Scars: here’s how to take care of them

Welcome back to the PVS blog.

 

 

Today we’re talking about scars and how to take care of them if, unfortunately, we happen to get one. First of all, what are scars?

 

 

The medical definition indicates that scars are the physiological outcome of the healing process of a wound that appeared on the skin. Scars can form for various reasons: from an injury caused by a fall or accidental cut to the outcome of a surgical intervention, passing through the classic “skinned knee” or a fall from a bicycle – who among us has never experienced one?

 

 

But how do you care for a scar? What are the fundamental steps to protect the skin as best as possible, avoiding the annoying onset of infections? Let’s find out together with the support of an article read on dermatologymohsinstitute.com.

 

 

How to take care of a scar

 

 

Following a fall, a fairly deep cut, a laceration, a wound, you have lost blood and you know that the skin will have difficulty healing without leaving a mark. Scars are very common physiological outcomes and should not cause particular concerns.

 

 

However, it is important to understand when medical personnel intervention is needed: if the wound is very deep or a lot of blood is lost without being able to stop the flow, it is advisable to go to the emergency room.

 

 

There is a rule that always and in any case applies: after any type of injury, the wound must be cleaned thoroughly.

 

 

Having a first aid kit in the office, at the workplace, and in crowded places is ideal for taking immediate action.

 

 

Subsequently, the wound area must be disinfected: this step removes the risk of infection first and foremost. It is important to remove debris if present in or near the wound and wash with plenty of water and soap to neutralize germs.

 

 

After thoroughly cleaning the wound, it is time to protect it: make a correct estimate of its size and use a bandage/plaster that covers it completely. Make sure that the plaster or bandage adheres perfectly to the skin. If possible, use an ointment to keep the scar always moist: in this way, the blood clot crust will not form.

 

 

Replace the bandage or plaster at least once a day, or whenever you deem it necessary to clean the wound – especially during the first few days.

 

 

Some wounds result in noticeable scars: it depends on their nature. Always take care of scars and make sure they are perfectly disinfected and clean – and don’t forget about them after healing!

 

It is possible, in fact, to limit the signs of scars in various ways. There are several options to make them less visible:

 

• Steroid injections to reduce their appearance;

 

• Skin dermabrasion and/or needling – processes that remove the superficial layer of skin to erase irregularities, stimulating collagen production;

 

• Laser interventions;

 

• Cryosurgery, a branch of medicine that uses the benefits of ice to improve the appearance of the skin.

 

 

What do you think of this article? If you want to know more about first aid kits and products suitable for dressing wounds, write to the PVS team!