Summary
Even if your wound looks closed, the inside is still healing. It can take several months for everything to be fully healed. After the wound closes, it still goes through several steps.
This topic provides information on how to care for skin after a wound has healed. It details steps to keep the skin clean, moisturized, and protected, especially from the sun. The topic also covers how to manage scars, including different types of scars and ways to help them heal better.
Patient Handout (download) |
Healing Takes Time!
Even if your wound looks closed, the inside is still healing. It can take several months for everything to be fully healed. After the wound closes, it still goes through several steps:
- At first, a scar is active. It often looks red, raised, firm, and thick. Sometimes, this can be mistaken for an infection. Over the next 4–6 weeks, the scar may get a little bigger and more red. The outer layer might loosen or peel.
- After that, the scar usually starts to get smaller and lighter over the next few months.
- Later on, in most people, the scar becomes softer and its color starts to look more natural.
To care for your skin after a wound has healed:
- Keep the area clean and moisturized.
- Protect it from bumps and scratches.
- Follow your provider’s instructions.
Keeping Your Skin Clean & Moisturized
- Gently clean skin with mild or moisturizing cleansers
- Pat skin dry after bathing - don’t rub
- Apply a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer at least once a day, or more if skin feels dry
Moisturizing Tips:
Use lotion every day (at least in the morning and evening, more if skin feels dry). Look for lotions with:
- Emollients
- Lubricants
- Petrolatum
- Lanolin
- Mineral oil
- Shea butter
- Vitamins A & D
Itchy or Tight Skin?
It’s normal for skin to feel itchy or tight while it’s healing. If this happens:
- Apply extra moisturizer
- Use an anti-itch cream like colloidal oatmeal or hydrocortisone (ask your provider first)
- Don’t scratch - it can hurt your skin and cause infection
Protect Skin From the Sun
New skin burns easily!
Tips:
Use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every 2–3 hours
- Pick a mineral sunscreen (not chemical)
- Cover the healing area when outside
- Stay out of direct sunlight for a few months
Healthy Habits Help Healing
Do your best to:
- Eat fruits, veggies, and proteins
- Drink lots of water
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid smoking
- Stay active - but don’t overdo it!
Special Care Tools
If your healthcare provider recommends it, be sure to use the following:
- Compression stockings
- Special shoes or shoe inserts
- Soft cushions or specialty mattresses, especially if you spend extended periods sitting or lying down.
Check Your Skin Often
Look at your skin every day! Watch for:
- New or changing spots
- Sores or rashes
- Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or drainage
Call your provider if you notice any of these.
Scar Care Tips
Scars are a normal part of how the skin heals after a skin breakdown. Some scars can take up to a year to finish healing. Most scars get lighter and softer over time, but some can stay raised/thick, itchy, painful, or make it hard to move.
Types of thick/raised scars:
- Hypertrophic scars usually show up about 1 month after skin breakdown. They can grow for 6 months, then slowly get better over the next year.
- Keloids are different. They may show up 3 to 12 months after skin breakdown and can grow bigger than the original area.
How to help scars heal better:
- Keep the area safe from bumps or pulling.
- Wear soft, loose clothes
- Try not to stretch or strain the area.
- Don’t pick at or scratch the scar.
Other ways to help (ask your provider if they are right for you):
- Massage: Rubbing the scar gently can help stop it from feeling itchy.
- Silicone products: Gels, creams, sheets, or tapes that help scars heal.
- Pressure garments: Special tight clothing that helps flatten scars.
- Medicines: Creams or shots (like corticosteroids) that can help reduce swelling and make scars softer.
Your provider may suggest other treatments to help your scar heal well.
Your skin is amazing - help it heal strong and healthy!
