Caring for your Scar

A scar is a mark on the skin after a wound or injury has healed. Skin wounds that are closed with stitches (sutures) will usually heal in the 10-14 days following surgery and the scar will initially appear pink or red, and, in some cases, will appear raised.

Scars are a mixture of fibrous tissue (like collagen), cells and blood vessels. The blood vessels permit increased blood flow, which adds to the red colour. Skin scars are a visible and expected consequence of a wound; however, scarring in the layers beneath the skin will also occur. People scar differently and scars are as unique as the individual.

Scars will mature in the weeks and months following surgery, and continue to mature for around 2 years. Scars will progress through a process of changing colour, depth, texture, shape and sensitivity during this period. Scars will usually flatten and fade to a paler line and more skin-like colour in the 1 to 2 years following surgery. 

Some scars can become thickened (called hypertrophic), bulky (called keloid) or cause tightness or itching. Those with darker skin tones are at increased risk of thickened or bulky scars.

Once your wound has completely healed, it is important to massage your scar for the first 3 months as scars no longer produce their own oil and sweat (like normal unscarred skin).

Potential benefits of scar massage:

  • Reducing scar redness

  • Flattening the scar

  • Reducing localised swelling

  • Improving scar sensation (including desensitisation of uncomfortable scars and improving sensation for numb scars)

  • Preventing scar tightness or contraction

  • Preventing the scar sticking to underlying tissues (such as tendons and muscles)

Routine scar care

Once your wound has completely healed, you can care for your scar in the first three months as detailed below.

  • Massage your scar with a moisturiser in a circular motion with a degree of pressure.

  • Choose a simple water-based cream or moisturiser (like E45, Nivea, aqueous cream or Diprobase). Expensive creams will provide no added benefit to cheaper alternatives.

  • Perform scar massage at least 3 times per day for at least 5-10 minutes each time.

  • Use your hand normally to help restore scar sensation, including the use of hand towels and flannels, clothing and gloves, and performing activities like washing up.

Silicone gel therapy can be used for reducing or preventing problematic scarring, helping them to become softer, flatter and paler. Reusable adhesive silicone sheeting (changed daily) or topical silicone scar gel can be used. Silicone therapy can be guided by a hand therapist.

Consider covering your scar or applying high factor sun cream (SPF 30 or higher) if exposing it to direct sun during the first year.

Caring for uncomfortable or sensitive scars

Scars that are painful or hypersensitive may benefit from specialised hand therapy. A hand therapist will guide you through the most appropriate desensitisation techniques.

Some simple strategies for sensitive scars are detailed below.

  • Expose your scar to different textured materials (starting with the softest).

  • Rub your scar with smooth and rough surfaces.

  • Tap and press firmly on the problem areas of your scar.

  • Submerge your scar in water of differing temperatures (cold, tepid and warm).

  • Immerse your hand into bowls filled with different materials, such as cotton wool, dried pasta, rice, dried beans or lentils. Starting with the softest texture, move your hand slowly through each for up to 2 minutes and progress to the next.

The information contained on this page is for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for medical assessment and advice by a suitably trained doctor or clinician. External links have been provided for your information and convenience and we are not responsible for their content or accuracy.