Which treatment is most effective against scars?

Have you suffered a wound from a fall, cut, or surgery and want to prevent scars as much as possible? Then you can choose a scar cream or silicone products (gel or dressing). But what is the best choice? The short answer is: You don’t have to choose—you can combine them for optimal results. Silicones work on the skin’s surface by mimicking the skin barrier, while creams provide deep hydration. Below, you’ll find advice for different types of wounds.

Treatment for Superficial Wounds

For a small abrasion or cut, which may not necessarily leave a scar, it is still wise to use a moisturizing scar cream. This is important for any skin damage. Start applying the cream as soon as the wound is closed to minimize the risk of scarring.

Remember: You can’t always tell if a wound is superficial or deep. Keep monitoring your wound carefully (see ‘Recognizing Abnormal Scars’).

Approach for Deep Wounds

For deep wounds, such as after surgery or a burn, scar formation is almost certain. To keep the scar as small and unnoticeable as possible, a silicone gel is the recommended standard (according to international guidelines). Additionally, it is advisable to use a scar cream for extra hydration. Start treatment immediately after the wound is closed or after stitches are removed for the best results.

Recognizing Abnormal Scars

A ‘normal scar’ eventually turns into a thin white line on the skin. A scar is considered abnormal if, after one month, it: 

• Remains red and does not fade
• Still itches, irritates, or hurts
• Thickens (grows) or tightens (causing tension on the scar)

If one or more of these symptoms apply, immediately start using silicone products and supplement with a scar cream.

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Risk Factors for Scar Formation

Some people have a higher risk of developing abnormal scars. This risk increases if:

• It runs in the family
• You have had an abnormal scar before
• The wound is slow to close
• The wound/scar is in a high-tension area (such as joints or the sternum)
• You are young (children are at greater risk because everything grows rapidly, including scars)
• In these cases, preventive use of silicone and scar cream is recommended.

Functions of Scar Creams and Silicones

Scar tissue lacks some key functions of normal skin. Both scar creams and silicones help to compensate for these:

• Moisture Retention: Damaged skin loses moisture quickly. It is essential to limit this moisture loss by restoring the skin’s barrier function.
• Hydration: Adequate moisture is crucial for skin healing. Scar creams attract and retain moisture.

How Silicone Gel Works

Silicones form a temporary protective layer on the skin, which helps retain moisture. This makes scars softer, flatter, less red, and more comfortable. Symptoms like itching and irritation are reduced or eliminated. The silicone layer also prevents irritation from friction. Good examples of silicone products are Scarban and Bapscarcare.

How Scar Creams Work

Scar creams, like silicones, help prevent moisture loss. In addition, they draw moisture from deeper skin layers and hold it. They often contain active ingredients such as vitamins and antioxidants that promote skin healing and reduce unpleasant symptoms like itching, dryness, and redness. A clinically proven effective medical scar cream is Alhydran.

Starting Treatment

Silicones and scar creams are most effective while the scar is still developing, which can last up to 12 months after wound closure. Therefore, start treatment as soon as the wound is closed.

• For superficial wounds, use a scar cream
• For deep wounds, always use a silicone cream or dressing

With love,
Milou