Common Scar Treatment Myths

Do you have embarrassing scars? You're not alone. If you've lived even a semi-active life you probably have some scars on your body that you wish you didn't. Scarring is an ugly reminder of painful things that happened in the past. Most people assume that scars are permanent and there's nothing you can do about it, but fortunately that is wrong. The human skin is a very flexible and versatile organ that can heal and recover under the right conditions. When skin is damaged, the body attempts to close the wound as quickly as possible. This is to prevent blood loss and infection. Unfortunately, the healing process is designed for speed, not for accuracy. The result is usually a buildup of scar tissue and collagen, which is unsightly and annoying.

In order to stop scars, its best to prevent them in the first place. Using proper wound treatment techniques can greatly reduce scarring in the first place. Keeping the wound in a clean, moist environment will allow it to heal more accurately than if it is left to heal on its own.

Try to avoid products containing Vitamin E. Vitamin E is probably the most common home remedy for scarring, despite that it has not been proven effective in any medical trial. In fact, it actually worsens scarring in a large portion of individuals due to an allergic reaction. In one study, Vitamin E made scars worse in almost 30% of the people who used it. This is because many people get a condition called contact dermatitis from it. Vitamin E taken orally is an antioxidant and can be good for the skin, but topically it is not effective and should be avoided.

You should also be on the lookout for ingredients like onion bulb extract. This ingredient is included in many scar treatment products although it has not been proven in human studies to be effective an improving scars. In one study on a rabbits ear, it helped align collagen fibers. However, in studies on human skin, it has not shown to improve the look of a scar. Any positive effects seen are assumed to be from massaging the skin several times daily. Which brings me to my next point.

Keep scars moist and hydrated, along with gentle massage several times daily can help break up scar tissue. This works best for raised hypertrophic scars. This technique, used in combination with proper natural home scar treatment products can result in a drastic reduction in the appearance of a scar. There are many natural scar removal products out there that are tested and proven to reduce scarring and break up collagen. By breaking down scar tissue and rebuilding new skin consistently, you can achieve the smooth, scar-free skin that you once had.