Oversights That Can Increase Your Risk Of Having A Noticeable Scar After An Injury

When you sustain any type of wound, the manner in which you deal with it can go a long way toward you having a scar for the rest of your life and your skin eventually showing no sign of the injury. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't know how to care for wounds, and may react in a manner that isn't ideal. There are certain behaviors that can increase your risk of having a scar that might otherwise not be evident in the months and years after your injury. Here are some of those oversights.

Not Getting Professional Aid

A lot of people have a tendency to shrug off getting medical help when they're injured. Perhaps you're working on a project and don't want to stop, or maybe you're afraid of seeming as though you're overreacting by going to a local urgent care center. The reality may be that you have a wound that is serious enough to require stitches to close it properly. A big reason that people are left with unsightly scars is that they don't get stitches when they're needed. While the idea of getting stitches might frighten you a little, you need to know that having a scar that is unsightly for years or decades to come can be worse.

Not Taking Infection Control Seriously

Whether you get medical attention for your injury or you decide to care for the wound yourself by following some instructions online, you need to take infection control seriously. Failing to do so is a common reason that people's injuries get worse and serious scarring occurs. If even a small wound gets infected, the wound can grow in size to the point that it leaves a nasty scar when it wouldn't otherwise have done so. Keeping the area clean, changing the dressings regularly, and seeking medical care if you notice signs of an infection are all important.

Not Leaving It Alone

As your wound begins to heal, it can often get itchy — a good sign that things are getting better. Unfortunately, the itchiness can also compel you to scratch at the wound, possibly to the point of removing the scab. When you remove scabs off wounds, especially if you do so repeatedly, you're more apt to get a scar. Try to resist the urge to scratch a healing wound and, if necessary, cover it with a bandage to prevent you scratching it without thinking.

For more information, talk to wound care services in your area. 


Share