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How To Reduce Scar Redness

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How To Reduce Scar Redness

After a wound has healed the scar is commonly red and in some cases raised. This is a normal phase of the skin's recovery process and most scars will turn into a more skin-like color eventually.

Read on to find out how to reduce this scar redness and how to prevent the scar from becoming raised or to flatten it. The advice given is based on my experiences and on clinical trials and studies. Only proven treatments are recommended and some myths are debunked.

How To Reduce Scar Redness

The best remedy are silicone scar treatment sheets and in lesser amount (liquid) gels. These products are the golden standard in scar treatment.

Originally used by burn centers and later on cosmetic surgeons and hospitals they are the proven most effective over the counter treatment for red and raised scars.

Reduce Scar Redness with Silicone Patches

Causes of Scar Redness

scar erythema

Scars can be red, itchy, elevated, indented, firm, contracting and even growing out of the original wound boundaries. Many red scars are so called hypertrophic scars. More on this type later.

Especially surgical scars can be red (erythematous) This has probably to do with the depth of a surgical incision.

How does a scar get red?
Initially, all scars are red. This is due to the healing process which has to do with the creation of new tissue and cells. In order to do so the body forms extra blood vessels which purpose is to support this new scar tissue. There is also an increased blood flow to support this process which also adds to the red color.

How long will scars stay red?
This will take from about 9 months till up to 18 months. Scars in children tend to stay red for a longer period. It also depends on skin type, genetics, race, life style, and other factors.

How to reduce the red color of scars quickly?
Well, the answer is that it depends on what your definition of quick is. It can be done in a few weeks but this depends on various factors such as location on the body, skin type, general health, genetics, whether or not someone smokes tobacco, and more.

Clinical trial shows scar redness fades on average at 7 months.

Silicone Patches and Gels Reduce Scar Redness

Several studies have shown this to be the most effective product to use on red scars. (works also relatively well on other types such as keloids, burn and other raised scars)

The patches decrease the scar's visibility by reducing the redness and thickness making it more skin color, flat and soft. They realize decrease of redness and pain or itch almost immediately. This over the counter treatment often works whereas other conventional therapies do not.

"86% to 94% of scars treated with silicone sheets improved in appearance and elasticity within two months, compared with only 12% of untreated scars.

At two months and six months, the skin of the treated scars was significantly more extensible than the untreated scars."

(Burns-1994 - Carney S.A. et el)

Reduce Scar Redness with Silicone Patches

the best product to fade scar redness

I have used these patches myself on several types of scars. Mostly surgical and scars from cuts. These patches have to be applied daily for a minimum of 12 to 14 hours and this for several weeks at least.

For the optimal result a treatment of months is needed but these do actually work. My scars did improve and the redness was already reduced considerably after a few weeks. More info on how I used these patches on the page mentioned just below this section.
ScarAway Professional Grade Silicone Scar Treatment Sheets - Full Dr. Recommended 12 Week Supply 12 Multi-Use Patches with Free Storage Case Included

ScarAway Professional Grade Silicone Scar Treatment Sheets - Full Dr. Recommended 12 Week Supply 12 Multi-Use Patches with Free Storage Case Included

Amazon Price: $31.50 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

Silicone scar patches are clinically proven effective. ScarAway is a reputable brand that makes high quality silicones. They are known as doctor-approved medical devices.

Reduce Scar Redness Tips

DIY Treatment

silicone gel dressing for scarsHere are some tips on how to reduce the redness of your scar and how to avoid it becoming even more red.

  • Keep the scar out of the sun at all times. Newly formed scars are very sensitive to sunlight. Sunlight radiation will make the scar more red and is also in other ways detrimental to its appearance. Use a sunscreen of minimal SPF 30 and cover the scar as much as possible by clothing or plasters. Keep in mind that many clothes do not provide much protection against sunshine. A simple white cotton t-shirt only has a SPF of 10 or less
  • Massage the scar. Only when the wound has closed completely and always gently and carefully.
  • Keep the scar warm
  • Hydrate the scar. Internally by drinking enough and externally by using a petroleum based emollient (Vaseline)
  • Use silicone gel patches or creams. (creams are less effective than patches)


Many are searching for a quick fix. But reducing scar redness quickly isn't possible. It will at least take a few weeks and possibly longer. So keep in mind to be patient and with the right measures the scar's appearance will be reduced.

Visit The Page Below For My Experiences With Silicones For Scars

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Redness of most scars will fade over time but not always. Treatment can be beneficiary in some cases.

Wound Healing

avoid inflammation

Making sure a wound heals optimally is one of the most effective ways to prevent and control scarring. Prolonged or excessive wound inflammation might result in raised, thick, red scars. (inflammation is when a the surrounding skin of a wound is red and elevated.)

Inflammation can be prevented by keeping wounds in a moist and sterile environment. Research has shown this to be the most advantageous circumstances. The following page offers more information on wound healing.

Scar Tissue and Sunscreen

why protect scars from direct sunlight

Fresh scars (up to 18 months) are susceptible to damage from ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight. The collagen structure can be altered and increased, elastin hardened and hyperpigmentation will occur. In other words, not protecting your new scar from the sun might lead to a more discolored (red and eventually even purple) as well as a thicker and harder scar.

Sunscreen or sun block creams protect scar tissue from ultraviolet radiation.

Scar Massage and Redness

massage carefully and regularly

There are several scar massage techniques known to reduce scars. Important is to always apply gentle pressure and massage very carefully. When the scar tissue gets more red than before massaging it is recommended to stop the massage.

I liked to use an ointment when massaging my scars because it made it less uncomfortable. It depends on the person as well as the type of wound and scar but my scars did hurt when touched. For some parts, especially the part of the scar on the middle of my chest, this discomfortable feeling maintained up to more than a year after surgery. By using a cream or lotion the process of massaging feels smoother, the tissue tends to get red less quickly and you also hydrate the tissue which seems to be an important factor in scar reduction.

Scar Hydration

studies show Vaseline to be an effective moisturizer

hydrationAmong the few measures known to aid in reducing scar redness and improving its overall appearance is scar hydration. Although many products are claimed to be the most effective moisturizers research has shown petrolatum based ointments (e.g. Vaseline) to be the best option. Studies show moisturizing scars helps decreasing itching, pain, and contraction.

Scar Hydration With Manuka Honey Dressings

If there's one natural remedy which skin care benefits can't be overstated it's manuka honey. Much research on its unique abilities has been done the past decades and is still ongoing. Extremely problematic wounds such as those infected with the nearly unbeatable MRSA bacteria are cured with this honey.

Apart from that it has very potent hydrating properties. It is not a proven effective scar redness remedy but it does enhance wound healing and experts suspect it may help scar healing.
Manuka Honey Dressings
Manuka honey boosts wound healing and may possibly aid scar improvement as well.

Keep Scars Warm to Reduce Redness

increased temperature reduces scars

Originally this was concluded after researching pressure therapy. Directly after wound closure pressure garments are applied to the scar. It is thought the pressure decreases blood flow in the tissue among other effects. One of these effects is the increase in scar tissue temperature due to the tight garment weave. This increased temperature, even by 1°C, will significantly increase collagenolysis and scar maturation studies have shown. Thus the use of for example heating packs or paraffin are considered a useful treatment modality.

Pressure therapy in general shows to be effective but not as effective as the use of silicone gel dressings.

Source: rehabpup

Reduce Scar Redness with Zinc Tape

or cream?

A 1982 study among 41 persons reported a reduction of scar redness using adhesive zinc tape in all patients. Keloid and hypertrophic scars from 23 of the 41 patients turned out to be "reduced to the level of the surrounding skin" Also itch was decreased in all patients who complained about itch and had disappeared completely in half of them.

Zinc is known to stimulate the process that reduces excessive scar tissue growth. (collagenase)

I'm not sure about cream. It seems to me it has the same action as zinc tape but zinc also has a moisture repelling action. So I am not sure if this interferes with scar hydration which is known to be a beneficial scar reduction factor. I will get back on this later.

(Soderberg T, Hallmans G, Bartholdson L: Treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars with adhesive zinc tape. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg 16:261, 1982)

The Hypertrophic Scar

red, elevated and sometimes painful

Some scars will fade eventually and become a thin white line. This is not always the case. Many people tend to develop problematic scars. Whether someone is prone to this depends on race, (dark skinned people have a higher risk on hypertrophic scarring), genetics, life style and habits, and the location on the body.

Hypertrophic scars usually start to appear 4 to 8 weeks after wound closure.They are results of overproduction of scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars are most likely to develop in case of deep wounds (such as surgery wounds) and burns. (source)

The center of the chest, where I had a hypertrophic scar a few years ago, is a very delicate part of the skin which needs extra care in order to prevent problems.

Hypertrophic scars are elevated and can take the form of a red raised lump on the skin. They do not grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound such as keloids and their appearance often improves after a few years. Hypertrophic scars can sometimes cause contracture. This can lead to limited movement and can be painful.

You could say hypertrophic scars are the opposite of atrophic scars which are indented / depressed.

The Keloid Scar

benign expanding scar tissue

Keloids are non malignant tumor type scars growing out of the original boundaries of the wound area. They are caused because the body does not stop creating scar tissue. Keloids are hard, raised and permanently red. Although they are not dangerous they are perceived as unsightly by many. Treatment can exist of silicone patches but if these don't work (in the more extreme cases) other measures can be taken. More about this later.

It takes about 12 to 18 months for a scar to mature. This means it is in its final state and will probably have become less noticeable.

Scar Redness will Fade in Time

two phases of natural scar healing

The natural, the body's own, scar healing process consists of two stadia. The immature and mature phase.

The immature phase starts directly after a wound has closed. At this point it is no more a wound but a scar. During this period a scar will evolve. Many scars improve naturally while others tend to worsen. They might get sensitive, itchy or painful. New scars are commonly red but can also be thickened, raised and hard.

When a scar is in its final state, which means it has stopped evolving and collagen production has ended it is considered a mature scar. It will take up to 18 months for a scar to get mature although for smaller, less severe scars this will be a shorter period.

Does Mederma Help Reduce the Redness of my Scar?

onion extract creams not effective

mederma reduce redness scars?Conclusion of several studies have shown hydration of scars to be an important factor in reducing redness and improving overall appearance. This can be achieved with topical petrolatum-based ointment such as Vaseline. There seems to be no need for dedicated (mostly more expensive) scar ointments.

"no statistically significant difference between pre- and posttreatment evaluations of scar erythema and pruritus in patients using topical onion extract gel was found. A statistically significant reduction in scar erythema was found in patients using a petrolatum based ointment."

source: Wiley Interscience

One study on rabbits showed some benefits of onion extract on scars. A report of this study can be found here.

more on Mederma for Red Scars

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Can Vitamin E Help Reduce the Redness of my Scar?

topical vitamin E can cause allergic reactions

Of the different studies conducted on vitamin e and scar redness none have shown efficacy. In fact dermatologists and other medical personnel discourage this home remedy because the same studies did show the topical use of vitamin e capsules did in fact cause skin irritations such as a so called generalized erythema multiforme reaction. (redness, itch and rash)

more on Vitamin E and Red Scars

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The Best Cream For Scar Redness

reduce scar redness with silicone cream

I have used both silicone patches and gels. Some studies state that patches are more effective while others say that ointments are just as good. For places on which patches are hard to keep in place such as the face I would use a cream such as Kelo-cote. For other locations I would personally choose patches, just to be sure.

Kelo-cote is probably the most well-known, very well reviewed silicone cream. After application the gel dries and forms a thin film which covers the scar tissue.
Kelo-cote Advance Formula Scar Gel, 6-Grams

Kelo-cote Advance Formula Scar Gel, 6-Grams

Amazon Price: $15.20 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

Silicone gel has been used since the 1980's in burn centers, hospitals, and other medical facilities. Studies and clinical trials show silicones to be the most effective over the counter product for red and raised scars.

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  • Reply
    Emily Feb 13, 2012 @ 2:59 am | delete
    Hello. I removed a mole from my forehead, it left a deep hole, 3 months later it has now leveled out, but the circle shape is still very visible and red. Do you think this scar will fade? Will it take a long time? Thanks.
  • Reply
    Beas Feb 14, 2012 @ 3:25 am | delete
    Hi Emily, yes it will most likely fade but no one can say for sure how long it will take.
  • Reply
    Justin Feb 12, 2012 @ 12:03 am | delete
    is it normal for my scars from my shoulder surgery to be soft and sometimes painful?
  • Reply
    Beas Feb 14, 2012 @ 3:24 am | delete
    Yes such things are common.
  • Reply
    Li Feb 11, 2012 @ 8:20 am | delete
    Hi thank you for all your information here on this page and silicone scar treatment page. I have have ordered the patches and the gel online and am feeling very positive. I just hope they get here quickly (I'm in Australia and they are coming from the UK). I have also been using internal and topical MSM as well as rose hip oil. Have you had any experience with these?

    I was just wondering if you had found out any further information yet regarding zinc in the form of a cream and it's moisture repelling action. I ask because I diligently wear a zinc based natural sunscreen on my face whenever I am going to be outside (my scars are on my cheek) and I wear a mineral makeup on top of this. I notice that my scars look a lot worse and more pronounced when I am wearing the sunscreen and makeup then at night time when I put lots of moisturiser and oils on them. I am in a catch 22 because I know sun protection is vital for healing scars but so is moisture. I really don't want to have to use a chemical based sunscreen as these can be even more harmful to the skin. I have 2 sunscreens at the moment one is a purely natural zinc base with a lot of natural oils in it, it's a home made company but does not have a SPF # on it and is very easy to wash my face at the end of the day. The other is an Australian brand called Invisible Zinc. This is SPF 30 and is more zinc like in nature, i.e. a lot harder to wash off at the end of the day, takes about 3 washes. And most probably a lot more drying but a definite spf 30. Do you have any suggestions on sun protection? Thank you so much. I am so happy to have found your pages
  • Reply
    Beas Feb 14, 2012 @ 3:23 am | delete
    Hi Li, I did write a post on rose hip oil once. (http://www.scartreatmentblog.com/rosehip-seed-oil-useful-in-scar-treatment/) Regarding the sun block, I'm sorry but I don't know. If I'm correct there are mixed opinions on the use of zinc. What I know of own experience is that my scars became more red and prominent when I was outside even though I wore sunblock. I suspect this was due to warmth, and thus, increased blood flow. Sorry I can't be of more help. Maybe the people on a forum such as SkinCareTalk.com can help you out. Best of luck!
  • Reply
    lisa Feb 11, 2012 @ 3:15 am | delete
    Hi had a cold sore on the end of my nose, it has gone but the skin is still red. I have manuka honey should I apply that to reduce the redness. Any other tips would be really helpful. Thank you.
  • Reply
    Beas Feb 14, 2012 @ 3:14 am | delete
    HI Lisa, I would use that yes. There is no clinical proof it works though. Although some experts think it may. Otherwise you can use a silicone gel (e.g. Kelo-cote or ScarAway). They are proven to reduce redness.
  • Reply
    Edward Feb 7, 2012 @ 11:02 pm | delete
    Hi couple years ago i had a keloid on the side of my face, then i performed surgery to cut it out and now i have a red scar after a year. Is there anything i can do to fade the redness or reduce the visibility? Thanks
  • Reply
    Beas Feb 14, 2012 @ 3:12 am | delete
    Have you tried silicone gel sheets or creams yet?
  • Reply
    Evan Feb 2, 2012 @ 5:19 pm | delete
    Hi, I had cleft lip revision on December 22rd. The surgeon told me that swelling will be gone in three weeks. Now the scar is red, firm, little bit numb and does not seem to come off. It looks thick.I am wondering how long will the scar become less visible. And also, there is small, round bump right at the upper lip where the scar is. Is that abnormal, or it will come off afterward??? Please help! Thank you.
  • Reply
    Beas Feb 14, 2012 @ 3:10 am | delete
    Hi Evan, it takes up to almost two years for scars to fully mature. I would use a silicone gel to make it softer, reduce itch and pain, less red and reduce the risk on keloidal scar tissue. Also massaging it gently is supposed to help improve its appearance. You can also keep it hydrated by using Vaseline or manuka honey (Medihoney). Hope this helps.
  • Reply
    Carolina Jan 31, 2012 @ 3:42 pm | delete
    I had surgery back on March 14, 2011 and my insicion still itching a lot, is that normal? what can I use to stop the itching, reduce the redness and to reduce the size or elevation? pls help!!
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 31, 2012 @ 4:13 pm | delete
    Silicone scar sheets reduce itch and pain, redness, and elevation. They make scars softer and more pliable.
  • Reply
    Hannah Jan 30, 2012 @ 7:21 pm | delete
    Hey,
    I'm not sure if my first comment went through. I was aking if there was any way to help heal my scar. It's from tweezing so its right between my eyebrows. I had done my best trying to help it heal at the beginning. I have now had it for 10 months. Any suggestions to make it fade??
  • Reply
    Hannah Jan 30, 2012 @ 7:14 pm | delete
    Hi,
    I have a scar from tweezing (cause im dumb enough to get a scar from that...) right between my eyebrows, and i hav had it for about 10 months now. It is a slightly different color than my skin, but if i bother it, it will turn pinkish. At first i did put ointment on it, bandaged it over night, and kept it moisturized. I had hoped that time would do its work and heal it, but it doesn't seem to be getting that much better. What do you think I should do??
  • Reply
    Beas Feb 1, 2012 @ 6:47 am | delete
    Hi Hannah, I know from experience that such scars (discolored and raised) improve by using silicone sheets or gels. Also, maybe you could alter your tweezing behavior into gently massaging that area. It will probably improve your scar.
  • Reply
    bestbloodpressuremonitors Jan 27, 2012 @ 4:45 pm | delete
    I underwent serious surgery and the wound had to be kept open for 5 months so it could heal properly. My nurses used Manuka honey dressings and they really speeded up the healing process.
  • Reply
    Beas Feb 1, 2012 @ 6:48 am | delete
    Always good to hear how manuka honey helped people heal. Recognition for this special type of honey is increasing. Thanks for sharing!
  • Reply
    Beckah Jan 23, 2012 @ 6:34 pm | delete
    Hi, I had eczema at the bottom of my leg and scratched it so much I ripped off layers of my skin, it eventually healed but has now left this reddy brownish coloured mark that seems to to bright red when I'm in the shower... Will these marks stay with me or eventually fade away? If it helps i did it June last year. Hopefully some of the things on this page can help it fade away quicker. Thanks.
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 24, 2012 @ 7:08 am | delete
    Hi Beckah, you can never be sure but I think in time it will. Make sure to keep it protected against UV light, moisturize, and maybe do some massaging.
  • Reply
    john Jan 22, 2012 @ 3:18 pm | delete
    Hi, I was misdiagnosed to have impetigo (staph infection) when its actually a fungal infection, so I did the treatment for impetigo for weeks by removing the formed crusts and putting on bacterial ointment, after I was told it was fungal I immediately switched to this antifungal called ketonazle...now the infection is nearly gone but I still see redness and some more fully healed spots are more darkened..how do I know if it's scarring or not? Does fungal infection generally scar?And if it is what method do u recommend? I can not moisturize it yet because I need to keep the yeast infection dried to stop it from growing but I do have Manuka honey at home. Cheers
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:47 am | delete
    Hi John, I am no medical expert so I don't know but I do know that manuka honey is renowned for its anti-fungal properties. I guess what I would do is ask my doctor if he or she agrees with using manuka honey (most safe is probably a sterilized product e.g. Medihoney). Best of luck!
  • Reply
    Jan Jan 21, 2012 @ 2:05 am | delete
    Hi. I had a hair transplantation leaving me with a red scalp even 12 months after the procedure. There is also scarring all over the scalp where the hairs where placed. The are aprx. 50% raised "dots" and 50% pitted "dots".

    What would you recommend me to try? All advise appreciated
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:44 am | delete
    Hi Jan, I guess silicones but I'm not sure. Since it's such a specific treatment I would ask your doctor or surgeon about what they recommend. They must have had other patients asking them the same.
  • Reply
    Bill Jan 16, 2012 @ 10:44 am | delete
    My wife had an accident 2 days ago resulting in 8 stitches to repair a significant cut under her eye. I understand that caring for the wound in the first few days is critical to ensure the least noticeable scar. Any suggestions?
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:42 am | delete
    I think this lens will be of some help heal open wounds optimally
  • Reply
    Melanie Jan 16, 2012 @ 5:39 am | delete
    my daughter slipped and sustained a carpet burn on her cheek approximately four months ago. I have been using silicone gel sheets and keeping the mark hydrated although it is still red. The mark was very red initially once the wound closed and the redness has diminished over time. Is the mark likely to fade away completely over time and if so, how long does it take to fade away?
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:41 am | delete
    Yes Melanie, the mark is very likely to fade away completely. It can take up to two years for scars to fully heal (and thus fade to their maximum). I think you are taking great care of it.
  • Reply
    ankur Jan 13, 2012 @ 10:19 am | delete
    does injections beneficial for removal of redness on and around scar area ??
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:39 am | delete
    (Cortico)steroid injections are used to flatten raised scars. I always recommend to try the less invasive silicone sheets first.
  • Reply
    ankur Jan 13, 2012 @ 1:56 am | delete
    hello sir i have two big brown spots in the area bottom of my eyes and it gets red whenever i go out or in sunlight
    the redness not going off ,its almost 9 months what should i do
    i had an accident which lead to these wounds and scar 9 months before
    plzz help me out sir ????????
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:36 am | delete
    Hi ankur, there are some natural substance that are known to lighten brown spots and scars. I have added a link just above this comments section to a cream that contains such natural, side-effect free ingredients. It's well received and probably your best option. The link is titled 'lighten dark spots'. Hope this helps, good luck!
  • Reply
    Tolovaj Jan 8, 2012 @ 6:25 am | delete
    I had some scars and found out fish ointment (I hope I translated it right) works best. Just adding my two cents... ;)
  • Reply
    John Jan 3, 2012 @ 5:49 pm | delete
    Hi, I had surgery 10 months ago, I've been using ointments such as vaseline and mederma to try to fade / get rid of the redness that surrounds it. Unfortunately, it's on my face and it's quite embarrassing. I recently purchased the silicone scar sheest, and I have seen improvements as far as the redness goes, however the scar that was left is still like a gash formation, not your typical line that most patients will get. It's either my doctor removed the stitches to earlier or I don't know, it did not close together real well. So I was wondering what in this case would you do, look into the laser treatment to get rid of the scar tissue underneath and possibly that would reduce the appearance of both the redness and the scar, or keep trying to take care of it day by day.. I'm out of answers.. and feeling quite hopeless Thanks!
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:29 am | delete
    Hi John I would massage the scar gently but regularly as well as keep it moisturized. Your scar will probably improve in time. You can always start invasive treatments later on. Hope your scar will fade nicely. Good luck!
  • Reply
    sharleen_solis Dec 30, 2011 @ 9:59 pm | delete
    Hi! My daughter just had a chemical skin peeling on her face. On the 3rd day after the procedure, it started peeling off. She peeled a part of it and realized after that it's already painful. The part she peeled felt painful after and looked red. She's now on the 5th day of her procedure and the peeled part is still reddish and different from the rest of the skin. Is it already a scar? What should she do?
  • Reply
    Beas Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:27 am | delete
    Hi, sorry for the late reply. Hard to say, it may be still a wound. To be honest, I don't know what she could do best. If the wound looks serious I would ask a doctor or dermatologist.
  • Reply
    Lisa Dec 22, 2011 @ 7:23 am | delete
    Hello, thanks for the info. My daughter fell and hit her forehead and got an instant 'goose egg' Really bad. Is there anything I can do to ensure that the lump doesn't turn into scar tissue?
  • Reply
    Beas Dec 22, 2011 @ 10:33 am | delete
    Hello Lisa, as far as I know goose eggs will not cause scars so I shouldn't worry too much about that. Not if the skin isn't damaged. If it is, make sure to moisturize the wound, e.g. with Medihoney dressings, and treat the scar with a silicone gel. Best, Tim
  • Reply
    JoJo Dec 21, 2011 @ 7:48 am | delete
    Hi, I had a tummy tuck 2 months ago and have been told that I no longer need to use the suture strips that were covering my scar. The scar was very pale but within the last 24 hours it has got very red and itchy around the outside. I have a gelzone wrap which was never used after surgery. Is it too late to use this product or do you think that it would help to reduce the redness/itchyness. Also if so, how long should I wear it for? Many thanks, Jo
  • Reply
    Beas Dec 22, 2011 @ 6:54 am | delete
    Hi there JoJo, I'm not sure about that. I think you'd best ask your doctor. Since there are silicones on the inside I assume it will help reduce the itch and redness. Also compression can be beneficial to scar healing but I don't know about starting to use them only after 2 months so therefore I would ask your doctor or surgeon. Tummy tuck scars are known to get worse in the 2nd or 3rd month before they start improving again. Here's some more info on tummy tuck scars and compression garments. Sorry I can't be of more help. All the best.
  • Reply
    whodiesinthenewharrypotterbook Dec 16, 2011 @ 9:07 am | delete
    Good tips. I hope I will never have to apply them! :)
  • Reply
    Liz Dec 14, 2011 @ 10:55 pm | delete
    Hi, about one month ago my cat scratched me on my forehead leaving a slightly deep cut. I thought it would heal but I still have a scar from it now and I really want it to go away! It is a little indented and pinkish in color making it really noticable. How can I make it go away for good? I don't want a scar that is so obvious and visible! Please help
  • Reply
    Beas Dec 15, 2011 @ 4:50 am | delete
    Hi, I would moisturize it with Vaseline and gently and regularly massage it. Also keep it out of UV radiation.
  • Reply
    Greg Dec 13, 2011 @ 6:17 pm | delete
    Hi, I had a bad series of cold sores (within 6 months) Some left my skin red where the sore was. I don't remember picking at it (but who knows). I also have a scar where it is indented a little and is red/shiny from the cold sores. They seem to follow the upper right side of my lip so they are spaced out by a few centimeters (3 or 4 scars)I am wondering what you would suggest as to help these scars reduce. I am using mederma but don't know how well it is working. Any insight would be great.
    Thank you for your time.
  • Reply
    Beas Dec 15, 2011 @ 5:03 am | delete
    Hi, I would use a Medihoney cream because it has excellent hydrating properties but also to use it in case I would get another cold sore. I'm not sure if there's any research yet that proofs its effectiveness on cold sores but there's a big chance it will help fight them off. (considering it's potent antiviral properties) Here's more info on Medihoney and related products. Medihoney products are based on manuka honey which has extraordinary wound healing properties but is also suspected to improve scar appearance by some experts. (no proof yet). Hope this helps.
  • Reply
    paula Dec 8, 2011 @ 10:51 pm | delete
    Hello! My 5 yr old daughter, emily, was doing cartwheels last Friday night, lost her balance, and hit her head on the corner of our end table...resulting in a slit 1cm long. It's right between her eyebrow and her eye. The er doc used dermabond and sent us on our way. I could've done a better job probably; but, anyway, he told us to remove the adhesive strips today and then keep it moist. Being the worrisome mother, I Really don't. Yourwant it to scar. She's very fair skinned, and it's red. What do you recommend...? I've heard emu oil or vitamin e oil, but how do you get that to stay on an active 5 yr old...band-aid? Your thoughts would be Greatly appreciated!
  • Reply
    Beas Dec 9, 2011 @ 6:22 am | delete
    Hi Paula, vitamin E oil may cause skin irritation and worsen scar appearance according to studies. For emu oil there's no evidence it works. Indeed, studies show that moist wounds heal faster. The best you can do is use Medihoney wound gel for the wound (Vaseline also aids wound healing) and a silicone gel for the scar. I hope Emily's scar will improve quickly and nicely. Best, Tim
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    Brian Dec 8, 2011 @ 8:04 am | delete
    What is the best treatment for an atrophic scar (one that is slightly indented) leaving a crease apperance. Its about two weeks old,, no redness just a slit looke to it. I was rubbing mederma on it, but have read that it might not be good for these types of scars. Just wondering if there is anything that can be done while it continues to heal that will help the area smooth out; Thanks
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An excessive number and concentration of blood vessels in scar tissue called hypervascularity is what causes scar redness (erythema). In many cases this... more »

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