You can find rosehip oil at a health supply store or pharmacy, or buy it online. Don’t apply rosehip oil or any other essential oil directly to your skin, or it could cause irritation. Dilute it in a carrier oil or moisturizer first. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Use 15 drops of rosehip oil per 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of the carrier oil of your choice (such as coconut or olive oil) unless your doctor or a naturopathic medicine practitioner recommends a different dosage. [4] X Research source
You can buy pure liquid onion extract or purchase a gel or ointment containing onion extract. If it’s not available in pharmacies or health stores in your area, check online. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
Start by applying a very thin layer of vitamin E ointment to your scar, and increase the amount you use gradually if you don’t have any adverse reactions. Only use as much as recommended on the product label or by your doctor. Stop using the ointment if you experience side effects such as skin irritation, itching, burning, blistering, redness, or a rash. If you decide to try vitamin E oil or ointment, do a patch test first. Put a small amount of the ointment on a discreet area, such as the back of your knee or behind your ear, and wait 24-48 hours to see if you have a reaction. [8] X Research source
You can buy silicone gel or silicone scar sheets at most pharmacies. You can also order these treatments online.
Retinol creams. These are particularly effective for treating acne scars. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Glycolic acid. This ingredient has also been shown to be effective for reducing acne scars, especially when combined with retinoic acid. [12] X Research source Protective or moisturizing ingredients, such as oxybenzone (a sunblock)[13] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source , petroleum jelly[14] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source , or paraffin. [15] X Research source
Over-the-counter peels are not usually as effective as peels done by a medical professional, but they may help reduce the appearance of light scaring. Peels containing glycolic acid or salicylic-mandelic acid may be particularly effective. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Fillers are a temporary solution since the injected substance breaks down after a while. You may need to repeat this treatment once every 6 months.
Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin and some skin care products, before the procedure. You should also avoid smoking for as long as possible both before and after the procedure. As you recover from dermabrasion, protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, cleaning the area regularly, and using ointments as recommended by your doctor to promote healing.
The effectiveness of this treatment will depend on a lot of factors, including any medical conditions you have and any medications you are currently taking. Give your doctor or dermatologist detailed information about your health before attempting laser therapy. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Follow your doctor’s home care instructions carefully to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. For example, you’ll need to protect the area from the sun after the treatment until it fully heals. Certain medications, supplements, or recreational drugs can delay the healing process and make laser treatment less effective. These include tobacco, vitamin E, aspirin, and topical medications that contain glycolic acid or retinoids.
If you choose to get surgical revision for a scar, it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. This treatment may not completely eliminate the scar, and you may also need multiple procedures in order to get the best results. Not all scars are good candidates for surgical correction. Ask your doctor, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon if this treatment is a good option for you. Scar revision surgery works best on scars that are at least 12-18 months old.
The skin for the graft is typically taken from behind your ear lobe. You may need a resurfacing treatment a few weeks after the surgery to correct any differences in color and texture between the grafted skin and the skin around it. Follow your doctor’s care instructions for treating your skin both before and after the surgery for the best results.
It may take several weeks for the scar tissue to come off, and several more weeks for the area to heal. Follow your doctor’s home care instructions carefully. They will show you how to dress the wound and keep it clean. Your doctor will probably also provide medications to help you manage any pain during and after the treatment. Cryosurgery may affect your skin color or pigmentation.
Cortisone injections often work best when combined with other treatments, such as cryosurgery. Your doctor may combine the steroid injection with a local anesthetic to reduce pain. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Cortisone injections could possibly lead to skin atrophy, skin ulcers, as well as hypo- or hyperpigmentation. [28] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Avoid soaps that contain harsh perfumes and dyes. If you’re getting medical treatment for your wound, follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning and dressing it. Don’t worry about using antibacterial soap. Studies show that they are no more effective at preventing infections than regular soaps, and may do more harm than good. [30] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
Change the bandage, clean the wound, and reapply the petroleum jelly daily or any time the bandage gets wet or dirty.
If you have a third degree burn or a second degree burn that is larger than 3 inches (7. 6 cm) across, seek medical care immediately. Don’t try to treat a severe burn on your own. [33] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source You can also ask your doctor for a silver sulfadiazine prescription to help prevent infections for second- or third-degree burns. [34] X Research source
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you have a scar from surgery, your surgeon will probably recommend that you keep it protected from the sun for at least 1 year. [36] X Research source
Don’t attempt to remove the stitches on your own. Visit your doctor’s office and ask them to remove the stitches for you. Get stitches on your face removed after 3-5 days, on your scalp and chest after 7-10 days, and on your limbs after 10-14 days. [38] X Research source
