SCAR CARE 101
Scarring is a natural part of your wound’s healing process, and most often occurs from burns, surgery, and other types of trauma. When your skin is wounded, the tissue is broken, and this causes a protein called collagen to be released. When collagen builds up around the affected area it goes to work healing and strengthening the wound. Expect in case of stretch marks. Stretch marks are a type of scarring that occur below the surface of the skin and are caused when there is a rapid break down of collagen within the tissue. Such is the case for pregnant women, body builders, and in some adolescents as they enter into puberty.
The time it takes for scars to fully heal will vary from person to person, and the type of wound that you have. Typically surgical incisions can heal more quickly because your skin has been bound with stitches, glue, or other methods of bonding. Whereas wounds where your skin has been taking off to a deep level, such as burns, the process can take much longer.
To aid in the healing of scars most people turn to over-the-counter remedies. While these remedies are effective in some ways, like keeping the area treated with antibiotic ointments, they don’t always help with getting rid of the scar once the healing process is complete. Because over-the-counter creams are made for the masses, they aren’t formulized for your specific needs, or even your “type” of scar.
During the process of healing, you should always follow your phyician’s instructions, and keep the area clean, and dry.
A FEW MORE TIPS TO CONSIDER:
- Limit your exposure to the sun during the healing process. This is help in limiting redness and irritation to the area.
- If your wound needs to be dressed, keeping your dressing fresh and dry is key to avoiding infection.
- Limit your use of or do not use household soap to clean your wound until it is fully healed. Unless the soap is specially made for wounds, household soap can irritate and dry out the area.
- Do not allow the area to stay wet it is exposed to moisture. This can cause bacteria to form and create an infection.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE FUSION SPECIALTY PHARMACY’S SCAR GEL INSTEAD OF OVER-THE-COUNTER REMEDIES
Our Scar Gel is specially formulated for the treatment of scars and healing. Through compounding, our pharmacist are able to combine an optimal dosage, and high quality ingredients for your customized cream or gel.
Our pharmacist works with you and your physician to create a topical compound medication that can be used in every stage of your healing process.
Over-the-counter remedies are made for the masses, not the individual. They are also typically not made for your specific wound or scar, and if you have alergies to certain ingredients or medications, they cannot be adjusted for your needs.
Because we make our Scar Gel for you personally, your Scar Gel is made with pharmaceutical-grade medications, and we can leave out things that could irritate you! We also formulate the right treatment for your type of scar, because not all scars will respond to the same treatment.
COMMON TYPES OF SCARS
There are various reasons why scars develop differently from one person to the next. However, factors that characterize the type of scar may include the depth, size, and location of the injury or wound. Below you will find scars types and their descriptions.
KELOID SCAR
This type of scar can be a result because of an over production of collagen. They
BURN SCARS (contracture scars)
Contracture scars normally results from
ACNE SCARS (atrophic scars)
A very common type of scar that results from severe to moderate acne. Acne scars can be formed on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back, and present as depressions or pits in the skin. Acne scars can also cause discoloration of skin tone and texture.
HYPERTROPHIC SCARS – (surgical scars / c-section)
Hypertrophic scars are raised and discolored area of the skin resulting from a surgical incision or other trauma to the skin. Unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars do not leave the margins or confines of the wound’s original site.
HYPERPIGMENTED SCARS
These scars are typically flat and discolored (usually red in appearance) and can appear after the injury site has healed.
STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks appear when the underlying skin tissue has been stretched leaving discolored lines on the skin.
SURGICAL SCARS
Some surgical scars do not turn unto raised or hypertrophic scars, but can be discolored, or even concave leaving the affected area with a furrow-like appearance.
