If you've sustained an injury, large or small, you may end up with a scar. It's a natural and healthy outcome in the process of wound healing. The collagen in the deeper layers of your skin becomes exposed and rises to the surface to "close" the wound and in the process, forms a scar. However, that's not to say that we can't influence the way that scar tissue will mature, and in many ways appear, during the process. Here's how to minimize your scar.


Steps

1. Avoid interfering with the healing process. Treat the wound to prevent infection and promote healing as recommended for the type of injury you've sustained, but avoid the following pitfalls:
   
   
   • You may apply hydrogen peroxide to the wound site. The biology behind this is simple. After the tissue experiences trauma, neutrophils come to the site and release bactericidal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxide to kill bacteria and prevent infection. In a study done by Cho et al. (2001), it was shown that hydrogen peroxide increases the macrophage release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (basically, a factor that plays a huge role in wound healing).So, to summarize, an initial treatment of hydrogen peroxide to the wound site (simple cut, blister, etc.) helps out your friendly neutrophils which in turn help out the macrophages.
   • Think twice about Vitamin E. Many people recommend rubbing topical Vitamin E oil on the wound to promote the healing process (you can get a liquid form or extract it from liquid gel capsules), but this should only be done once the cut or wound has already closed. Recent studies show that Vitamin E can actually impede healing process and trigger an allergic reaction.
   • Stay out of the sun. While your skin is healing, it's especially sensitive to discoloration from exposure to UV rays and can form an unsightly, noticeable scar.
   • Minimize movement. Tension and motion will cause the scar to widen, so try your best to avoid activity that pulls the skin around the wound tight.
2. Cover the cut. Don't let it dry out and scab over; keep the area moist with petroleum jelly (or something similar) and cover it for about a week. Aloe Vera gel is very good as well, as it speeds up the healing process by up to 30%. After taking off the bandage, keep the cut moist until new skin begins to form.
3. Place pressure on the cut. To prevent the scar from "popping out", look for special pads designed to keep the area flat while it heals. Silicon gel sheets taped around a forming scar can minimize thickening (gels with a silicone base may also help).
   
   
   • Flattening the wound won't help with injuries that create sunken, crater-like scars (acne, chickenpox, surgery). If the tissue underneath the wound is lost, pressing down on it will not flatten the skin surface as it would when collagen is forming over existing tissue. Collagen injection may be the only way to raise recessed scars.[11]
4. Massage the newly formed skin with lotion in a circular motion for 15 to 30 seconds a few times a day. Once the cut or wound is closed, massaging it will help to break down the dense bonds of collagen.[12]
   
   
   • Instead of using lotion, you can use Vitamin E and rub it in two or three times a day.[13] Keep in mind, however, that the American Academy of Dermatology asserts that this practice causes more harm than good.[14]
   • Another alternative is a 70% solution of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), a chemical made from wood pulp that penetrates the skin and promotes healing. Apply it to the site with absorbent cotton and let it dry twice a day for a few weeks.[15]
   • MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a close relative of DMSO that can be taken orally (1,000 mg three times per day with meals, totaling 3,000 mg per day) for 10 days in addition to or in place of the DMSO.
   • Onion extract can also be used, but it is no more effective than other over-the-counter treatments.[16]

Tips

• You can help the natural healing process by maintaining a good nutrition, drinking ample fluids (especially water), assuring a good blood circulation to the wound, and protecting the injured area from further trauma or infection. Practices that promote general health will also help wounds to heal.
• If the scar is still unsightly, or causing a disability in motion of the surrounding tissue after this regimen has been tried, consider scar revision. This is something that a qualified surgeon must do. Typically these patients are referred to a Dermatologic surgeon (Dermasurgeon) or a plastic surgeon. But remember, after a scar is revised the whole process will start again and the same rules will apply.
• Avoid smoking. The nicotine will cause constriction of the peripheral circulation, thus impair the delivery of oxygen and healing cells/factors to the area. The carbon monoxide in the inhaled smoke will bind to the red blood cell and block its ability to then carry oxygen.[17]
• Nothing beats Neosporin for disinfecting a wound and speeding the healing process. It also moisturizes the skin and reduces visible scarring. Neosporin cream, packaged in a tube, is widely available at drug, grocery and discount stores.

Warnings

• This is a general overview of the healing process of a wound. It is not intended to replace the direct care by a physician, or other medical professional. It is simply to be used as a general guide of some of steps that may be helpful in optimizing the appearance of a final scar.