Preventing Excess Scarring to Skin After Injury

Our bodies are incredible machines – constantly healing and repairing injuries to our skin, both small and big. Depending on the nature of the injury, sometimes scarring occurs. 

While you can’t control the location of the scar and how your genetics play into your healing, there are ways that you can help your scar on the best path to optimal healing. Kristoffer Sugg, MD, with ProMedica Physicians Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, suggests a simple but effective method – protecting the scar from the sun.

Scarring and Inflammation

When trauma occurs to the skin, whether intentional (surgery incision) or unintentional (a cut or scrape), inflammation of the area occurs. This inflammation is an essential part of the healing and scar formation process. However, it’s important to not cause more inflammation than necessary as this can cause excess scar tissue to form.

The Sun’s Effect on Scarring

While protecting yourself from sunburn is important for your overall health and well-being, it’s specifically important to reduce scarring, as sunburn is a source of inflammation. “Sunburn to a scar can cause your skin to create more scar tissue than necessary, possibly leaving you with a raised or depressed scar rather than one that is flush with your skin,” Dr. Sugg shares.

Exposing your scar to the sun may also cause the scar tissue to create more melanin than necessary, resulting in a scar that has a darker pigment than the rest of your skin.

Preventing Scar Sun Damage

To help your scar heal in the best way possible, avoid exposing the scar to the sun as much as possible during the healing process. Once the incision is closed, typically one to two weeks after the trauma occurs, you can apply sunscreen to the injured area. Dr. Sugg recommends an SPF 50+ sunscreen that isn’t heavily scented to help avoid an allergic or undesirable skin reaction.

Additional things you can do to help prevent permanent scarring include:

• Don’t do too much too early that would require movement of the injured area.
• Take proper care of the incision or wound.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Don’t smoke.

Treatment of Scars

When it comes to scars, Dr. Sugg explains that sometimes time is the best form of treatment. “Scars form scar tissue for up to three weeks after the trauma occurs and continue to remodel for up to two years,” Dr. Sugg explains. Although waiting may be difficult, it’s often most beneficial to give your scar proper time to heal and remodel on its own before pursuing additional treatment from a provider.

However, if time passes and the way your scar looks is still bothering you, there are treatment options available. “Depending on your scar’s characteristics, we may recommend massage or laser treatment, adding a skin graph or filler, or reopening the incision to create a new scar,” Dr. Sugg explains.

Take action now to help any injuries on their way to optimal healing.