What to use on scars to speed up their healing or lighten them? Different scars require different care at the same time. Gels, creams and ointments look very similar, but have different properties. There are many different scar care products available in pharmacies. How well to choose a scar preparation? Can ointments reduce the appearance of scars? Which scars should be used with the plasters, and which ones with gels?

Choosing the right type of pharmaceutical preparationshould primarily depend onthe type of scar and the stage of its regeneration . In each case, there is an area of ​​fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after the wound has scarred. Scars appear as a result of the biological healing process of severe skin damage. Their presence is part of the natural healing process.

Scar tissue contains collagen, as does he althy skin. However, the arrangement of its fibers in the scar is different, which gives it a different appearance and features. In he althy skin, collagen fibers form a uniform, basket-like weave.

In the scar tissue, the fibers are oriented in one direction. This collagen structure is of lower quality than that found in he althy tissue. This makes the scar tissue less flexible and less resistant to harmful external factors. For this reason, scars are less resistant to sunlight.

Proper scar care facilitates the regeneration of damaged tissue.It is important to start as early as possible. In the case of healed postoperative wounds and burns,silicone plasters are the first choice.Thegels, creams and ointments work well in the later stages of scar regeneration.These preparations look quite similar, but they have different properties.

Choosing the right preparation depends on the type of scar

Scar care depends primarily on the type of scar. Scars are usually divided into:

  • regular,
  • declining,
  • hypertrophic,
  • keloids.

The type of scar formed after a scar has healed depends on many factors. The type of skin damage that led to the scarring is important. Various types of wound healing disruptors, such asskin tightness or bacterial infections can also determine the type of scar formed.

Most often in such cases there is an overproduction of collagen, resulting in the formation of an ugly-looking hypertrophic scar. For this reason, it is important how we care for the wound. Unfortunately, our genes can also determine the formation of unsightly scars called keloids on our skin.

What preparations should be used for ordinary scars?

Regular scarsmay be slightly thickened, hard and red at first. Over time, the tissue regenerates and the lesion becomes brighter. There may be occasional itching within the scar, but this is short-lived.

Normal scars are created by the correct regeneration process of tissue damaged by minor injuries. It is also worth taking care of this type of changes to improve their appearance.

When the wound is closed, it is recommended to lubricate the scar with the appropriateointmentorgel . Additional massage accelerates the elasticity of damaged tissue.

What preparations should be used for hypertrophic scars?

Hypertrophic scarsare a consequence of the body's excess production of collagen at the site of scarring. For this reason, these lesions bulge above the surface of the surrounding skin. They are formed in places of postoperative wounds and severe burns.

Hypertrophic scars are usually red, hard, thick and raised. They have low extensibility, which limits the elasticity of the surrounding tissues. They appear most often in young people whose organisms synthesize collagen more intensively. It happens that hypertrophic scars can cause pain or limit the mobility of a given part of the body.

In order to avoid the appearance of an unsightly hypertrophic scar, a fresh wound should be carefully cared for. It is important to wash and disinfect it frequently, and to protect itwith a sterile dressing.No ointments or creams should be used at this stage.

As soon as the surgical sutures are removed or the scabs fall off, you can start caring for the damaged tissue with the use of preparations preventing the formation of hypertrophic scars.

A good solution in this case are specializedsilicone plasters , which provide adequate protection and moisture needed to regenerate freshly healed tissue.silicone-based gels .

When a hypertrophic scar develops (approx. 2 months), we can usecreams, ointments and gelscontainingingredients whose task is to make the scar tissue more flexible and flatten and turn pale. Preparations containing onion extract, allantoin and heparin are worth recommending.

What preparations should be used on keloids?

Keloids (keloids)are scars that are large, hard, and pinkish-red bulges on the skin. They usually occupy an area larger than the size of the initial scarring wound and tend to grow continuously.

Their formation is related to the body's tendency to overproduce collagen, which is an individual feature resulting from genes. Keloids can be smeared withscar ointments , but a much better solution is to go to a specialist doctor. These types of scars are treatedwith steroid injections or surgically removed .

What preparations should be used for atrophic scars?

Atrophic scarsare most often formed after acne or chickenpox. Their name refers to the shortage of connective tissue during the healing of the morning after pustules. As a result, atrophic scars look like little dimples in the skin. They usually appear on the face, neckline, shoulders and back.

In order to avoid the appearance of atrophic scars, avoid squeezing and scratching the pimples. It is also important not to scratch the scabs. At this stage, the use of zinc ointment can help soothe itching.

Pimples cannot be squeezed out, it is also harmful to tear off the scabs. To eliminate itching, you can applyzinc ointmentto the spots. When atrophic scars appear, it is worth reaching for a specialistcream, ointment or gel . Recommended ingredients of preparations designed to fight acne scars are:

  • onion extract- supports the breakdown of collagen, facilitating the regeneration of the scar and soothes inflammation in the area of ​​fresh mornings.
  • mother of pearl- stimulates the production of fibroblasts and brightens and softens the skin, reducing the visibility of scars.
  • allantoin- soothes and smoothes the scar and stimulates the multiplication of skin cells, which accelerates its regeneration.
  • alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)- reduce the visibility of the scar and smooth the skin.
  • benzoyl peroxide- lightening acne discoloration.
  • heparin- loosens the collagen structure which facilitates the regeneration of the scar.

Silicone plasters and gels

Silicone-based preparations work most effectively onfresh scars . They perfectly protect a freshly scarred wound. Gels andsilicone plasters can also be used in the care ofold hypertrophic scars , however, they are most effective as a prophylaxis at the stage of fresh scarring of the wound. However, they must under no circumstances be applied to fresh, open wounds or burns. Preparations based on silicone cannot be used by people who are allergic to this substance.

What scars can be used with silicone patches?

Silicone-based plasters are suitable for the treatment of postoperative, burn and traumatic scars. Applying patches to a freshly scarred wound supports proper scarring, increasing the chance of the scar disappearing.

The patches contain a silicone gel that reduces the tension within the scar, which prevents abnormal tissue growth and the formation of hypertrophic scars.

The patches also maintain proper humidity, which promotes the fast and proper healing of scars. Their advantage is also the ease of use. After sticking, the patch changes every 3-5 days. Therefore, it does not require the daily application of the drug, as in the case of, for example, creams and ointments.

What scars can be used with silicone gels?

Also silicone gels are worth recommendingfresh scars . Their effectiveness is based on the creation of a protective layer on the healed wound. Thanks to this, they protect the regenerating tissue against external factors. They also inhibit the evaporation of water from the epidermis, maintaining adequate hydration needed for rapid tissue healing.

Silicone gels make the scar more elastic and reduce itching and redness. However, they do not protect the regenerating scar as effectively as patches and require daily application combined with a gentle massage.

Silicone-free ointments, creams and gels

Silicone-free ointments, creams and gels are suitable for the later stages of scar regeneration.These preparations are designed to make the scar tissue more flexible and make it pale and shallow .

Medicines in the form of ointments, cream or gel, containing:

  • onion extract,
  • heparin
  • and allantoin.

These ingredients reduce inflammation and the feeling of tension in the scar area. The disadvantage of most effective pharmacy scar ointments is their characteristic unpleasant smell due to the onion extract.

Differences between ointment, gel and scar cream

Ointment and cream seem very similar at first glance. These two forms of the drugdiffer from each other in the percentage of water and fat.Creamit contains much more water than the ointment, which means that the healing substances contained in it penetrate into the skin more quickly. Another advantage is that it is easy to spread.

Ointments contain more fats. This makes them sticky and more difficult to spread. After application, they stay longer on the skin surface than cream. The ointment layer protects against evaporation and can therefore help to maintain adequate moisture in the scar.

Gels, on the other hand, contain mainly water with the addition of a gelling ingredient.After applying the gel to the skin, the water evaporates quite quickly, which may dry out the scar. The advantage of gels is their easy spreading, light texture and transparency.

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Review of scar preparations. Which one to choose?

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