Scars can be very sensitive, becoming itchy, tight and inflamed at times. To relieve this discomfort, massage the area regularly and use silicone scar gel like Scarfade to assist in the healing process. Here’s how to use massage and Scarfade to reduce scar sensitivity and discomfort.
- Scar massage: This reduces sensitivity and loosens deeper areas, resulting in a smooth, moveable scar. To help with the massage, use lotion, cream or Scarfade. Massage the tissue in the direction of the scar for about 10 minutes two times a day. Do this for up to six months after receiving the scar or as long as it helps you.
- Exercise programs: These will help to prevent stiffness of joints and keep tendons smoothly gliding underneath your skin.
- Silicone gel: Use silicone (either in liquid form or in sheets) on the scar. Silicone gel is usually more desirable as it dries in a thin layer that isn’t greasy and stays on curved skin surfaces such as knees and elbows that you move frequently throughout the day. You can also tape or wrap the scar to reduce tension and swelling.
- Massage with various textures: This practice can help particularly with overly sensitive scars that affect nerves from the injury or surgery. “Desensitizing” a scar can take a while, sometimes up to four months. Ask your dermatologist about this.
- Injections or surgery: These practicesare most effective for serious scars resulting from burns or other injuries that need aggressive treatment. You can also use gloves or topical treatment to specifically treat burn scars. Keep in mind, some scars can take a year to fully mature. That’s why surgery to minimize a scar isn’t usually recommended until this time. You need to wait till the scar has completed the healing process, becoming lighter in color, smoother, and less sensitive.
Scar Healing
Scars go goes through four stages of healing. Even if the initial injury was minimal, the scar will get enlarged and red over the next several weeks. Active scars are usually raised, red, thick and firm. Some people get alarmed at this, thinking it signals infection. But this is normal.
After the swelling and reddening phase, the scar will get paler and smaller over the next few months. The scar will continue to get softer and more natural looking within the first year.
Scars can limit movement, which can be pretty uncomfortable. Your body creates scars by laying down collagen – the fibers of which are laid down in a random pattern. This is where the thickness and firmness comes in, leading to a rigid scar that can adhere to tendons, muscle, and even bone. It can be painful to apply pressure right on your scar. When you manipulate scar tissue through massage, you can reduce scar adhesion.
Massage on its own isn’t enough. You need some kind of moisturizing and healing component as well, which is why massage should be performed in conjunction with Scarfade.