How to Prevent Face Scarring From Cuts and Wounds

It is difficult to prevent all wounds from scarring. However, it is possible to work on the wound, or cut, so that there is less scarring. The worst place to get a wound or cut, of course, is the face. The goal is to prevent face scarring.

Things You'll Need

• antibiotic ointment
• any brand of scar cream

Instructions

1. 

   Seek the advice of a doctor, if the face wound is deep. A hospital emergency room is not always the place to go, as the medical staff may not have been trained in the best way to repair a face cut by a plastic surgeon. Always ask to see, or get the advice of, a plastic surgeon. If the wound is not a deep cut, or the skin layers have been scrapped off, there are some things that can be done on your own.

2. Clean the face wound with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide because critical cells that help in the healing process
   may be damaged. Smother the cut with an antibiotic ointment. The goal is to not let the area get infected or to scab. The purpose of a scab is to prevent germs and dirt from entering the body while the wound heals. If a scab comes off too soon, it pulls away the tender new skin cells underneath it. A new scab may reform, but often the new skin develops scar tissue.

3. Apply something to the wound to keep it moist, like the antibiotic ointment or even shortening. This will prevent a scar from forming. Keep applying the ointment or shortening throughout the healing process and do not get the cut wet during this time. It usually takes a few weeks for the new skin cells to fill in. The wound will be a red color at this point. This is now the time to purchase a scar cream. Apply the scar cream as directed on the package. The wound may eventually turn a slightly lighter color than your skin tone, but makeup can cover this easily.

Tips & Warnings

• Never get discouraged! Time heals all!!

• Article copyright 2010 by Hummingbirdee. Do not copy