A scar is the damaged skin tissue resulting from a wound in which the deepest layers of the epidermis were affected or destroyed. Scar tissue can remain after the healing of a cut, burn, infection or other type of wound. Anyone can get a scar, but it does not have to be permanent.
Types of Scars
First decide what injury caused the damage. A burn scar, for example, requires more intensive care than the scar from a simple cut, a scrape or a bad rash. The cause of the scar will dictate what home treatments are suitable to use.
Not All Scars Heal the Same
The most severe types of scars are burns. Chemical burns can happen to anyone who is in contact with cleaners and solvents. For these seek professional medical help and read the manufacturer's product data sheet for the recommended application of first aid. Chemical burns are not suitable for home treatments alone. The least severe scars are scrapes and mild sunburn. These scars are typically amenable to home treatments. However, if there is any question about the severity of the wound, seek a doctor's professional consultation.
Most Common Scar Home Treatments
Scar home treatments are most appropriate for non-invasive, non-threatening wounds. Stretch marks due to a rapid weight gain are non-invasive scars. When rapid weight gain is anticipated, such as during pregnancy, prevention is the primary treatment option. Early, regular applications of cocoa butter onto the affected area aid the skin in retaining moisture and optimizing the elasticity that is essential in the regeneration of cells. Once stretch marks have appeared, sunless tanning creams can minimize the scar. Other common home treatments include aloe vera gel, cooling gels, antibiotic ointments and vitamin E.
Effectiveness of Home Remedies for Scars
The effectiveness of any home scar treatment is dependent upon good-quality first aid. Adequate cleaning of the injury prevents subcutaneous infections and reduces damage to the deeper skin layers enabling diminished-to-nonexistent scarring. Home scar treatment is suitable for any age group. Younger people recover from scrape wounds and lacerations faster and with less scarring than older populations. Skin elasticity and cell replication diminish substantially with age, affecting the end result of any treatment.
Home Scar Treatments
Home scar treatments can be categorized as gels, creams, lotions, Aloe Vera, vitamin-E fortified oils and triple-antibiotic ointments. These are staples in most medicine cabinets. Almost all home scar treatments center around keeping the skin flexible and increasing skin cell reproduction.
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