Daily advices

Cuts, scratches, scars... good habits to speed up repair

Different wounds need different treatments to promote proper healing. As soon as skin is damaged by things like scratches, burns, minor procedures, peels, laser treatments and more, the resulting lesion can cause discomfort, pain or the desire to itch. In all these cases, how well skin is repaired has a direct impact on how long possible scars last.

Lesions can be classified based on their biological and clinical characteristics: how much moisture/nutrition they need and how much occlusion they need.

What are the different types of lesions?

Oozing lesions: lesions subject to maceration that need to be dried out with a non-occlusive product that allows air to reach wound

Nappy rash,
Skin fold maceration,
Chicken pox with oozing lesions, and
Blisters

Non-oozing lesions: superficial to moderate lesions that need moisture from a semi-occlusive product that is breathable

After a surgical procedure (e.g. sutures);
Cuts, scrapes and other everyday injuries after wound has dried;
Chicken pox in the healing phase;
After a cosmetic procedure (e.g. peel, laser treatment, permanent hair removal, tattoo and tattoo removal);
Non-oozing nappy rash; and
Radiation therapy.

Non-oozing lesions: moderate to major lesions that require lipid replenishing nutrition from an occlusive product that forms a barrier

Chapping, dry patches, pulpitis, etc.;
Burns;
Scratching; and
Abrasive laser treatments.

Some people have a tendency to experience difficult healing.

A hypertrophic scar is an active scar that swells up six weeks to three months after the procedure and becomes red. It may slowly progress into a keloid.

There are also cases of abnormal healing where cellular and vascular flows continue developing next to the clot.

In all cases, you should have your scar checked within three months following the procedure and see a health professional if it swells up or becomes red.

Key points

Everyday

Protect the injured area according to your doctor’s instructions. He or she may also prescribe anti-inflammatories. If you have not seen a doctor, you can always apply ice to help reduce the oedema. Never put it directly on the skin, though.

Special products made for bruises, knocks and bumps can also be applied preventatively before a cosmetic procedure, for example. Some people use them on dark circles because they contain decongestant and anti-ecchymosis ingredients.

Cleansing

The damaged area should be gently washed and then disinfected, if necessary.

Skincare

Creams made specially for bruises, knocks and bumps are indicated for accelerating repair and reducing oedema. They contain effective active ingredients like arnica, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oedema properties, as well as calming, pain relieving ingredients.

You can start using these creams right away and continue applying them until lesions disappear.