DOS AND DON'TS There are steps you can take to help heal skin with as little residual scarring as possible.
The key to lessening scarring is to decrease the amount of work the body has to do to heal the scar, Krant says. Here's how:
DO NOT FALL FOR THE FALSE ADVERTISING OF SCAR CREAMS
You might have heard that vitamin E can help reduce scarring, but this has not been proven in a high-quality study (a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial). In fact, no over-the-counter product claiming to prevent scars has been scientifically shown to significantly improve scarring.
KEEP THE WOUND MOIST
Apply petroleum jelly to the wound and cover it with a non-stick bandage. This can speed healing and minimize scarring, says Krant.
MASSAGE THE WOUND
On the other hand, massaging the scar daily with vitamin E may help promote a less visible scar, says Krant.
AVOID THE SUN
Keeping the scar away from sunlight can help minimize discoloration.
