Myths and truths about scar care that will surprise you
The skin has a tremendous ability to regenerate, but its natural mechanisms can fail. Ricardo Ruiz explains what false beliefs persist and the best methods for eliminating scars.
Cassandra Clare wrote in one of her novels: “He noticed her scars under his fingers and wanted to tell her that for him they were like jewelry, evidence of her courage, making her only more beautiful.” It is clear that each of us has a scar on our skin, which can cause us more or less affection depending on the experience and its appearance. By using Andrea Huerta Viennabrilliant dermatologist, head of the scar department of the International Dermatological Clinic and Ruber Internacional Paseo de la Habana, we describe the series myths and truth about scars.
Types of scars
The skin has an amazing ability to repair itself. But Sometimes healing mechanisms fail. If an overgrown scar occurs, it is raised, itchy and painful. We call these scars hypertrophic. If this growth process is not self-limiting, then it is keloid, and the scar appears very raised and tender. On the contrary, if enough collagen is not produced, the scar remains depressed and this is what we know as a scar. atrophic (very typical on the face after severe acne breakouts). Also, sometimes the scars are too dark (hyperpigmented) or too light (hypopigmented) in relation to the surrounding healthy skin.
Is there anything we can do to make the scar less annoying and more aesthetically pleasing? We tell you 5 myths and 5 truths about scar care.
Myths
- “The scar should not be treated for at least a year.” FALSE. Over the years, we have known from numerous scientific studies that the earlier scar treatment is started, the better. In fact, today we know that the scar will look much better if we apply the laser immediately after the wound occurs (this is what we know how LASH: laser scar healing). We can even prepare the skin with laser before surgery to improve scar prognosis. So, if you have a scar and want to improve its appearance, get in touch as soon as possible.
- “The surgeon didn’t stitch me up well and left me with a terrible scar.” FALSE. Indeed, the better the surgical incision and sutures are performed (along the lines of skin tension), the better the scar will be. But the main culprit for making a scar look unsightly is usually the patient himself. The ability to heal is highly individual and depends on factors such as genetics, age (younger people have a higher risk of keloid), phototype (darker skin, greater risk of keloid) and area (chest, back and shoulders do not heal well). area, and on the other hand, the face is a very good treatment area).
- “As long as the sun doesn’t shine on me, the scar will be fine.” FALSE. The truth is that a scar sticks out or not, regardless of whether it receives solar radiation. However, the sun can make it darker. And of course we should always protect our skin from the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer, but I’m afraid that avoiding this is not a factor in ensuring that the scar does not grow excessively.
- “If I massage with rosehip oil, my scar will improve.” FALSE. There is very little scientific evidence compared to popular belief about natural products or massage. The truth is that they haven’t proven that scars improve…
- “They prescribed a pressure bandage to keep the scar from sticking out.” FALSE. Pressotherapy (bandages, splints…). It has little scientific evidence. This seems like it might minimally reduce the thickness of the scar, but given the discomfort they cause, I think the benefit is minimal.
Probably, after reading all this, we have lost all hope and you don’t know what to do with your scar. We’ll tell you what science has shown really works.
Truths:
- Silicone patches or gels. Although they are not “magic”, they have been shown to reduce the risk of scar enlargement.
- Laser. And as we already said, the sooner the better. There are many types of lasers: if the scar is red, a vascular laser will be useful. If it is sunken (atrophic), we will use fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers to stimulate collagen production…the art of scar treatment is knowing how to combine them as needed.
- Penetration of various drugs or laser transportation: When the scar bulges, it is very helpful to administer corticosteroids and other antiproliferative agents. Sometimes we transport medicine using a laser, that is, using a laser we create different channels through which we administer different medicines (this is called LADD: laser-assisted drug delivery).
- As an exception, if the scar is in an area of high tension, it is sometimes necessary reoperate him. We reserve surgical intervention in cases where there is obvious excess tension or functional limitations.. And it is very important to start preventative treatment before the scar swells again, because it will definitely do it on its own.
- Prevent, avoid chronic inflammation. That is, if you have severe acne, you need to treat it as soon as possible. If you have a wound, do not manipulate it to prevent it from becoming inflamed and close it as soon as possible. Anyway, what our mothers say about “don’t touch yourself because it will leave a mark” is true.
Final conclusion:
Dr. Huerta Vienna concludes saying that “we will never be able to completely erase a scar, but we can stop bothering it and make it aesthetically invisible. Scars take two years to remodel and our treatments aim to manage and redirect this process.. Don’t forget that scars are beautiful, they are battles won in life. We can’t erase them, but we can improve them and make you proud.”
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