Massaging a scar can help it fade.
Fact: Massaging a scar can help it fade.
A scar is a mark left on your skin after an injury or an incision. Scar tissue forms during the healing process as the body produces fibres to close and heal a wound.
A scar usually has a different pigmentation from regular skin as it lacks melanin. The appearance of a scar is largely genetical but can also depend on location of the body, skin type and even age.
Additionally, scars that cross wrinkles or natural expression lines will appear more
visible. The Longer it takes a wound to heal and the more damaged the skin, and the more noticeable the scar.
Scars will continue to heal and fade for up to two years after an incision or injury. A mature scar is smaller, flatter, and paler.
A scar can however persist after a wound has fully healed and become a source of worry.
However, it is a fact that massaging scars can help a scar fade better.
Massaging functions by promoting remodeling of scar structure, decreased itching, increased blood flow, hormonal release, amongst others.
Scar massage is usually done with a cream medium or non-perfumed lotion. This can increase the tendency to move over the skin and create friction rather than build up the scar.
There are different recognized techniques which are preferred and are safe.
One useful technique is using the pad of your thumb or finger, firmly massage in a circular motion( going clockwise and anticlockwise), vertical ( up and down), and horizontal ( side to side).
You should be applying just enough pressure that you can take and shouldn't be painful. One source advices just enough pressure to change your fingers from pink to white.
There's no no factual frequency for a scar massage. However, common advice is to massage a scar 3-4 times daily for 10-15minutes.
It is noteworthy to mention that Scar massage would not work for a mature scar and would worsen a very young scar ( that is two weeks old or below).
Also you should stop massaging if you experience redness, bleeding, more pain than usual or scar feels warmer than the skin around it.
References
The benefits of scar massage. https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/blog/the-benefits-of-scar-massage. Accessed 14th October, 2022.
Dr. John Tiberi, M.D.,OS. Scar Tissue Massage. https://peerwell.co/blog/scar-tissue-massage-after-surgery/. Accessed 14th October, 2022.
Dr Richard Klein. MOFFITT Cancer Center. Managing your scars. Downloaded 14th October, 2022.