How to prevent scars from wounds
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, a scar refers to a cicatrix. To reduce the risk of scarring after a wound, comprehensive care is necessary, including thorough wound debridement and disinfection, precise suturing with tension reduction, infection prevention, proper nutrition, and avoiding direct sunlight exposure. It is also important to protect the wound in daily life, avoiding unnecessary friction and irritation to minimize the possibility of scar formation.
Generally speaking, scars refer to cicatricial tissues. To reduce the risk of scarring after a wound, comprehensive care is required, including thorough debridement and disinfection, precise suturing and tension reduction, infection prevention, proper diet, and avoiding direct sunlight exposure. The details are as follows:
1. Thorough Debridement and Disinfection
Immediately after injury, the wound should be thoroughly cleaned with normal saline or hydrogen peroxide to remove foreign bodies, dirt, and contaminants, thus avoiding infection or foreign body residue that may lead to scar formation. Additionally, local disinfection using iodophor or medical alcohol should be performed to prevent bacterial infection.
2. Precise Suturing and Tension Reduction
For deep or large wounds, precise suturing should be performed promptly. Using cosmetic sutures can help reduce wound tension, promote flat healing, and minimize scar formation. Tension-reducing suturing techniques can decrease pulling forces during the healing process, thus reducing scar width and degree of elevation.
3. Infection Prevention
Infection is one of the key factors leading to scar formation. Keep the wound dry and clean, and avoid getting it wet or contacting contaminants. Before the wound heals, do not touch or peel off the scab with your hands to prevent infection. If symptoms of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus occur, seek medical attention promptly.
4. Proper Diet
During the wound healing period, avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, ginger, and mustard, as well as "heat-provoking" foods like mutton and seafood. These foods may irritate the wound, exacerbate inflammatory responses, and thereby promote scar formation. It is recommended to maintain a bland and easily digestible diet, with increased intake of foods rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, which can help promote wound healing and reduce scar formation.
5. Avoid Direct Sunlight Exposure
Newly formed skin tissue is relatively fragile. Ultraviolet radiation can stimulate melanocytes in the skin to produce large amounts of melanin, leading to pigmentation or darkening of the scar. Therefore, for a period after wound healing, avoid direct sunlight exposure to the wound area. When going outdoors, cover the wound with clothing or use sun protection measures such as an umbrella.
In daily life, attention should be paid to wound protection, avoiding unnecessary friction and irritation to reduce the possibility of scar formation. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet contributes to skin health and repair.
