Help for Elbow Wounds and Scars
A wound on or around the elbow results in a long road of healing. Once the wound has been cleaned and left to heal, the body begins its work. Blood vessels are formed, collagen is deposited and new tissue is regenerated. When the immune system is working properly, the wound slowly contracts. The final step in healing happens when the collagen realigns along the original tension lines and the epidermis forms to cover up the new tissues. Yet the new tissue is never perfectly aligned. Every wound has some degree of scarring, depending on the severity of the injury. The skin is not considered scarred until the wound is completely healed.
The elbow is especially susceptible to scars. Normal daily activities involve using the elbow joint multiple times a day. Even with slings or casts in place, when it's time to stretch out the arm or bend it fully, stitches often pop. At the very least, the skin is strained and pulled. Visible scars are likely, even when following doctor's orders.
Some individuals have immune systems that work overtime in providing collagen to heal skin lesions. The results are two different types of scarring: hypertrophic and keloid. Hypertrophic scars are the raised lump scars that go just beyond the original skin. Keloids are an overgrowth of collagen that can leave a shiny fibrous growth going beyond the initial wound.
There are some methods to help prevent and treat scarring. Medical treatments include injections, laser treatments, chemical peels and dermabrasion. These treatments are effective at decreasing the visual appearance of scars but they are also rather expensive. For the majority of patients, these optional treatments aren't covered by medical insurance companies because they are considered cosmetic. Scar medicine sunscreen can be used in conjunction with, instead of or in addition to these methods for best results.
Scar medicine is available over the counter. Silicone gel is available online. While scar cream does not promise to restore skin to its previous state, it can decrease the appearance of the scar. Even those with overgrown scars will find keloid scar cream and that will help.
Sunscreen is an easy, low cost method that will help keep the scar less noticeable. Since the scar tissue is new, it does not have the same level of natural UV protection that the rest of the skin enjoys and will redden faster. Use a higher sun protection factor (SPF) on scarring than the rest of the skin is also helpful. A minimum of 30 SPF is recommended on scar tissue. Those hoping for quicker healing should drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated.
The elbow is especially susceptible to scars. Normal daily activities involve using the elbow joint multiple times a day. Even with slings or casts in place, when it's time to stretch out the arm or bend it fully, stitches often pop. At the very least, the skin is strained and pulled. Visible scars are likely, even when following doctor's orders.
Some individuals have immune systems that work overtime in providing collagen to heal skin lesions. The results are two different types of scarring: hypertrophic and keloid. Hypertrophic scars are the raised lump scars that go just beyond the original skin. Keloids are an overgrowth of collagen that can leave a shiny fibrous growth going beyond the initial wound.
There are some methods to help prevent and treat scarring. Medical treatments include injections, laser treatments, chemical peels and dermabrasion. These treatments are effective at decreasing the visual appearance of scars but they are also rather expensive. For the majority of patients, these optional treatments aren't covered by medical insurance companies because they are considered cosmetic. Scar medicine sunscreen can be used in conjunction with, instead of or in addition to these methods for best results.
Scar medicine is available over the counter. Silicone gel is available online. While scar cream does not promise to restore skin to its previous state, it can decrease the appearance of the scar. Even those with overgrown scars will find keloid scar cream and that will help.
Sunscreen is an easy, low cost method that will help keep the scar less noticeable. Since the scar tissue is new, it does not have the same level of natural UV protection that the rest of the skin enjoys and will redden faster. Use a higher sun protection factor (SPF) on scarring than the rest of the skin is also helpful. A minimum of 30 SPF is recommended on scar tissue. Those hoping for quicker healing should drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated.
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