You cannot avoid all scars, but you can do many things to improve how a scar looks. You can also prevent scars by taking steps to prevent injuries and other damage to your skin.
- Pay attention to your skin. Talk to a doctor early about acne plus other conditions and diseases that can damage the skin.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for caring for your skin, wounds and scars. Ask questions about how to use products and medicines, and use them the right way every time.
- Learn how to care for scabs, acne pimples and similar skin conditions. Do not pick scabs or squeeze pimples, because this can cause scarring.
- Learn about your risk for getting different types of scars. Some types might be common among members of your family.
- Understand how wounds heal, so you will know when your skin is most at risk for scarring or re-injury.
- Protect healing skin and scars by using skin products with sunscreen and onion extract.
If you would like to improve the look of a scar or if a scar limits your ability to move because of pain or tight skin, talk to your doctor about all your options for care and treatment.PREVIOUS: Caring for scarsNEXT: Stretch Marks 101