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While there are no miracle cures when it comes to healing scars fast, there are a variety of treatments you can try. Although not all might work for you, some might. By using prescription and over the counter products, trying homeopathic remedies, and taking steps so the scar doesn’t get worse, you may have success getting your scars to heal quickly.
Steps
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Apply silicone gel sheets. Silicone gel sheets have been shown to be very effective in healing scars quickly. These can be purchased over-the-counter from a local pharmacy. Follow the instructions on the box to apply them to your scar. [1] X Expert Source R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 14 May 2021. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source- In most cases, silicone gel sheets should be left on the site of the scar for 12 hours or more. You’ll have to reapply another sheet the following day.
- Healing time will vary from person to person. You may see your scar reduced in days, weeks, or months. [3] X Research source
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Use Vaseline. Vaseline (petroleum jelly) has the effect of moisturizing skin and scars. Moisture on skin will increase skin growth and regeneration. This may, in some circumstances, decrease the appearance of scars and help them heal quickly. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to sourceAdvertisement
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Put sunscreen on the scar. By applying sunscreen, you’ll help reduce the chance of red or brown discoloration occurring around the cut or scar. [5] X Expert Source R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 14 May 2021. In addition, sunscreen will protect the skin, keep it moist and promote new skin growth.- Rely on a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher.
- You should continue to apply sunscreen for several weeks. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- If you have dermatological issues, you may want to consult your dermatologist. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
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Use corticosteroid injections. Talk to your doctor about getting corticosteroid injections. By injecting corticosteroids into the site of a scar, you may be able to heal it or reduce its appearance. [8] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Steroids undermine the bonds of collagen fibers in your skin, which will help break down scar tissue. Once the scar tissue is broken down, new skin will grow in its place. [9] X Research source
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Apply aloe vera. Aloe vera is widely believed to help heal cuts and scars. By applying aloe vera to your scar, you’ll promote quick healing. To use aloe vera, simply take some and rub it on your wound or scar. Apply it up to three times a day to help it heal quickly. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Avoid using Vitamin E. While many people believe that Vitamin E helps scars, it can actually cause rashes or irritation. To be safe, don't put Vitamin E oil, gel, or capsules on your scar. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Don’t use hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has the effect of destroying skin cells. By using hydrogen peroxide, you’ll inhibit the growth of healthy cells and prolong the longevity of a scar. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Instead of using hydrogen peroxide to clean a wound, try antibiotic ointment or aloe vera. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
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Cover your cut. Many people recommend allowing a cut or scar to “breathe.” Unfortunately, this has the impact of inhibiting cell growth. Instead, cover your cut and keep it moist with aloe vera or something similar. [15] X Trustworthy Source HealthyChildren.org Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Go to source
- Use an adhesive bandage or gauze to cover the cut or scar.
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Avoid frequent sun exposure. Whenever a wound or scar is healing, you should stay out of the sun. Sun exposure could undermine the ability of the skin to heal correctly. It could make the scar worse. As a result, if you must go outside, make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat, long clothes, and sunscreen. [16] X Expert Source R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 14 May 2021. [17] X Research source
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References
- ↑ R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scars/treatment/
- ↑ https://uihc.org/health-topics/caring-your-burn-after-hospitalization
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars
- ↑ R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/wound-care
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/scars
- ↑ http://nyulangone.org/conditions/scars-keloids/treatments/medical-treatment-for-scars-keloids
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25003428/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1781083/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21466-hypertrophic-scar
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/1101/p2029.html
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Treating-Cuts.aspx
- ↑ R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
- ↑ https://msktc.org/burn/factsheets/Scar-Management
About This Article
Article Summary
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Although there are no miracle cures when it comes to healing your scars, there are a few things you can do to help your skin recover. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera or Vaseline to your scar up to 3 times a day to hydrate your skin and help it heal. Cover your scar with an adhesive bandage after applying aloe vera or Vaseline, which will keep your scar moist and promote cell growth. Alternatively, cover your scar with a silicon gel sheet and change it every day. Try to avoid going out in the sun while your scar is healing since sun exposure can actually make a scar worse. If you do go outside, always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your scar. This will protect your skin from discoloration. If your scar doesn’t look any better after a few months, talk to your doctor about corticosteroid injections, which can help your skin heal quicker. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to safely clean a wound, read on!
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