This archive report was first published on 5 November 2021.
Scars are a common concern for many individuals, but they are a natural part of the body's healing process. When a wound occurs on the skin, a protein called collagen forms around the wound to heal it, resulting in a noticeable scar.
The appearance of a scar depends on various factors, including the shape, size, and depth of the wound, as well as the amount of blood flow to the area, skin color, and skin thickness. There are three types of scars: normal scars, hypertrophic scars, and keloid scars, with the latter being the most raised and thick.
While keloid scars may require specialized treatment, there are several remedies that can help prevent and treat hypertrophic and normal scars. One of the most effective remedies is onion extract, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce scar formation at the cellular level.
A 2012 study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that a gel containing onion extract significantly improved and softened scars in a period of four weeks. Another study in 2020 investigated the effectiveness of onion extract in mothers who had undergone a second caesarean delivery, with the results showing that the subjects who used the onion extract gel had less raised scarring and color change and better blood supply to the wound area.
Onion extract can be found in various products, including gels and creams, and should be applied to the affected area twice a day. Another effective remedy is silicone sheets and gel, which can be used to prevent and treat scarring. Silicone is even more effective than onion extract gels and can be used to improve the appearance of hypertrophic scars.
A 2012 review found that silicone can significantly improve the appearance of hypertrophic scars, while a 2018 Chinese study found that silicone gel helped prevent scarring in infants who had undergone cleft lip surgery. Silicone sheeting has been used by doctors for over 35 years to prevent scars in their patients.
Some experts believe that silicone mimics the skin's barrier, which helps lock and trap moisture to heal the wound without scarring. Silicone sheets also exert a small amount of pressure on the scar, flattening it and making it soft. The recommended product for scarring is ScarAway, which can be found in local beauty or health stores or online.
For more severe scarring, laser therapy is the most effective way to diminish its appearance. Laser therapy uses powerful wavelengths of light to dissolve scar tissue and stimulate healthy collagen production. It can help prevent scar formation after surgery or injury, reduce scar pain and itchiness, and increase range of motion if the scar limits movement.
However, the results of laser therapy depend on the expertise of the doctor, and it's essential to look for a certified dermatologist who has experience in laser therapy. It may take more than one session to significantly reduce scarring, with three to five sessions spaced out at least a week apart.
