Scars are bumpy or discolored tissue that develop after a wound heals. They commonly form after severe injuries damage several layers of skin, but they can also develop from minor wounds such as skinned knees and paper cuts. Most scars can be prevented with proper care during the healing process.
Step 1
Apply pressure using a clean towel to stop bleeding. Rinse the wound out with a mild soap and water after it stops bleeding. Pat dry and apply a triple antibiotic ointment. Continue applying the ointment every day until the wound is healed.
Step 2
Cover the wound with a bandage. Wounds heal faster and are less likely to scar when they are protected from the elements. The bandage should not be so tight that it sticks to the wound, and it should be removed and replaced with a fresh bandage every day.
Step 3
Apply sunscreen to the wound before going outside once a scab develops. The sun's rays damage skin and increase scarring.
Step 4
Massage the mark left behind by the wound for 30 seconds to 1 minute each day. Scars consist primarily of collagen, and this helps break down excess collagen buildup.
Tips and Warnings
- If the scab breaks, rinse the wound and reapply antibiotic ointment.
- Never pick a scab. This increases healing time, causes scarring, and might cause an infection.
Things You'll Need
- Clean towel
- Mild soap
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Bandages
- Sunscreen
References
- CBS News.com; Preventing Those Ugly Scars; Tatiana Morales
- "American College of Physicians Complete Home Medical Guide"; David R. Goldman; 2003
- "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, Fourth Edition"; Mayo Clinic; 2009
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