersome, uncomfortable, and unsightly. In some cases, scarring can cause more serious problems, such as limited range of motion. Luckily, there are many medical and natural remedies that you can try to treat scars that are a bit of a concern. For less serious scars, you can try natural remedies like rose hip oil or onion extract. If home remedies don't help, try over-the-counter medications or ask your doctor about stronger options. You can also prevent or limit scarring with proper wound care.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Apply natural remedies

1. 

   Try applying rose hip oil every day. There is some evidence that rose hip oil, when applied to a scar every day for six months or longer, can significantly lessen a scar. Dilute rose hip oil with a carrier oil like coconut or avocado oil and apply it to the scar twice daily for weeks or until you see an improvement.
   • You can find rose hip oil at health care stores, pharmacies, or online.
   • Do not apply rose hip oil or any other essential oils directly to the skin, as these can cause irritation. You need to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil or moisturizer first.
   • Use 15 drops of rose hip oil for every 30 ml of optional carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) unless your doctor recommends a different dosage.

2. 

   
   
   Use onion extract to soften the scar. Studies show that applying onion extract to a scar every day for at least 4 weeks can soften scar tissue and improve scar tissue. Look for an over-the-counter scarring medicine that contains onion extract and follow the instructions on the package.
   • You can buy pure onion extract in liquid or gel or ointment containing onion extract. Look online if you can't find it in pharmacies or health care stores.

3. 

   
   
   Apply vitamin E ointment to the scar cautiously. There is conflicting evidence for vitamin E's effectiveness in treating scarring. Some studies show that vitamin E helps improve scarring, others suggest that vitamin E can cause irritation and cause more harm than good. Talk to your doctor about using vitamin E ointment and carefully follow the directions on the package.
   • Initially, you should apply a thin layer of vitamin E ointment to the scar, then gradually increase the dosage if no adverse reaction occurs. Use only as directed on the product label or as advised by your doctor.
   • Stop using the ointment if you experience side effects such as skin irritation, itching, burning, redness, or a rash.
   • If you decide to try a vitamin E ointment, you need to test the skin reaction first. Apply a small amount of the ointment to the less visible areas of the skin, like the backs of your legs or behind your ears, and wait 24-48 hours to see if there is any reaction.
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Method 2 of 3: Using medical methods

1. 

   
   
   Try an over-the-counter silicone gel to treat new or old scars. Silicone gel or silicone patch is one of the most effective home scarring products. Although silicone is most effective on new scars, it can also soften and fade old scars. For best results, apply silicone gels or patches for 8-24 hours a day for several months.
   • You can buy silicone scarring gels or patches at most pharmacies or online.

2. 

   Use a scar cream for small scars. There are many over-the-counter creams and ointments on the market that can help fade scars. Carefully read the ingredients on the label and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions. Look for products with ingredients like:
   • Retinol cream. These products are especially effective in treating scars.
   • Glycolic acid. This ingredient has also been shown to be effective in reducing acne scars, especially when combined with retinoic acid.
   • Protective or moisturizing ingredients such as oxybenzone (sunscreen), mineral oil wax or paraffin.

3. 

   Learn chemical peels at home or in the clinic for minor scars. Chemical peels are often effective against scars that are not too thick or deep, such as scars from acne or chickenpox. Ask your dermatologist about chemical peels at your clinic. You can also buy over-the-counter chemical peels for home use.
   • Peeling with over-the-counter products is usually not as effective as professional exfoliation, but it also helps fade mild scars.
   • Peeling products that contain glycolic acid or salicylic-mandelic acid can be very effective.

4. 

   Ask your doctor about fillers for deep scars. If you have deep or concave scars, soft tissue fillers can help improve the scarring. With this method, your doctor injects a soft substance, such as fat or hyaluronic acid, into the tissue below the scar to fill the scar. Talk to your doctor about whether this method is right for you.
   • Fillers injections are a temporary solution, as the injected substance breaks down over time. You may need to re-vaccinate every 6 months.

5. 

   Find out how to treat skin peeling for acne scars or chickenpox scars. Similar to chemical peels, skin abrasion is commonly used to smooth the surface of the skin. With this method, your doctor will use a metal brushed motor to safely abrasion scar tissue. The procedure is usually pretty quick, but it can be a bit uncomfortable as you remain alert.
   • Your doctor may ask you to stop using certain medications, such as aspirin, and certain skin care products, before the procedure.
   • You should also avoid smoking both before and after the procedure.
   • Once your skin has recovered from the procedure, protect your skin by applying sunscreen, cleaning it regularly, and applying ointments on your doctor's advice.

6. 

   Consider laser therapy for serious scars. Although it does not actually erase scars, laser therapy can significantly improve scarring and reduce scar tissue complications, such as pain, itching, and stiffness. If you have a severe scar, ask your doctor about laser therapy or light therapy.
   • The effectiveness of this method depends on many factors, including the medical conditions and the medications you are taking, if any. You need to give your doctor detailed information about your health before using laser therapy.
   • Carefully follow the home care instructions for maximum effect. For example, you will need to protect your skin from the sun after the treatment until your skin is fully recovered.
   • Certain drugs, supplements, or stimulants can slow recovery and decrease the effectiveness of laser therapy.These include tobacco, vitamin E, aspirin, and topicals that contain glycolic acid or retinoids.

7. 

   Talk to your doctor about scar orthopedic surgery. If you have an annoying scar and other therapies aren't working, talk to your doctor about surgical options. The scar will be thinned, shortened, disguised, and even concealed into places such as wrinkles and hairlines.
   • If you choose to opt for a chiropractic surgery, you should set realistic expectations. Surgery may not completely clear the scar, and it may take several surgeries to get the best results.
   • Not all scars are suitable for surgical therapy. Talk to your dermatologist or esthetician to see if this is a good choice for you.
   • Chiropractic surgery is most suitable for older scars 12-18 months old.

8. 

   Ask your doctor about skin graft surgery to treat scars that are particularly deep. With this procedure, the surgeon removes a small, normal, healthy piece of skin in another location to replace the scar tissue. They will remove the scar tissue and graft a piece of healthy skin into that site. Ask your doctor if this method is right for your scar type.
   • The grafted skin piece is usually taken behind the earlobe.
   • You may need resurfacing treatment several weeks after surgery to correct the color and texture differences between the grafted skin piece and the surrounding skin.
   • Follow your doctor's instructions on taking care of your skin both before and after surgery for best results.

9. 

   Consider cryosurgery for thick or raised scars. During cryosurgery, the doctor injects liquid nitrogen into the scar to freeze the scar tissue. This therapy will kill the scar tissue and eventually shed. You will need to take careful care of the wound after surgery to make sure it heals well.
   • Scar tissue can take weeks to peel off, and a few more weeks to heal.
   • Follow your doctor's instructions strictly for home care. You will be instructed on how to dress and keep the wound clean.
   • Your doctor will give you medicine to help manage pain during and after your treatment.
   • Cold therapy can affect the color or pigmentation of the skin.

10. 

    Get a cortisone injection to soften hard scars. The steroid injections help shrink and smooth hard scars. This therapy is particularly effective in improving keloids and hypertrophy due to overreaction during recovery. In most cases, you'll need an injection of cortisone every four to six weeks until the therapy takes effect. Consult with your doctor to see if this is a good choice for you.
    • Cortisone injections are most effective when combined with other methods, such as cryotherapy.
    • Your doctor may combine steroid injections with anesthetics to relieve pain.
    • Cortisone injections can lead to skin atrophy, skin ulcers, and increased or decreased skin pigmentation.
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Method 3 of 3: Prevent and reduce scarring

1. 

   Wash the new wound regularly. Keeping the wound clean can help prevent infection, irritation, and scarring. Wash the wound daily with warm water and mild soap to remove germs, dirt, and debris.
   • Avoid using soaps that contain strong flavors or dyes.
   • If the wound gets medical treatment, wash and cover the wound as directed by your doctor.
   • Don't worry about antibacterial soap. Studies show that antibacterial soap is no more effective than regular soap at preventing infection, sometimes even more harmful than good.

2. 

   Keep the wound moist with mineral oil wax during the healing period. Scabbing wounds often run the risk of scarring. To avoid scabs, apply moisturizing mineral oil wax (like Vaseline cream) to the cleaned wound. Cover the wound to keep the wound clean and moist.
   • Change the bandage, wash the wound and reapply the cream every day, or every time the balls are wet or dirty.

3. 

   Treat the burn with aloe. Medical researchers have found that aloe is more effective at healing burns than mineral oil wax. To minimize scarring, apply 100% pure aloe vera gel until the wound heals.
   • Grade 2 or degree 3 burns that are larger than 7.5 cm long require urgent medical attention. Do not try to treat severe burns yourself.
   • You can also see your doctor for a prescription silver sulfadiazine medication to prevent infection for 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

4. 

   Do not expose the scar to direct sunlight during recovery. Even if the wound has healed, you still have to protect your skin to minimize scarring. If you have a new scar after the wound heals, apply sunscreen or cover it with clothing (such as a long-sleeved shirt) until the scar fades or disappears.
   • Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
   • For surgical scars, doctors will usually recommend staying out of the sun for at least a year.

5. 

   Take a cut only as directed by your doctor. If the wound has stitches, you can reduce scarring by having your limbs amputated within the time recommended by your doctor. Cutting thread too late or too soon can lead to more serious scarring.
   • Do not try to cut threads yourself at home. Go to a medical facility for a thread cut.
   • Sutures for facial wounds are usually cut after 3-5 days, after 7-10 days with sutures on the scalp and chest, and after 10-14 days with sutures on hands and feet.
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Warning

• There is not much evidence to show the effectiveness of home remedies such as honey or olive oil. Other natural remedies, such as using lemon juice, can irritate the skin and make the scar worse. Talk to your general practitioner or dermatologist before trying home scarring treatments.
• Avoid applying topical or natural oils and extracts to open wounds or scars, unless advised by your doctor.