What are the ways to repair scars

The main ways to repair scars include medication, physical therapy, laser therapy, surgical treatment, traditional Chinese medicine treatment, etc. Scars are a product of the natural repair process of skin damage, typically manifested as abnormal skin color and texture, and may be accompanied by itching or pain.

1. Drug therapy

Drug therapy is suitable for early scars or mild scars. Common drugs include silicone gel, mucopolysaccharide polysulfonate cream, asiaticoside cream ointment, etc. Silicone gel can soften scar tissue and inhibit excessive collagen proliferation. Polysulfonic acid viscous polysaccharide cream has anti-inflammatory and tissue repair promoting effects. Snow glycoside cream ointment helps improve scar color and texture. Drug therapy requires long-term adherence and the effect is relatively slow.

2. Physical therapy

Physical therapy mainly includes pressure therapy and cryotherapy. Pressure therapy inhibits scar growth by continuously applying pressure and is commonly used for scars after burns. Cryotherapy utilizes low temperature to destroy scar tissue and is suitable for smaller hypertrophic scars. Physical therapy requires specialized equipment and techniques, and usually requires multiple treatments to be effective.

3. Laser therapy

Laser therapy improves scar appearance through selective photothermal action. Dot matrix laser can stimulate collagen remodeling and improve concave scars. Pulsed dye laser can alleviate scar erythema. Laser treatment requires 3-5 sessions, with an interval of 1-2 months between each session. Temporary redness and swelling may occur after treatment, and sun protection care is necessary.

4. Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment is suitable for scars that have a large area or severely affect function. Scar excision surgery directly removes abnormal tissue, combined with fine suturing. Skin flap transplantation is used to repair large skin defects. Z-shaped surgery improves appearance by changing the direction of scars. Surgical treatment involves significant trauma and requires strict adherence to indications.

5. Chinese medicine treatment

Chinese medicine treatment includes external application of Chinese medicine and acupuncture and moxibustion therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine commonly uses blood activating and stasis removing drugs such as Sanqi and Danshen for external application. Acupuncture and moxibustion improves local blood circulation by stimulating acupoints. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment has fewer side effects, but the effect is slow, making it suitable for combination with other methods.

Scar repair requires selecting appropriate methods based on factors such as scar type, formation time, and location. Early intervention has a better effect, but repairing old scars is more difficult. During the treatment period, scratching and exposure to sunlight should be avoided, and the skin should be kept clean. Diet can increase the intake of high-quality protein and vitamin C appropriately to promote skin repair. If there is pain, itching or rapid enlargement of scars, timely medical evaluation should be sought.