How to heal irritated skin? Scars, cuts and scratches treatment

The skin insulates and protects the body from the external environment. When the skin is wounded, the body automatically activates a natural biological phenomenon: healing.

It is a complex restorative process during which the body needs to stop the bleeding and protect, cleanse and close the wound. The injured tissue has to be rebuilt to resemble the initial tissue as closely as possible.

Stage 1: Priming (lasts two to four days)

First, a blood clot forms to help stop bleeding. Then, very quickly, the body will prepare itself to fight infection and defend itself against microbes and foreign bodies. The damaged tissues are destroyed thanks to special cells that absorb them. The blood capillaries are more permeable and promote the movement of blood plasma and immune cells (e.g. antibodies) to the traumatized region.

Stage 2: Repairing (lasts 10 to 15 days)

The small vessels that were injured during the skin trauma will gradually rebuild themselves. The body starts to fill in the lost substance with a new tissue by synthesizing the collagen fibres with fibroblasts.
An epithelium forms on the uppermost layer of the skin. At the same time, the wound will shrink, allowing the edges of the wound to move together until the wound closes completely. Numerous cells and molecules are activated. This stage is important to prevent aesthetic damage, keeping in mind that we do not all heal equally. The darker the skin and the younger we are, the higher the risk of a visible scar. Moreover, healing is less effective on some body parts, including the chest, sternum, back and joints.

Stage 3: Maturing (lasts two months to two years)

During this stage collagen and elastin fibres will become denser and grow to structure the skin. The vascular bed will also prepare to return to a "normal" state. As a result, the skin’s resistance will increase, and so will its elasticity, allowing it to be firmer. The healed area remains fragile for two years while the skin is restored to its initial balance.

First and foremost, it is essential to consider the topography of the scar, as certain areas of the body demonstrate less favourable healing outcomes than others.

For example, there is a risk that the edges of a wound located on the back or chest will separate, leading to an increased risk of hypertrophic or keloid scarring.

Wounds on the knees or ankles often require a prolonged healing period. It is critical to carefully monitor them and provide regular care to promote proper healing.

Genetics also play a significant role. Past scars should be used as reference points to assess the risks of improper healing. It is important to note that the healing process continues beyond scar closure.

Healing typically takes several months and varies between individuals.

After the scar has closed, it's advisable to take precautions for several months. Depending on the scar's location on the body, it's important to avoid exerting too much pressure on it (for instance, refraining from carrying heavy objects if the scar is on your back) to reduce the risk of the wound edges separating and causing suture disunion.

The scar should undergo natural evolution, but certain products can help alleviate scabs, itching, and pain, all of which can affect the quality of healing.

Finally, it is imperative to select an optimal photo protection product with a high protection factor and apply it regularly to ensure lasting protection against UV rays. Damaged skin exposed to UV rays is more susceptible to post-scarring hyperpigmentation. Protection is vital not only in summer but also year-round, as UV rays penetrate through clouds, windows, windshields, and other barriers. The risk of scar hyperpigmentation typically persists for six months but may extend up to two years. Evaluation by a doctor is necessary to determine if the risk has diminished.