Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process. They form when the deeper layers of the skin get damaged, such as from surgery, burns, or accidents. While scars can be seen as unsightly, they may also cause physical discomfort. Fortunately, with the right treatment, these symptoms can be alleviated, and in some cases, the appearance of the scar can be reduced.

Common scar complaints

A scar lacks several functions that healthy skin possesses, often leading to discomfort. Common issues associated with scars include:

  • Itching and pain
  • Persistent redness
  • Thick, pink ‘bands’ of skin
  • A pulling sensation, as if the skin is stretched too tightly

By using proper scar treatment such as a proven effective scar cream and silicone scar therapy, you can prevent and reduce these symptoms. Whether the scar is recent or older, regular care can help improve its appearance.

scar cream

What is a scar?

When the body repairs a deep wound, it forms scar tissue. Deep wounds, such as those from surgery, burns or accidents, will always result in a scar. Initially, a scab covers the wound, and once it falls off, the new skin beneath it is the scar.

In the early stages, a scar is typically raised, red, and sensitive. Scars remain ‘active’ for around two years, meaning this period is when treatment can have the greatest impact on their improvement.

Your scar after two years

After about two years, the scar is considered ‘mature’ or ‘fully developed’. It will most likely have gone through all scar healing stages. In the ideal scenario, a scar will become lighter (almost white) and blend more seamlessly with the surrounding skin. However, scar tissue will always be more delicate than the rest of the skin and requires extra care, especially in sunlight.

During the scar healing stages, it is possible for a normal scar to develop into a hypertrophic or keloid scar. These types of scars have symptoms such as pain, itching, redness and more. To reduce and prevent these complaints, it is recommended to use proven effective scar treatment as soon as possible.

back scar

Different types of scars

While scars are a natural part of healing, not all scars form in the same way. Sometimes, the healing process does not go as expected, leading to abnormal scars. The appearance and symptoms of these scars can worsen if left untreated. Timely scar treatment can help prevent abnormal scars and discomfort. To this end, different types of scars require different scar treatment.

Normal scars

A normal scar is ideal. Normal scars are flat, narrow, and fade from light red to white over time, making them less noticeable.

Typical symptoms of a normal scar include:

  • Mild itching
  • Redness
  • A slight pulling sensation
  • Possible minor thickening of the skin

These issues are most prominent in the first six weeks after the wound heals, but gradually subside. The scar will continue to soften and change colour for up to one year.

Important: Even a normal scar can develop into an abnormal one. You can treat a normal scar with scar cream or silicone sheets to prevent development of an abnormal scar and its symptoms.

Normal scars

Hypertrophic scars

A hypertrophic scar is red, firm, and abnormally thickened. The scar tissue lump extends above the surrounding skin. The term hypertrophic comes from the Latin word for ‘overgrowth’.

Symptoms include:

  • Itching
  • Pain
  • A tight, pulling sensation

Hypertrophic scars typically appear six weeks after the wound closes. It can continue thickening and reddening for up to two years. To prevent a hypertrophic scar from developing or increasing in thickness and redness, silicone scar therapy is recommended.

Learn more about hypertrophic scars

Keloid scars

A keloid scar is severely thickened and the scar tissue lump continues to grow beyond the original wound boundaries. These scars often appear bright red to purple, and the scar tissue causes pain.

Common symptoms include:

  • Itching
  • Pain
  • A pulling sensation
  • Severe stiffness, which may restrict movement, especially around joints such as the hands or elbows.

Keloid scars require immediate treatment, as they do not heal on their own. Silicone scar therapy is usually used with pressure garments. Consult a GP or specialist to explore treatment options.

Learn more about keloid scars

Keloid scars

Atrophic scars

An atrophic scar is sunken rather than raised, lying below the normal skin level. It may appear as a small depression or ‘pit’, meaning the scar tissue is thinner and more fragile than the surrounding skin.

No cream or scar patch can raise the indentation of an atrophic scar. However, using scar cream or silicone sheets can reduce redness, itching, dryness, and improve skin flexibility.

Atrophic scars are most commonly caused by acne, chicken pox or stretch marks, and they are difficult to prevent.

Atrophic scars

Scar treatment

If you want the best possible outcome for your scar, early and consistent care is essential. Using hydrating and protective scar treatments can minimise discomfort, prevent complications and help improve scar healing.

The most effective and non-invasive forms of scar treatment are scar cream and silicone therapy. When trying to find the best treatment for your scar, you should keep in mind that not every product on the market is proven effective as scar treatment.

When to start scar treatment after surgery?

For the below listed scar treatments, it is best to start as soon as possible. This to prevent formation of abnormal scars. 

You can start with silicone therapy for your skin after the wound is closed and scabs have fallen off. After surgery, this also includes after stitches are removed. Do not pick at scabs! This slows down wound healing and can cause abnormal scarring.

Scar cream

A proven effective scar cream is ALHYDRAN. It is an intensely hydrating cream that also helps your skin retain moisture. It provides long-lasting hydration, which ensures good scar healing.

Silicone gel

Silicone therapy is available in different forms. For small scars in the face, a silicone gel would be suitable. Because it can be worn under make-up and is less noticeable than a silicone sheet.

Silicone sheets

Silicone scar sheets offer the best silicone therapy. The Scarban and BAPSCARCARE silicone sheets are available in the normal, thin and pre-shaped types. While BAPSCARCARE silicone sheets are see-through and therefore less noticeable, Scarban sheets offer UV protection.

Do you have a hypertrophic scar? Treating your scar with both ALHYDRAN and silicone sheets will be most effective. For a keloid scar, applying both might still be insufficient, so speaking with a specialist would be the best course of action.