Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Prevention of Scars

You cannot completely prevent scars from forming but there are some things your doctor can do to help your scar be less severe and heal better.

Dirt and objects such as glass or gravel should be cleaned out of the wound. Dead tissue should be cleared out. This reduces the chances of infection. If stitches are required, the finest type of stitching material that can hold together the wound should be used.

Silicon gel sheets and pressure garment therapy can also help to prevent bad scarring. See the treatment section for further information.

Not scratching or picking at scabs and spots will also help prevent scarring.

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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