Scar Treatments for Skin Scars

Scars form naturally as part of the healing process after the skin is injured. Your scar will heal differently based on a number of factors. First of all, the severity of the wound plays a major role. The location on the body is significant as well, as some areas have more taut or resilient skin. Other factors include age, sex, ethnicity and heredity. Depending on the nature of your scar, you may need to use one or more treatment methods.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Treat less severe scars with over-the-counter remedies. Some products are prescription-only, while other creams and ointments are available for purchase at most drugstores and markets. Use products that contain vitamins A, C and E. Another natural scar healer is cocoa-butter cream. Aloe vera may also be helpful to soothe and replenish the skin. Essential oils can also be effective. Apply vitamin-E oil with lavender or rose hip to reduce scarring on minor wounds. Your doctor can also prescribe a topical treatment containing corticosteroids or antihistamines to stop itching and moisturize the skin.

Surgical Repair

Treat more severe scars from injuries and burns with surgical repair. Deeper wounds and third-degree burns often require surgery. Surgical options include excision, skin grafts and dermabrasion, or laser surgery, which effectively reduces scarring and does not damage the upper layers of the skin. This speeds up the healing time. Burn victims usually opt for skin grafts, an operation where the surgeon splices skin from a healthy part of the body and places it over the damaged area. Some scars limit functionality. Choose surgery if you feel like your bodily movements are impaired from scarring. Always talk to your doctor about treatment options involving surgery since these are serious procedures.

Injection Treatments

Choose from a variety of injection treatments if you have raised or protruding scars, medically known as keloids or hypertrophic scars. Your doctor can inject steroids into the skin to reduce scar-tissue buildup. Injection treatments may also be appropriate for flat scars. Consult a medical professional to get more information on the steroid-injection method as it relates to your particular case.