How To Prevent Scarring
The ability to prevent scarring is naturally somewhat dependent upon the severity of the cut or wound. Scarring is almost always present after major surgery, if large incisions have been made, although skilled surgeons can usually to a very good job of keeping scarring to a minimum. Some surgeons even take great pride in being referred to as "seamstresses". They can stitch up a large incision, such as might be required for open heart surgery, and leave a scar that often is barely noticeable unless you look for it. Such scars are usually in places not exposed unless one is in a bathing suit, and even then are looked upon as "battle wounds".
Collagen Causes Scarring - When most of us are in a position to take steps to prevent scarring, it is for the smaller wounds we incur, those caused by accidental cuts or even by skin conditions such as acne. A key to preventing scarring from happening is to understand what is involved in the process. If a cut or scrape to the skin is superficial, and does not extend beyond the outer layer, scarring will usually not occur. The skin immediately begins to heal and, when left to its own devices, will heal to the point where the skin looks as good as new. If the wound extends below the outer layer of the skin however, a different result can occur. When the inner or dermal layer of skin is damaged or cut, the healing process involves creation of collagen. If the right amount of collagen is produced, the wound will usually heal over, leaving no visible scarring. For some wounds, and for some people, an overabundance of collagen is produced, resulting in a raised portion in the skin called a keloid, which we know as a raised scar.
Treat A Wound Correctly - Any attempt to prevent scarring can even be made worse if a wound receives improper treatment. Whenever the skin is cut, the healing process begins almost immediately. If a substance is applied to the skin that interferes with this immediate healing process, excess collagen may be produced and scarring may result. Two substances which are often applied to a wound to encourage healing actually do quite the opposite, and those substances are vitamin E and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide will do an excellent job of cleansing a wound, there's no doubt about that, but it also interferes with healing. Vitamin E applications, though highly touted by some, do not appear to have any beneficial results, but can interfere from healing.
You can also take steps to prevent scarring by keeping the area of the wound away from direct sunlight as much as possible. Sunlight doesn't interfere with the healing process but can result in discoloration of the wounded area. If a scar does develop, it can then become discolored as well as forming an area of raised skin.
Scabs Not Good - We also have a tendency to allow a wound to scab over, regarding the scab as a natural part of the healing process. It is in a sense, but a scab also prevents the wound from healing naturally, and its presence may encourage scarring. Wearing a band aid is far better than allowing a wound to scab over, as it will enable the wound to heal in a more normal fashion. Wounds that heal normally are far less apt to leave a scar.
A Little Massage Can Help - Once a wound is healed, collagen may still be being produced and a scar could still appear. To prevent scarring in this case, it's recommended that the area around the wound be lightly massaged several times a day for several days. A moisturizing lotion can be applied during the massage as long as the wound is closed. This massaging action has a tendency to break down newly formed collagen bonds, either preventing scarring, or if a scar is present, making it much less noticeable. While not all scarring can be avoided, there are instances in which you can take steps to control your own destiny, and either prevent scarring or improve the appearance of a scar that has developed.