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Scars tell a story about our journey through life, from scrapes in the back garden to major surgery, they conjure memories, good and bad. At Bepanthen® we understand that many people find their scars unsightly or emotionally uncomfortable, which is why we’ve put years of scientific research into scar treatment.
The wound healing process
Immediately after an injury, a complex healing process begins, with overlapping phases:
1) The inflammatory phase
The bleeding stops and an inflammatory reaction starts to remove cellular debris, microbes and protects the injury from external aggressions. During this phase, which lasts one to three days, you can use an antiseptic product to help protect from infection.
2) The repair phase
In the tissue surrounding the injury, collagen is created in order to help reconstruct the skin and fill the hole left by the wound. During this phase, which lasts three to 15 days, a wound healing cream can be used.
3) The remodelling phase
During this phase, collagen is re-organised in order to strengthen the skin at the wound. This phase can last up to two years, and determines the final appearance of the scar. It’s advisable to use a silicone gel such as Bepanthen Scar Treatment to help keep the skin moisturised after the wound has closed.
Factors which make scars more prominent
The appearance of the resulting scar is influenced by different factors such as:
- Infection during wound healing
- Intense pressure or stretching
- Collagen overproduction
- Genetic predisposition to scarring
- If the scar is located in areas of natural tension, i.e. the joints, back, earlobes, neck or sternum
Click here to learn more about treating your scars with Bepanthen Scar Treatment.
