Can Scars Get Worse?
Ok, so you have a scar. You’ve had it for some time now. But can it actually get worse if you leave it alone?
In the initial stages of a wound, there are various phases that affect how the wound will heal:
--How well was the wound care? Was it immediate? Was it infected?
--Are you a smoker? Research shows that the healing process is slower for a smoker vs. non-smoker.
--Was the wound exposed to sun?
There are also other factors…
Personal – Younger skin tends to be more resilient than older skin. Simply put, younger skin has more elasticity and heals more quickly. In addition, darker skin tends to show scars more visibly than lighter skin and can lead to hyperpigmented scars (look darker than they are) or keloid scars. If you happen to have health issues, such as diabetes or lupus, you may experience sub-optimal wound healing and may develop scars that can take longer to heal or be more prominent. Finally, smoking. If you are a smoker, you are getting decreased oxygen flow to your entire body. That means, your body (and scar) gets less circulation and nutrients, hence healing will be less efficient.
Environmental – If you have a new scar, try to avoid the sun. Putting at least SPF 30 on your scar will help protect your skin and reduce scar hyperpigmentation.
Allergies – Some people put Vitamin E topically on scars. Sure, Vitamin E offers benefits to scars and skin. However, if you’ve never used Vitamin E, there may be a possibility that you’re allergic to it. If you use it and notice inflammation or itching, that will affect the healing and overall appearance of your scar. Discontinue the use of Vitamin E in that situation.
Location – The location of your scar plays a role in healing as well. If your scar is on a joint, let’s say your elbow or knee, the skin on that area is always being moved and stretched. This causes the scar to get wider over time and to become more visible.
So, now you know that various factors can affect the outcome of your scar. But with that knowledge comes the power to get the best possible outcome for your scar. The location of your scar may not be in your control, but how you protect and care for your scar is absolutely up to you.
[Editor’s Note: The good news is that whether you have an old scar or new scar, Scarology can help fade your scar faster than without treatment. More importantly, many scars become barely visible after the application of Scarology! See some amazing before and after photos in our gallery.
