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A scar is a mark on the skin after a wound or injury has healed. You cannot get rid of a scar, but most will fade over time. This can take up to 2 years or more, but there are some things you can do to help it heal or improve how it looks.
There are some things you can do to help most scars heal and improve how they look.
massage your scar with a water-based cream (such as aqueous cream or E45 cream) a few times a day for up to 10 minutes each time – only massage your scar if the wound is fully healed
try to keep your scar covered when you're in the sun for at least 1 year – wear clothing that covers it, or put a dressing over it
use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more on your scar
A pharmacist can recommend some things for scars such as:
There are special creams and powders (called skin camouflage) that you can apply to your skin to cover your scar so it's less noticeable.
A GP can refer you for an appointment to get skin camouflage products, or you can refer yourself online.
At your appointment, a trained professional will colour match the creams and powders to your skin and show you how to apply them.
You can get the products on a prescription or buy them.
Your GP may be able to recommend treatments that can help.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
You cannot get rid of a scar, but most scars fade over time without any treatment.
If a scar is more severe or bothering you, a GP may be able to recommend treatments or refer you to a specialist. The aim of treatment is to help improve how the scar looks.
Depending on the type of scar you have, treatments may include:
A GP can refer you for talking therapy if a scar is affecting your mental health.
Scars can be many colours such as pink, red, purple, white, brown, skin-coloured or darker than the skin around it.
They can also be itchy, painful or uncomfortable.
| Type | Symptoms |
|---|---|
|
Type
Fine-line scar |
Symptoms
Can be slightly raised to start, but usually flattens and fades over time without treatment |
|
Type
Atrophic scar |
Symptoms
Can be a deep, small hole in the skin that looks like a deep pore, or it can be a larger and slightly sunken mark; usually happens after acne or chickenpox |
| Type |
Symptoms
Usually raised, hard and smooth, it grows to be bigger than the original wound, and the area where the scar is may be uncomfortable or difficult to move; it does not usually flatten or fade without treatment |
|
Type
Hypertrophic scar |
Symptoms
Usually raised and firm, it does not grow to be bigger than the original wound; the area where the scar is may be uncomfortable or difficult to move; it usually fades and flattens over time |
|
Type
Contracture scar |
Symptoms
Feels tight and the area where the scar is may be difficult or painful to move; it usually happens after a burn |
