How To Reduce Scarring

• Aloe vera soothes inflammed skin and speeds up wound healing. Used to treat burns, radiation, bedsores, skin irritation, sunburnt skin, mosquito bites and rashes from poison ivy, oak or sumac.
• Both noni juice and noni leaf have wonderful wound healing properties, able to reduce swelling and scarring. Noni juice can be taken orally or applied topically on the affected area or areas.
• Gotu kola can assist in the prevention of scarring and speed up the wound healing process. Used topically for burns, keloids and wounds (including skin ulcers and surgical incisions).
• Other anti-scary favourites include evening primrose, tea tree oil, vitamin K and cocoa butter.
• Arnica or calendula cream can be used to promote healing for brusies or any sore and inflamed areas.
• Diluted essential oils like lavender and frankincense have also been used (individually) to minimize scars. Avoid using during early pregnancy.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are fruit acids that promote the shedding of the dead cells from the epidermis skin layer and instigate the renewal scene to take place in order to make skin smooth-looking and radiant. They can help with acne scars and stretch marks. AHAs may cause mild irritations and make skin sensitive to sunlight. A patch test used beneath sunblock is recommended before actual use.
• Silicone dressing (pad or cream form) applied over a hypertrophic scar or a keloid for a period of several months (3 months or more) can safely minimize hypertrophic scars and some keloids but will not cure a true keloid. However, they can reduce pain, swelling and itching from a keloid.
• Medermal gel contains extracts from onions known as cepalin and allantoin which are able to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblast cells. It is used only when the wound has closed. Massage on a new scar 3 to 4 times daily for 8 weeks. For old scars, massage 3 to 4 times daily ofr 3 to 6 months. Scars should soften and look smoother.
• Keep wounds clean to prevent infection.
• Avoid tight clothings or footwear which can damage scar tissue.
• For autoimmune diseases, forgo milk and diary products. Increase consumption of omega3 fatty acids from sources such as flaxseeds, walnuts, cold water fishes like herring, salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardine and bluefish or take a quality supplement. Regular aerobic exercise is also recommended.

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