Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin or other tissue after injury or surgery. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process of the body. No two scars are the same and each person’s scars heal differently. Your scar may be reddened at first and then settle down to become smoother and paler in colour. It can take up to 12-18 months after your injury or operation for a scar to heal.
A normal scar will become darker initially and after a period of time this will start to fade. Dark scars can remain for years or indefinitely in people with darker skin.
Eat a balanced diet, especially food rich in vitamins, minerals and protein, such as milk, yoghurt and green leafy vegetables. Also, try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, unless otherwise advised.
Smoking delays the healing process. Scars in people who smoke do not heal as well as those in people who don’t smoke.
Your scar is very susceptible to strong sunlight and can burn easily, so please try to avoid exposing your scar to the sun. You should use a very strong sun block (SPF 50 or higher) on your scar for 18 months after the injury/surgery that caused the scar. Afterwards, a normal SPF 30 or higher should be used before going out in strong sunlight. Apply it one hour before going outside and reapply it frequently and generously. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and shorts will also give you some protection. If you have facial scars, wear a hat to shade your face.
Your doctors will advise you when it will be safe to resume exercise before you leave hospital. This also includes what type of exercises you need to take.
Massage your scar
Massaging may relieve itchiness and help to flatten the scar. We advise the use of a non-perfumed moisturising cream as this will help reduce friction on your skin when you massage the area.
You can use cosmetic make-up or skin camouflage cream to disguise your scar, provided it is completely healed. In hospital, you can ask to speak to the scar management clinical nurse specialist for advice.
Scarring is an inevitable result of the natural healing process that occurs when the skin repairs itself after wounding. As noted above, the scar initially appears red and raised but will usually fade over time. In many patients it will flatten as it matures over a twelve to twenty four month period.
Healing is a long process and unfortunately for some people, as the scar matures, it can become highly visible, especially if it is not managed appropriately. However timely and appropriate care can minimise its appearance.
Management of scars is usually a staged process. Once the wound is closed and healed, good scar management can involve:
Information on this page has been provided by Flordelyn Selim, Scar Management Clinical Nurse Specialist, Royal London Hospital.