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Minor skin injuries from gardening, cooking, sports, and everyday activities happen, but scarring doesn't necessarily have to follow! Scars are common when the skin gets cut, whether it is from scrapes, scratches, lacerations, surgery, ulcers, or burns.1 Knowing basic wound care is crucial for preventing scars, ensuring your skin heals without leaving a lasting reminder of your injury!
- The deeper the cut, scratch, or scrape the more likely your skin is to scar
- Proper wound care, including minimizing the risk of infection can promote healing and reduce scar formation
Stick to healthy habits to promote healing and use
What is a scar and why does it happen? When a skin cut reaches deeper layers of skin, a scar can happen. In the body’s rush to protect itself and close that wound, it doesn’t do as nice of a job putting things back together as ideal. The new collagen is thicker and is less bendy than the rest of the skin, appearing as a scar.2
To minimize scarring after scratches and cuts, it's crucial to avoid certain practices that can slow the healing process and lead to worse scarring. Here are some things to keep in mind to avoid scarring:
Minimize the risk of infection
Neglecting wound care can increase the risk of infection and result in more severe scarring.3,4 So, keep your open wounds clean and don’t touch them with dirty hands!4 If you are out and about and your bandage falls off, you can sterilize your hands with Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 7.5% Skin Cleanser as it has antimicrobial action that works in as early as 30 seconds4-7 based on in vitro studies. (Note: Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 7.5% Skin Cleanser is not recommended for continuous daily use throughout the year.)
For an on-the-go antiseptic, use Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 2.5% Dry Powder Spray. It has no touch, no drip, no sting, transient cooling effect.8, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 2.5% Dry Powder Spray utilizes an aerosol delivery system. Rapid evaporation of the liquid phase is responsible for the cooling effect.
As an at home or outdoor remedy, clean your wound with Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Wound Solution. Then cover that wound back up to protect it.4
Promote Wound Healing
Keep your wound moist to speed up healing and promote a faster recovery with Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 5% Cream or Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Ointment! A moist wound prevents dehydration, boosts collagen, and reduces pain and infection risk.3It's a win-win for better healing and fewer hassles!
Avoid Picking or Scratching the Wound
Don't pick or scratch scabs! It disrupts healing, increases infection risk, and can make a scar more likely to develop.1
Avoid Exposing the Wound to Sunlight
Direct sunlight exposure to a healing wound can result in hyperpigmentation and make the scar more noticeable.9It's important to keep the wound covered or use sunscreen to protect it from harmful UV rays.10
Applying Harsh Chemicals
Avoid applying harsh chemicals or irritants to the wound, such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.11,12It is a common wound care myth that these substances will improve wound healing; instead, they may interfere with the natural healing process and cause irritation, leading to potential scarring.11,12
Healthy Habits for Better Healing
For quicker healing, ditch smoking, junk food, and alcohol.11,13 The more strain you put on your body the harder it will be for it to heal. Poor health and nutrition habits can impair healing and increase your chance of infections.13
By avoiding these practices and following proper wound care guidelines, individuals can help minimize the risk of developing bad scars and promote better wound healing.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
