Expert Talk: Dermatologist Dr Kiran Godse Shares Tips To Reduce Scars & Ways To Lighten Their Appearance

Whenever your skin is injured, whether by accident or from surgery, your body works to repair the wound. As your skin heals, a scar may form, as this is a natural part of the healing process. Scarring can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Many scars will fade without treatment. But what about some stubborn scars that refuse to fade away? 

In conversation with TC46, Dr Kiran Godse, Consultant Dermatologist at Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai, talks about the appearance of scars, some common causes and how to lighten their appearance.

1. What are scars? How & why does scarring happen?

Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process. A scar results from the biologic process of wound repair of the skin and other tissues. 

2. How can you identify the different types of scars?

• Keloid Scars: These scars are the result of an overly aggressive healing process
• Contracture Scars: If your skin has been burnt, you may have a contracture scar
• Acne Scars: A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles plug with oil and dead skin cells

3. How do you know if a scar is temporary or permanent?

A scar is a mark left on the skin after a wound or an injury has healed. Scars are a natural part of the healing process. Most will fade and become paler over time, although they never completely disappear. Keloid scars are most difficult to treat

4. What are some effective treatments to lighten scars through medications and topical creams?

The appended treatment options must be administered by a Dermatologist; they may opt for:

• Silicone gels or sheets
• Steroids
• Laser therapy
• Cryotherapy
• Dermal fillers
• Skin needling
• Surgery

5. What are some effective treatments to lighten scars through surgical measures? Are there any home remedies you recommend to reduce the appearance of scars?

Surgical debulking procedure for large keloids followed by intralesional steroids is used. Applying pressure and massaging it may help. Aloe vera gel and coconut oil may also help.

Top 5 Remedies For Getting Rid Of Scars

There’s no known way to make scars totally disappear, these remedies can speed up the lightening process and make a scar less noticeable. Here are some of the remedies that have been effective for some people.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can speed wound healing by improving blood circulation through the area and preventing cell death around a wound. The gel has properties that are harmful to certain types of bacteria and fungi. 

How To Use It:

1. Apply aloe vera gel directly to your scar using circular motions.
2. Use fresh aloe vera gel for best results.
3. After half an hour, wash the gel off with fresh, cool water.
4. Repeat twice each day.

2. Vitamin E

Vitamin E oil moisturizes and nourishes your skin. It adds to your glow and makes your skin smooth and healthy. The oil is also known to reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, besides maintaining skin health.

How To Use It:

1. Cut open a vitamin E capsule over the scar and squeeze the oil onto the scar.
2. Massage the oil on and around the scar for 10 minutes.
3. After about 20 minutes, wash off the oil with warm water.
4. Repeat this process a minimum of 3 times per day.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has many benefits for your skin. It helps minimize the signs of ageing, intensely moisturizes, reduces temporary redness and smoothes skin’s texture. 

How To Use It:

1. Heat a few tablespoons of coconut oil.
2. Massage the oil into the scar for about 10 minutes.
3. Let the skin absorb the oil for a minimum of one hour.
4. Repeat two to four times every day.

4. Lemon

A lemon can be used to treat acne damage, dark spots, freckles and other forms of hyperpigmentation. The vitamin C in lemon juice lightens skin by reducing melanin.

How To Use It:

1. Cut a wedge from a fresh lemon.
2. Gently rub the juicy side of the lemon on the scar while squeezing the lemon.
3. Relax for about 10 minutes before rinsing off the area with cool water.
4. Do this every day for best results.

5. Potato

Raw potato juice is a great cleanser. It helps get rid of dark spots, acne, and any other impurities on the skin.

How To Use It:

1. Slice a potato into medium thick rounds.
2. Using a circular motion, rub the potato slice on your scar.
3. Using a fresh slice every few minutes, continue the process for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse the area with cool water.
5. Repeat this remedy at least once every day.

Disclaimer: This is for the general information of the readers. Please consult a doctor for specific health concerns.