How to Get Rid of Old Scars ?

Top 10 Remedies :

Overview

TOPNURSE~While some people consider their scars to be marks of pride, many people just want them to go away. Since they can affect your appearance, they can make you feel self-conscious.

If you want to get rid of an old scar, you need to understand what a scar is and what type you’re trying to get rid of.

A scar forms as part of the natural healing process following an injury. When the dermis — the second layer of skin — is damaged, your body forms collagen fibers to repair the damage, and that results in a scar.

• In most cases, the faster a wound heals, the less collagen will be deposited and the less noticeable the scar will be.
• Typically, the severity of the scar is based on the severity of the injury or damage.
• Scars form differently on different parts of the body.
• Scars form differently based on the age of the injured person.
• There are different types of scars.

Different types of scars

There are different types of scars, each with defining characteristics.

Atrophic scars

Atrophic scars are characterized by the loss of tissue. They appear depressed, serrated, or flat against the upper layer of the skin. Often atrophic scars have darker skin pigmentation than other area of your skin. Examples of atrophic scars include acne scars and chickenpox scars.

Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars are characterized by excess tissue that forms over the skin as it heals. Unlike a keloid scar, it does not grow outside the injured area. Hypertrophic scars are commonly darker than other skin in the area.

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars are the result of aggressive healing and an overproduction of tissue. They are characterized by a raised, thick, puffy appearance. They are typically darker than the surrounding skin. Unlike a hypertrophic scar, keloid scars can grow beyond the injured area.

Contracture scars

Contracture scars result from large areas of skin being lost or damaged, typically from burns. They are characterized by tight, shiny skin that can restrict movement.

The top 10 remedies for getting rid of scars

There’s no known way to make scars totally disappear, but many will become lighter over time on their own.

That being said, advocates of natural healing believe that there are remedies that can speed up the lightening process and make a scar less noticeable. Here are some of the remedies that have been effective for some people.

Aloe vera

1. Remove the dark green “skin” from the flatter side of an aloe vera leaf.
2. Scoop out the almost clear light green gel.
3. Apply the gel directly to your scar using circular motions.
4. After half an hour, wash the gel off with fresh, cool water.
5. Repeat twice each day.

Vitamin E

1. Cut open a vitamin E capsule over the scar and squeeze the oil onto the scar (you might need more than just one capsule to get enough liquid for full coverage).
2. For about 10 minutes, massage the oil on and around the scar.
3. After about 20 minutes wash off the oil with warm water.
4. Repeat this process a minimum of 3 times per day.

Honey

1. Before going to bed, cover your scar with a layer of honey.
2. Wrap the honey-covered scar with a bandage.
3. Leave it on for one full night.
4. In the morning, remove the bandage and wash off the honey with warm water.
5. Make this part of your routine every night.

Coconut oil

1. Heat a few tablespoons of coconut oil, just enough to liquefy it.
2. Massage the oil into the scar for about 10 minutes.
3. Let the skin absorb the oil for a minimum of one hour.
4. Repeat two to four times every day.

Apple cider vinegar

1. Combine 4 tablespoons of distilled water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
2. Dip a cotton ball into the water-cider mixture and generously dab your scar.
3. Let it dry.
4. Do this every night before you go to bed, washing the area in the morning.

Lavender and olive oil

1. Mix three drops of lavender essential oil into three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
2. Massage the mixture into the scarred area for about 5 minutes.
3. Leave the oil in place for about 30 minutes.
4. Rinse the area with warm water.
5. Repeat this process a minimum of three times a day.

Lemon

1. Cut a wedge from a fresh lemon.
2. Gently rub the juicy side of the lemon on the scar while you squeeze the juice onto the scar.
3. Relax for about 10 minutes before rinsing off the area with cool water.
4. Do this every day at approximately the same time.

Potato

1. Slice a potato into medium thick rounds.
2. Using a circular motion, rub the potato slice on your scar.
3. Once the potato slice starts to dry out, discard it and continue rubbing with another slice.
4. Continue rubbing and replacing for about 20 minutes and then let the scar air-dry for about 10 minutes.
5. Rinse the area with cool water.
6. Repeat this process at least one time each day

Rosehip and frankincense

1. Slice a potato into medium thick rounds.
2. Using a circular motion, rub the potato slice on your scar.
3. Once the potato slice starts to dry out, discard it and continue rubbing with another slice.
4. Continue rubbing and replacing for about 20 minutes and then let the scar air-dry for about 10 minutes.
5. Rinse the area with cool water.
6. Repeat this process at least one time each day

Baking soda

1. Mix distilled water — a little at time — into two tablespoons of baking soda until it forms a paste.
2. Wet your scar with distilled water and then apply the paste to the wet scar.
3. Hold the paste in place with a warm compress for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse the area and repeat daily.

Before trying any of the remedies above, thoroughly wash and dry the scar and the area around it. Also, only use these remedies on scars — not open wounds. Should any of these remedies cause any irritation, stop use immediately.

The takeaway

If you want to make a scar look less noticeable, you may want to try a natural remedy. There are many people who believe that natural remedies can get the job done.

As with any home remedy, have a conversation with your doctor before starting. Your doctor can offer insights and recommendations about which remedies you should or should not try.

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Postoperative Care: Definition and Education

Postoperative Care

TOPNURSE~Postoperative care is the care you receive after a surgical procedure. The type of postoperative care you need depends on the type of surgery you have, as well as your health history. It often includes pain management and wound care.

Postoperative care begins immediately after surgery. It lasts for the duration of your hospital stay and may continue after you’ve been discharged. As part of your postoperative care, your healthcare provider should teach you about the potential side effects and complications of your procedure.

Before you have surgery, ask your doctor what the postoperative care will involve. This will give you time to prepare beforehand. Your doctor may revise some of their instructions after your surgery, based on how your surgery went and how well you’re recovering.

Prepare ahead of time

Ask as many questions as possible before your surgery, and ask for updated instructions before you’re discharged from the hospital. Many hospitals provide written discharge instructions.

Ask your doctor questions such as:

• How long will I be expected to remain in the hospital?
• Will I need any special supplies or medications when I go home?
• Will I need a caregiver or physical therapist when I go home?
• What side effects can I expect?
• What complications should I watch out for?
• What things should I do or avoid to support my recovery?
• When can I resume normal activity?

The answers to these questions can help you prepare ahead of time. If you expect to need help from a caregiver, arrange for it before your surgery. It’s also important to learn how to prevent, recognize, and respond to possible complications.

Depending on the type of surgery you have, there are many potential complications that can arise. For example, many surgeries put patients at risk of infection, bleeding at the surgical site, and blood clots caused by inactivity. Prolonged inactivity can also cause you to lose some of your muscle strength and develop respiratory complications. Ask your doctor for more information about the potential complications of your specific procedure.

Postoperative care in the hospital

After your surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery room. You’ll probably stay there for a couple of hours while you wake up from anesthesia. You’ll feel groggy when you wake up. Some people also feel nauseated.

While you’re in the recovery room, staff will monitor your blood pressure, breathing, temperature, and pulse. They may ask you to take deep breaths to assess your lung function. They may check your surgical site for signs of bleeding or infection. They will also watch for signs of an allergic reaction. For many types of surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Once you’re stable, you’ll be moved to a hospital room if you’re staying overnight, or you’ll be moved elsewhere to begin your discharge process.

Outpatient surgery

Outpatient surgery is also known as same-day surgery. Unless you show signs of postoperative problems, you’ll be discharged on the same day as your procedure. You won’t need to stay overnight.

Before you’re discharged, you must demonstrate that you’re able to breathe normally, drink, and urinate. You won’t be allowed to drive immediately following a surgery with anesthesia. Make sure you arrange transportation home, preferably ahead of time. You may feel groggy into the following day.

Inpatient surgery

If you have inpatient surgery, you’ll need to stay in the hospital overnight to continue receiving postoperative care. You may need to stay for several days or longer. In some cases, patients who were originally scheduled for outpatient surgery show signs of complications and need to be admitted for ongoing care.

Your postoperative care will continue after you’ve been transferred out of the initial recovery room. You will probably still have an intravenous (IV) catheter in your arm, a finger device that measures oxygen levels in your blood, and a dressing on your surgical site. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may also have a breathing apparatus, a heartbeat monitor, and a tube in your mouth, nose, or bladder.

The hospital staff will continue to monitor your vital signs. They may also give you pain relievers or other medications through your IV, by injection, or orally. Depending on your condition, they may ask you to get up and walk around. You may need assistance to do this. Moving will help decrease your chances of developing blood clots. It can also help you maintain your muscle strength. You may be asked to do deep breathing exercises or forced coughing to prevent respiratory complications.

Your doctor will decide when you’re ready to be discharged. Remember to ask for discharge instructions before you leave. If you know that you’ll need ongoing care at home, make preparations ahead of time.

Postoperative care at home

It’s very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions after you leave the hospital. Take medications as prescribed, watch out for potential complications, and keep your follow-up appointments.

Don’t overdo things if you’ve been instructed to rest. On the other hand, don’t neglect physical activity if you’ve been given the go ahead to move around. Start to resume normal activities as soon as you safely can. Most of the time, it’s best to gradually return to your normal routine.

In some cases, you may not be able to care for yourself for a while after your surgery. You may need a caregiver to help tend your wounds, prepare food, keep you clean, and support you while you move around. If you don’t have a family member or friend who can help, ask your doctor to recommend a professional caregiving service.

Contact your doctor if you develop a fever, increased pain, or bleeding at the surgical site. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you have questions or aren’t recovering as well as expected.

The takeaway

Appropriate follow-up care can help reduce your risk of complications after surgery and support your recovery process. Ask your doctor for instructions before you have your surgery and check for updates before you leave the hospital. Contact your doctor if you suspect you’re experiencing complications or your recovery isn’t going well. With a little planning and proactive care, you can help make your recovery as smooth as possible.

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