Scar Care: Air it Out or Cover it Up?

When I was a kid with scabbed and scraped knees, a band-aid would stop the bleeding. But as it was time for bed, my mom would insist on taking the band-aid off to let the wound “dry-out” overnight. Our skin contains approximately 30% water, with the outer epidermis layer comprised of as much as 70% water1. So with so much hydration in our skin, do we really want our scabs and scars to dry out?

Answer: no.

According to Ousey, et. al. published in Journal of Wound Care, a moist scar environment actively supports the healing response when compared to a dry environment1. What’s more, researchers cite hydration as the single most important external factor responsible for optimal healing, meaning we can play a big part in the healing process! Water plays an essential role in the correct functioning of the epidermis, especially when the skin’s barrier is disrupted by a wound or scar. Without proper moisture levels, the correct maturation of skin cells of the epidermis can go awry, leading to slower healing time, development of dry skin and flaking, and can affect the inflammatory signals of the epidermis potentially leading to excess scarring and discoloration.

So how do we maintain an optimal hydration level?

Keeping wounds and scars moist and covered is the best way to help the skin barrier re-build. While there are a host of topical scar creams, one Science Direct study cites both DermaCress and Alhydran as among the most well-balanced moisturizers2. Scilione-based gels such as MedermaAdvanced Scar Gel and ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel are also highly rated.

It is important to remember that other factors such as age, smoking, and diabetes can affect skin and scar healing, as well as individual skin sensitivities. As such, it is important to always talk to your doctor about skin hydration before starting any topical treatments and to learn the do’s and dont’s for your particular scar.

Dr.Meghan Raphael, PT, DPT is a physical therapist at db OrthoPT with offices in Red Bank and Manalapan. NJ. We have hundreds of 5 star reviews making us the premiere physical therapy practice in Monmouth County. Appointments can be made at 732-747-1262 or online at www.dborthopt.com.

Citations:

1. Ousey K, et. al. The importance of hydration in wound healing: reinvigorating the clinical perspective. J Wound Care. 2016 Mar;25(3):122, 124-30. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2016.25.3.122. PMID: 26947692.
2. Ignace D, et. al. Occlusion and hydration of scars: moisturizers versus silicone gels. Burns. Volume 49, Issue 2. 2023. Pages 365-379. ISSN 0305-4179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2022.04.025.