Most C-section scars heal within a few weeks or months. This is something that every mother already knows. But one thing that most mothers are often worried about after a C-section is not just about the risks after a C-section or worrying about the baby alone, but about the C-section scar. Because if not properly cared for, the mother’s once smooth stomach can have a large, clearly visible scar. Today, we would like to recommend scar reduction medicine for mothers who have had a C-section. Which type will not cause keloids?
How many types of birth scars are there?
C-section scars are an inevitable consequence of every mother’s birth. These scars can be divided into several types, each with its own characteristics and care requirements.
Smooth scars are the most common scars after a C-section. They appear smooth along the incision line, which may be straight or slightly curved, as the surgeon injects the surgery. Smooth scars fade over time, usually taking one to two years to blend in with the surrounding skin. In some cases, they may be barely visible. These types of scars are usually painless, but they can cause some new mothers to feel insecure at first.
Keloids are scars that form when excessive tissue builds up over a surgical wound. These scars are raised, hard, and larger than the original incision. Keloids are often red or purple in color and can be itchy or painful at times. Keloids are more common in at-risk mothers, such as those with darker skin or those with a history of keloids or raised scars elsewhere on the body. Therefore, treating keloids may require special methods, such as topical medications, silicone sheets, or, in some cases, laser treatment.
Pitted scars are indentations in the skin. They’re often caused by a surgical wound infection or blood clots beneath the wound. Pitted scars can make the skin appear uneven and rough. They often require special care to prevent further infection. Treatment for pitted scars may include creams or medications that help restore the skin, as well as other medical treatments, such as laser treatments or filler injections to fill in the holes.
An elongated scar is a scar that occurs when a surgical wound enlarges. It often occurs in people who gain weight rapidly after a cesarean section or in cases where the skin has been stretched excessively. An elongated scar can make the scar appear larger and unsightly. Preventing elongated scars involves maintaining a healthy weight and keeping the wound clean and free of infection.
However, proper and consistent scar care will help the scar heal faster and improve its appearance, allowing you to return to your normal life with more confidence.
When should a mother who had a cesarean section start applying scar reduction cream?
A cesarean section wound, although it is a wound from a short surgery, takes longer to heal and take care of the wound until it is completely healed than a normal wound. It generally takes about 2-4 weeks or more, depending on the size of the wound, the surgical method, and the wound care of each individual. The healing mechanism of a cesarean section wound will start to heal from the inside out. In the first 2-3 days, the cesarean section wound will start to become inflamed, swollen, red, and burning, and there may be blood or lymph oozing out. The doctor will clean the wound and cover it with a special wound dressing. After that, the body will start to create new tissue to connect the separated tissues, and the wound will gradually shrink, reduce swelling, redness, and dry up soon.
How many types of scar reduction medications are there for mothers who have had a cesarean section?
There are many different types of scar reduction medications for cesarean section wounds, each with a different mechanism of action and efficacy, as follows:
1. Silicone gel
Properties: Silicone gel is a popular and widely accepted medical treatment for scars because it is effective in adding moisture to the skin, smoothing the scar, and reducing redness and raisedness.
Usage: Silicone gel can be used on both new and old wounds by applying the silicone gel to the scar regularly twice a day for a period of several weeks to several months.
How it works: Silicone gel works by creating a thin, translucent protective layer on the skin that helps keep the wound moist and flexible. This protective layer also helps reduce moisture loss from the wound, reduces the formation of raised scars, and reduces the itching that often occurs during wound healing.
2. Steroid Cream
Properties : Steroids have the ability to reduce wound inflammation, reduce redness, and help inhibit excessive collagen production, which is the cause of raised scars.
Use : Steroids are best used on new, red wounds. Use of steroids must be under the supervision of a doctor, as using them in inappropriate amounts or for too long can cause side effects such as thinning of the skin or infection.
How it works : Steroids reduce inflammation by inhibiting the immune system in the area where they are applied, thus reducing swelling and redness caused by wound inflammation.
3. Vitamin E
Properties : Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage, promotes wound healing and reduces scarring.
Usage : Vitamin E is often used on old wounds by applying vitamin E oil or cream containing vitamin E to the scar once or twice a day.
How it works : Vitamin E helps repair damaged skin cells and protects against free radicals that can worsen scars. It also helps moisturize the skin, making the wound smoother.
4. Natural Extracts
Properties : Natural extracts have various properties that help reduce scarring. Some have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and help wounds heal faster.
Usage : Natural extracts are suitable for both new and old wounds. They can be used as gel, cream, or concentrated extract and applied to the scar area twice a day.
How it works : For example, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Radishes and tomatoes contain vitamins and nutrients that aid in wound healing and skin rejuvenation.
The choice of scar reduction medication should be based on the type of wound, suitability for your skin type, and your doctor’s advice to achieve the best scar reduction results.
Pros and cons of each type of scar reduction medication
|
|---|
| Types of scar reduction medications |
strength |
weakness
|
| silicone gel |
– Reduces raised scars well
– Waterproof, durable, long-lasting
– Safe and suitable for sensitive skin
|
– The price is quite expensive.
– Some formulas may cause dry skin.
– Must be reapplied frequently.
|
| silicone sheet |
– Reduces raised scars well
– Convenient to use and easy to carry
– Closes the wound completely and protects the wound from sunlight.
|
– The price is quite expensive.
– May cause redness or skin irritation in some cases.
– Not waterproof
|
| clear gel |
– Easy to find and inexpensive
– Can be used to nourish new scars.
– Helps keep the wound moist.
|
– Moderate scar reduction effectiveness
– Not suitable for keloid scars.
|
| cream |
– Easy to find and inexpensive
– Can be used to nourish new and old scars.
– There are many recipes to choose from.
|
– The effectiveness of scar reduction varies from formula to formula.
– Some formulas may cause dry or irritated skin.
|
| steroids |
– Reduces raised scars well
– Controls scar inflammation
|
– Should be used only as directed by a doctor.
– Long-term use may cause the skin to thin, increasing the risk of cracking.
|
The effectiveness of scar reduction medications depends on several factors, such as the type of scar, the length of time the medication is used, the skin condition, and the consistency of application. Therefore, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any scar reduction medication, and you should test the medication on a small area of skin before using it on the actual scar.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Thailand
