The first thing you wonder when you get a deep cut is “will it leave a scar?” especially if it’s in an exposed area, such as the face or limbs. Preventing a scar from a deep cut is possible if the wound is treated swiftly and carefully by a capable individual. This article will explain what should be done to avoid a future scar from a deep wound.
If in doubt, check it out; that’s a useful mantra when wondering if a wound needs stitches or not. It’s likely that a doctor can apply some stereo strips or a butterfly bandage to the cut to ease the sides closer to facilitate the healing process, but it may need a number of stitches instead.
Don’t make a unilateral, unqualified decision on a deep wound; it may be in a tenuous place on the body - i.e. your knuckle - so if it’s not treated for infection, it may inflict some future problems here. If it is especially deep or exposed, then the chances of a permanent scar are real. A doctor will be able to analyse any potential problems and deal with them; you shouldn’t leave anything to chance.
After treating the deep cut, the doctor will issue you with some measures to help prevent a permanent scar. You should listen to him carefully and ask questions if you are not sure; it’s now your responsibility to avoid a scar from your deep cut.
- The doctor will advise you to keep the cut wrapped up with a bandage which facilitates aeration. He may give you one or two suitable bandages or gauzes to start you off, but you will need to source the rest.
- Change the dressing at least once a day and/or whenever it gets wet or noticeably soiled.
- The doctor may prescribe some antibiotic ointment, cream or tablets to help prevent infection. Make sure to finish the course.
- An itchy feeling may come over it, but refrain from scratching it lest you irritate it and cause the wound to open again.
The healing process won’t take long; your skin produces a fibre called collagen to replace the damaged flesh and skin, but it sometimes produces an excess. This causes a lump or a visible scar but it should disintegrate as the healing process winds up.
Once the wound is healed and new skin regenerates, the visible signs of the scar should disappear; this of course all depends on how well you managed it. Be sure to follow this guide to prevent scarring on a deep cut.
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