July 10, 2025— If you're worried about how a scar might look once it's healed, you're not alone. The good news is that scars usually fade over time, and there are things you can do to help reduce their appearance.
It all starts with properly caring for the initial wound. Your doctor can offer advice about how to deal with a wound from surgery or an injury. But, in general, these six tips from the American Academy of Dermatology Association can help you heal smoothly.
1. Keep the wound clean. You can use mild soap and warm water to gently wash the wound. This can help remove any bacteria or debris.
2. Use petroleum jelly to keep the wound from drying out. Keeping the wound moist while it's healing helps prevent it from forming a scab. Wounds usually heal better when a scab doesn't form.
3. Cover the skin with a bandage. After cleaning and applying petroleum jelly, cover the wound with a bandage. For larger wounds or burns, it may be helpful to use silicone gel sheets.
4. Make sure to change the bandage every day. This helps protect the wound and keep it clean for better healing.
5. If you have stitches in your wound, follow your doctor's care instructions. Your doctor will let you know how to care for the wound. Properly caring for a wound with stitches may help minimize the appearance of the scar.
6. Once the wound has healed, use sunscreen. Using sunscreen over the area can help avoid red or brown coloring of the scar. Make sure to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
What causes scars?
Scars are a natural part of the healing process. As a wound heals, new tissue forms to replace the damaged skin. Injuries, surgeries, burns, acne and even stretch marks are all common causes of scars.
Some people are more prone to getting scars that appear noticeable, such as raised, sunken or keloid scars. And some scars can become sensitive, while others might tighten, which can limit certain movements or body functions.
How a scar will look or affect function depends on factors like:
- What caused the wound.
- How deep the wound is.
- Where on your body the wound is.
- Your genetics.
- Your skin color.
- Whether you take certain medications.
It can be frustrating and anxiety-provoking to have a scar that affects your appearance, confidence or function. Treatments might be an option if you feel like your scar is negatively affecting your quality of life. That could include topical gels or creams, injections, laser therapy, or surgery. It's always best to talk to your doctor to learn more about what treatments might work best for you.
Looking for more ways to help keep your skin healthy? Check out our Skin topic center to learn more.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Proper Wound Care: How to Minimize a Scar." https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Scars: Signs and Symptoms." https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/scars-symptoms.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Scars: Will My Scar Go Away?" https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/scars-go-away.
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand. "Scar Treatment." https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/scar-treatment.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "Scar Treatment 101: What Are the First Steps?" https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/scar-treatment-101-what-are-the-first-steps.