Your skin gets plenty of wear and tear. Fortunately, skin has an amazing ability to heal and regenerate. In general, there are three stages of skin healing. In the first stage, a scab forms and is often accompanied by tenderness, swelling, and redness. During the next stage, new skin forms underneath the scab as the body produces collagen and reforms what constitutes the intercellular matrix. The last stage is where the inner and outer layers of skin rebuild.
As time passes, the scab decreases, redness and inflammation are reduced, and the skin hopefully returns to normal. Many scars can be prevented. Here’s how.
GOOD TO KNOW!
In case of injury such as a sprain, remember the acronym RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest means you’ll need to lie down to prevent further trauma to the area. Avoid using the injured area and immobilize it by using a sling or splint. Ice helps to constrict blood vessels, which will minimize bleeding and swelling. Fill a plastic bag with some ice and secure it before applying to the injured area. You may want to be prepared by wetting a washcloth and keeping it in a secured plastic bag in the freezer so you have it ready for emergencies. When the area begins to feel numb from the cold, remove the cold compress until the numbness subsides and reapply. This can be repeated routinely for at least six to twelve hours following the injury.
Make a compress by adding 10 drops of lavender oil to a pint (475 ml) of cold water, mixing, soaking a washcloth or face towel with the solution, and applying to the injured area. Next, elevate the injured area above the body if possible such as propping an injured foot onto a pillow. Keep the afflicted area above heart level. After a couple of days, pain and swelling should be relieved. At that time, alternating hot and cold compresses can further speed up healing but avoid heat until at least a couple days after the injury.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Make a liniment for sprains by adding 1 tablespoon (5 g) cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon (475 ml) oil of birch to a pint of apple cider vinegar. Apply topically to the injured area, cover with a cloth if desired, then elevate and rest.
NATURAL CURES THAT HEAL SKIN
If you have a wound attempting to heal, you’ll want to allow the skin to breathe as much as possible to prevent scarring. If a bandage must be used, make sure it is breathable or use gauze with tape only at the sides of the wound. Remove any coverings at night if possible. Keep the damaged area clean but don’t overclean.
A small amount of aloe vera gel can be applied for its biogenic (new skin growth) stimulating properties. Research published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association in 1989 showed that aloe vera speeds wound healing.
After the wound has healed somewhat, to promote further healing, apply salves that contain skin-softening avocado oil, calendula flowers, castor oil, cocoa butter, comfrey, honey, plantain, shea butter, and vitamin E. These are all allies to treat and prevent scars.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT HEAL SKIN
Good essential oils that help heal and prevent scars include frankincense, geranium, lavender, and neroli. Natural food stores carry salves that carry various combinations of these remedies. Keep using these after the scab has gone. Scars can take from several months to two years to heal.
Scars are best treated when they are newer, but calendula and castor oil and plantain have even helped old scars. AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) peels or laser resurfacing can help reduce any scar that is persistent. Talk to a licensed esthetician about these procedures.
VITAMINS AND FOODS THAT HEAL SKIN
Vitamin E (400 IU) taken both internally and topically is a favorite remedy for preventing scars. Taking zinc (25 mg to promote wound healing), vitamin C (1,000 mg daily for collagen production), and bromelain (500 mg three times daily to reduce inflammation) internally may also help prevent and treat scar formation.
If there is a potential for a scar, consume foods rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, all of which support collagen production. Especially good are apples, apricots, cucumbers, millet, rice, rye, apricots, and sea veggies. Vegetable juices of diluted carrot, celery, endive, lemon, and pineapple are also beneficial.
Skip This!
Avoid using heavy pore-clogging creams on any wound. They will prevent the wounded area from getting adequate oxygen. Nix synthetic fragrances or harsh cleansers as well. Avoid getting lots of sun with a wound that has the potential for scarring as it can render the scar more permanent. Picking at scabs can cause scarring that might not have occurred otherwise.
This Home Remedies For Scars article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
