Steps to Reduce Scarring After Injury | Biodermis.com

Injuries are sometimes an unavoidable part of life that children, adolescents, and adults will experience at some in time or other. Injuries such as scrapes, cuts, and burns can all lead to scarring if the wound in severe enough. For this reason, it’s important to take the proper steps to take care of your wounds so they don’t develop excessive scarring. While scars can’t always be avoided, there are ways to treat them after they have fully formed.

In this article, we will explore ways to reduce scarring after injury and what you can do for the scars you already have.  

Have a first aid kit handy

Having a first aid kit handy, especially when you are on a vacation or trip, can be useful when an unexpected injury occurs. Some things that a first aid kit may include are antiseptic wipes, bandages, antibiotic ointment, medical tape, soap, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, scissors, thermometer, a splint, and anything else you think would be appropriate in case of emergency.

Be mindful of wound infection

Open wounds can become easily infected if they aren’t properly treated and managed. Wounds become infected when germs or other pathogens enter the wound site. Some common signs of wound infection include the following: redness, pain, swollenness, hot to the touch, puss, and feeling sick.

If you suspect your wound is infected, gently lather it with soap and rinse it with water. Then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage. It’s important to treat infected wounds right away to prevent excess scarring down the road. If the infection doesn’t go away after treating it, consult a doctor.  

Keep wounds hydrated

Many people think that keeping wounds dry is the best way to go. However, wounds heal best in a humid environment. Moisture helps the wound pass through the four stages of wound healing: hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation. By keeping a wound moist, you will be helping specialized skin cells such as fibroblasts and collagen rebuild the damaged skin. You can keep your wound hydrated by applying an ointment, covering it with a bandage and drinking plenty of water.

Don’t apply harsh chemicals to the skin

For many years, people have been applying alcohol and hydrogen peroxide to their wounds to prevent infection. However, these chemical agents can burn and damage the skin if too much is applied. Because it is difficult to measure how much alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to apply to the wound, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Soap and water should be enough to clean the wound of any germs and pathogens.

Healthy diet and exercise

Having a healthy diet and regular exercise will improve the body’s cardiovascular health and may improve blood flow, which is an important aspect of wound healing. Consuming a diet high in proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins can help accelerate the wound healing process. Exercise makes the heart pump faster, which increases oxygen intake and blood circulation, both of which can improve wound healing and reduce scarring. 

Silicone gel for scar management

Sometimes, scars are unavoidable no matter how well you manage your wound. Therefore, Biodermis revolutionized the cosmeceutical industry by bringing medical-grade silicone gel for scars to the market. Topical silicone for scars has been used for over 30 years for scar management and clinical evidence supports its efficacy. Silicone gel works simply and effectively through dermal hydration and collagen regulation. Silicone is hypoallergenic and safe for use with children and pregnant women. You can purchase products through your physician or online at biodermis.com.

 

Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.