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Scar Remedies

Updated: 02/03/2010

Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin (or other tissue) after injury. A scar results from the biologic process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. Thus, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. With the exception of very minor lesions, every wound (e.g. after accident, disease, or surgery) results in some degree of scarring. Scar tissue is not identical to the tissue that it replaces and is usually of inferior functional quality. For example, scars in the skin are less resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and sweat glands and hair follicles do not grow back within scar tissue. A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, causes scar formation in the heart muscle, which leads to loss of muscular power and possibly heart failure. However, there are some tissues (e.g. bone) that can heal without any structural or functional deterioration, and in fact bone tissue may be structurally stronger after a break. (Wikipedia)

DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

ALOE VERA

1 YEA

[YEA]  07/02/2009: K from Chicago, IL writes: "I have been using fresh aloe juice/gel/flesh topically overnight on my chest and back to try to heal scarring due largely to acne. I had been dealing with acne and scarring for months now. Just two nights of applying aloe liberally and directly onto my skin, letting it dry a bit, and then putting on a pajama top overnight has produced surprisingly good results. I am so relieved and amazed. I recommend this very simple, inexpensive, and natural method to everyone."

07/15/2009: Stacy from Atl, Ga replies: "This is great information but when I went to my local grocer to pick an aloe leaf, one question came up: How do you preserve your fresh aloe vera. How long does it keep? Thx!"

07/19/2009: Kathy from Stanwood, WA replies: "My grocer doesn't sell aloe leaves. Go to your nursery or Lowe's, WalMart etc and buy the plant. It will grow fast so make sure the pot is big enough. Needs lots of light, Bring indoors when it gets cold. Just pick a leaf as needed."

01/08/2010: Jason from Long Beach, California replies: "Im just curious about aloe vera lotion not aloe vera gel, will that help take away acne scars?"

EC: Most potent form is fresh aloe.

ALOE VERA, LEMON JUICE, HONEY, VITAMIN E, TOOTHPASTE

2 YEA

[YEA]  11/17/2007: Jessica from Vancouver, Canada writes: "A while ago I experimented with a bunch of home remedies to clear up my acne scars and found that topically applying the following worked for me:

- aloe vera gel (works better on fresh wounds)
- lemon juice
- honey
- vitamin e oil or capsule
- toothpaste
- cucumber juice (leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water)
- make a paste of salt, baking soda, lemon juice, and honey. Leave on face for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water.

Hope these help someone!"

[YEA]  10/05/2008: Sarah from Dubai, UAE replies: "I used toothpaste, cucumber, lemon juice and the face mask Jessica advised to use. My results are amazing! My scars are fading and the toothpaste makes the pimples smaller and the puss decreases quite visibly. I just mix about two tablespoons of honey, the juice of one or two lemons, two teaspoons of salt, three tablespoons of fuller's earth. This adds a glow to my skin, the scars are fading away slowly. Also, I use a scrub daily before school/work; two tbspoons of honey, three tablespoons of unrefined brown sugar and fullers earth( as much as you want, not more than four tablespoons), 1 1/2 teaspoons of ACV. This is for general use..."

EXTREME MOISTURE

1 YEA
1 WARNING!

[YEA]  11/01/2007: Cary from phoenix, Arizona writes: "I have never used bloodroot, however I have read that it can cause scars. Scars such as burn scars are treated by continually keeping the skin moist. Extreme moisture should allow all of the capillaries to grow back to gather fully, thus preventing scar tissue. The point I am making is that if it works for preventing scars for burn victims than it should prevent most other scaring. Keep in mind that what ever you use, it must contain antibacterial properties. Failure to do so my allow the area to become infected with bacteria and other nasty fungus, etc Neosporin and burn creams such as 1% silver sulfadiazine cream are two product that work well. It would also be beneficial if you can cover the area with a thin plastic wrap. Here in the USA we call it saran wrap. Its the same thing they put over a new tattoo. Then a bandage, gauze or ace bandage will hold it in place. DO NOT let a scab form or else it will prevent the capillaries from forming new healthy skin. The scab is what causes the scaring in the first place. I have found that it is ok to let the bandaged area dry out a few hours a day. If the skin starts to harden, that's ok. It should soften up once again after you reapply the ointment and bandage.

Ps. If you have pre existing scar tissue you can use the same method, however it take much linger once the scar has already had time to form. God bless."

[WARNING!]  09/02/2009: Ellis Garvin from Haiku, Hi replies: "I appreciate your suggestions, Cary, but the one about covering skin with plastic wrap went against what I'd heard about skin needing to breath, so I did some quick internet research about it. From what I've read, some tattoo parlors mistakenly tell people to use plastic wrap to cover their new tattoos (so people can see the tattoo without the person needing to remove a bandage to show them.) However, many states make it illegal to use plastic over tattoos due to the higher risk of infection. Also, the The National Tattoo Association and the Alliance of Professional Tattooists prohibit tattoo artists from putting plastic wrap over tattoos because the skin needs to breathe, and plastic wrap traps moisture and heat against the skin and fosters the growth of bacteria which leads to infection.

I hope everyone using this wonderful website is smart and uses critical thinking before trying alternative remedies suggested by a single source. This website has literally saved me hundreds of dollars in doctor bills and much emotional and physical pain, but I still am very careful to cross-check and do further research on any remedy that I find here."

NUTMEG AND HONEY

1 YEA

[YEA]  07/02/2008: Pran from Hillsborough, NJ writes: "ACNE SCARS:

NUTMEG POWDER AND HONEY (1TSP EACH)
APPLY TWICE A WEEK ON THE SCARS."

07/02/2008: Travis from Chicago, IL replies: "Csn you use any old ordinary nutmeg and honey and how long do you leave it on?"

07/06/2008: Mike from Peoria, IL replies: "Does anyone know how to get rid of those hole in your face associated with acne?"

POVIDONE IODINE

1 YEA
1 WARNING!

[YEA]  12/19/2007: Patricia from Laguna Niguel writes: "I love this website! Lots of wonderful home remedies. I read about Iodine and went on ebay- I bought Povidone- Iodine first to try, and painted myself with it over every problem area of my skin- the colors were disappearing in 15 minutes or so. The bottle says for external use only and do not apply it over large areas of the skin. Well, I have not tried take it internally yet, but as I understand it, Povidone is used for prep surgeries, which means it is in contact with blood and internal organs. After my first application on small areas, I noticed that the morning after I could see significant improvement on my skin where there used to be acne-like pumps that I had for several years- some shrank and some went away. I then started using it on all scars and it seems to make them more smooth and heal better. Upon seeing that, I asked my husband to paint me all over my back- dry, flaky skin with red irritable spots- and over night, they became more smooth. So I started to use it more and more, sometimes it stains my clothes, but my skin seemed to be healing. Don't know if that is also indication of my iodine deficiency. I wonder if it works any differently from Lugol's. I do have signs of low thyroid function, like cold intolerance, poor circulation. Can you tell me if I can take the Povidone internally? How is it different from Lugol's?"

[WARNING!]  03/07/2009: Adriana from Van Nuys, California replies: "Do not ingest providone iodine, yes it is used in surgeries but only for prepping. It does not come in contact with the organs."

READER COMMENTS

1 YEA
2 QUESTIONS

[YEA]  03/05/2009: Kathy from Chicago, IL. USA writes: "03/05/2009: Kathy from Chicago, IL. USA writes: "have a question and didnt know how to ask. my house was infested with fleas. i got many bites on my legs. everywhere i was bitten is now a brown mark. flat not like scar tissue. is there any way to get rid of the marks or does anyone know why they would turn brown. my legs look horrible. just discovered your site. its awesome. started the oil pulling. all i had was olive oil and i have noticed no difference. will try with sesame oil when i go to store. for those having reactions to coconut oil you may be allergic so try a different oil. thanks for any help""

EC: Hi, Kathy. Your question has also been posted on fleas remedies page in the pets section...

[QUESTION]  02/18/2009: Mel from KZN, South Africa writes: "Does anyone know how to get rid of eczema scars? Please let me know, thanks"

[QUESTION]  02/08/2009: Karen from Freeport, FLORIDA, USA writes: "Looking for throat scar remedy: Hi. Five years ago I had emergency thyroid surgery to remove half the thyroid, which was eaten up by lymphoma. I went immediately into chemo and then a month of radiation. I ended up with a scar on my throat (I think it's a scar) that prevents food from going down. It doesn't hurt anymore but something as simple as bread can stick in my throat, choking me. My husband has done the heimlich many times on me but even more frightening is when I am alone and something sticks. I also get a bad cough from many things - sugary or spicy foods, wine, etc. I saw the cures for a sore throat but I don't think this is an infection, I think it's scar tissue. I asked at the Mayo where I was treated but the doc just looked at me. Is there any way to make this scar tissue (if that's what it is) go away? I tried ACV/honey for a short time but worried that the vinegar was irritating it, is that possible? Thanks so much. I send your site to people all the time. So great to have this access to natural cures."

05/20/2009: Diane from Lisbon, IA replies: "To: Karen from Freeport Re: Scarring from surgery. You may wish to try Serrapeptase. It is an enzyme that dissolves fibrinic tissue. Do not expect a miracle over night, but it is worth taking long term and seeing if it helps. Good Luck! Hope it helps."

07/08/2009: Diane from Lisbon, IA replies: "Look at the castor oil pack page on this site. The section about abdominal scar tissue and internal adhesions is very interesting and could be directly applicable to your situation. Warm castor oil packs would cetainly be worth trying on the scar on your neck. He mentions one hour per day for two months, although I would try to do longer than the one hour.

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/castor_oil.html

Good luck,

D."

REMEDIES NEEDED

2 QUESTIONS

[QUESTION]  02/03/2010: Carol from Bennington, Vermont, U S A writes: "Healing OLD burn scars

I have a question that I can't seem to find an answer to. I have old scars and have tried every single thing I could find through the years. I can't use herbal stuff w/o side effects I can't deal with. I've tried camphor oil, lemon juice, collegen, elastin, coco butter, many, many herbal things, vit.c serum, coconut oil, olive oil, other oils, silicone sheets, (which DID help SOME) much much more but nothing seems to soften and fade them. What is anyones suggestion to my dilemma? I know there IS a remedy for this and won't give up my travels to find out. Is it Tea Tree Oil? Apple Cider Vinegar? Honey? Lavender Oil? Lemon Juice? Some mixture of these? Please I can't use herbal stuff, it doesn't agree with me. I end up sick. Things I've read today seem to be in the direction of apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil. Can you give me some ideas? Something that works? I have 3/4th of my back with burn scars and have several keloid scars on it. Most of it needs to be softened, loosened and faded. A massage therapist said pinch therapy and I have done that in the past, which is probably why it looks as good as it does. I just really want to get this done...... Is it honey, vinegar, tea tree oil or what? Any help in this would be fab. Thanks either way! God bless everyone who reads this and the other suggestions as they are very helpful and natural, not all herbs that some are allergic to as I am. I am allergic to trees, some plants and sensitive to so many herbs."

02/03/2010: Lita209 from Sanford, Fl, Usa replies: "Carol, have you tried aloe vera gel from the plant??"

12/09/2009: Erniepen from Franklin, Nj writes: "deep face scar - had an accident deep scar 4 above eye and 5 inches below looks bad 6 internal stiches 37 external, what can i do to reduce it?"

12/10/2009: Kerry from Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada replies: "Vitamin E applied to a cut will help it heal quickly and reduce the amount of scarring. Use a 400 IU capsule and apply the oil a couple of times a day every day. You can even use Vit. E to reduce old scars."

12/10/2009: Sandy (sandhya) from Bangalore, India replies: "apply coconut oil. If your scar is new, it will help immensely."

12/10/2009: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA replies: "Erniepen, You can take msm internally. This can definitely help reduce it. Also, juicing will renew tissue quickly all over the body. It has been 2 months since my husband and I began first with the mini beet protocol and then onto juicing and wow! has our skin changed. All melasma on my face is gone and damage on my arm from the sun in Hawaii from 3 years ago is gone as well. Hope this helps, Lisa"

12/10/2009: Merryanne from Orange City, Florida, USA replies: "It help to have more information,,,like when did it happen, is the area healed or still got stitches. If the area is healed applying vitamin E oil helps. Merryanne from FL"

[QUESTION]  10/27/2009: Stephanie from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma writes: "Scars from Boils

I have been getting Boils since I can remember. I have all of these horriable scars left behind from them on my buttocks and on legs. Does anyone have any recommendations on what I can use to help with all of the scars? Desperate!!"

SCAR REMEDIES

06/25/2008: Tan Koon Peng from Singapore writes: "Ingredients: pure honey
Instructions: The best remedy for scars is honey. It works very well. You rub it on the scar many times during the day for some days, and you'll see. It leaves no mark. http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/keloid_scar.html

OR

Linda used 100% Pure Olive Oil on her scar from having a C-Section and it worked great! It's almost as if it wasn't ever there. Just rub it on your scar 2-3 times a day. Works great!

Peanut oil is effective on scar. It is especially useful for scar suffered by diabetes patients.

Edgar Cayce formula for removal of severe burn scars.
Camphorated oil, 2 ounces
Lanolin, dissolved, 1/2 teaspoon
Peanut oil, 1 ounce
http://www.edgarcayce.org/health/database/health_resources/scars-Adhesions.asp

Olive oil and coconut oil are effective for stretch marks."

06/26/2008: Marea from Dallas, Texas replies: "This message is for TAN KONG PENG. from SINGAPORE:
Dear Tan Kong Peng, I appreciate the time you spend writing. I have been enjoying your emails on nutritional treatment and prevention for various ailments. While supplementation might be needed in severe cases of diseases caused by vitamin/mineral deficiencies, your approach to treating illness with natural foods that nourish the body with their natural vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals,etc, is very much appreciated. Since I am very natural-oriented, I would much rather eat the foods (preferably raw, or minimally processed and organic) than spend money on twenty different supplements! For those of us who are interested in natural foods and healing herbs, please keep the emails coming.

Would you or anyone in our beautiful family of Earthclinic members know of a good recipe for a natural food based electrolyte drink? My son is an athlete who perspires profusely during games. I would like to use things like Apple Cider Vinegar, and bananas for potassium, lemon for its rich mineral content, honey for its natural hydrogen peroxide oxygenating property and energy boosting, blackstrap molasses, sea salt, and/or any other food sources of minerals. How can any of above be used in a good mix (and how much of each) to prepare a perfectly balanced energy drink with all necesarry electrolytes? I don't want to buy commercial sports drinks full of sugar, so I would greatly appreciate anyone's input. Thank you much! Marea"

EC: This is a great question for Ted. We will forward it to him!

06/27/2008: Marea from Dallas, Texas replies: "Thank you, EARTHCLINIC! I will be looking forward to a response. Thank you also for this wonderful website, and your dedicated staff - I appreciate the great job you are doing. Marea"

09/02/2008: Tami from Greenville, S.C. replies: "In response to Marea, who asks about a sports energy drink for her son

06/26/2008: Marea from Dallas, Texas writes: "...Would you or anyone in our beautiful family of Earthclinic members know of a good recipe for a natural food based electrolyte drink? My son is an athlete who perspires profusely during games. I would like to use things like Apple Cider Vinegar, and bananas for potassium, lemon for its rich mineral content, honey for its natural hydrogen peroxide oxygenating property and energy boosting, blackstrap molasses, sea salt, and/or any other food sources of minerals. How can any of above be used in a good mix (and how much of each) to prepare a perfectly balanced energy drink with all necesarry electrolytes? I don't want to buy commercial sports drinks full of sugar, so I would greatly appreciate anyone's input. Thank you much! Marea"

I have this suggestion. Coconut water. This is a natural, highly nutritive substance which I feel will meet your son's needs quite nicely. It is, quite possibly, the perfect after sports beverage. It is easy to come by providing you can secure a coconut, hammer, and screwdriver. Enjoy."

04/20/2009: Toya from Bronx, NY replies: "I have a dark scar on my lower leg from a bad MRSA skin infection in November. It's a large purplish circle with a darker, indented one inside (where the MRSA had made a bullet-wound sized hole). It's pretty ugly. Any ideas on how to fade it?"

04/21/2009: Dorothy from Oz, KS replies: "MSM is supposed to help heal scars and many other ailments. you have to start out with low dosages and work your way up to higher dosages. Good news, it is inexpensive!

wishing you well!"

04/21/2009: Jessiie from Chicago, Il replies: "What is pure honey?You mean raw honey because all honeyis labeled pure honey."

11/21/2009: Tiffstock from Danville, Ca replies: "WHILE VACATIONING IN JAMACA THEY TOLD US THE COCONUT WATER WAS GREAT TO DRINK AFTER A WORKOUT, HOPE THAT HELPS WITH YOUR SON"

VITAMIN E

3 YEA

[YEA]  04/03/2009: Denise from Soperton, Georgia writes: "To help fade the scars try Vitamin E Oil. I had very bad scars on the tops of my feet from an accident. After three years the scars were still very red, tender, and itched. I would cover the tops of my feet with the oil every night after I had washed them. After covering my feet with the oil I would put a large band aid on top of my feet to keep the oil from making a mess and keep it on my feet. I did this a couple of months and the scars faded, and was no longer tender or red. The scares are 80 to 90% better. My scars were very deep. Third degree burns. Yes, you can still see a little bit of the scar on my left foot, which was the worst. But the right foot you would never know that I had had a very bad scar there."

07/15/2009: Stacy from Atl, Ga replies: "Is there any particular type of Vitamin E oil that you used? I have bad scarring on my stomach from ezcema and I'm looking for any type (of natural) relief. Thx!"

[YEA]  08/09/2008: Ezra from El Centro, California writes: "I just recently removed two moles that were on my chest area which have now turned a dark purplish color. I heard that vitamin E oil works well on them. I have been putting on the oil and rubbing it in at least 3 times a day for a week now and it seems to be working well on the scars. Has anyone used this method before and is this what how i should be applying it?"

11/30/2008: Tonya from Gary, IN replies: "I was wondering if anyone knows how to lighten the skin on the inner thighs caused by thighs rubbing together?"

[YEA]  12/03/2008: Sammie from Ventura, Ca replies: "Vitamin E Works! I remember when I was a kid my mom had fallen on her face (she slipped on loose dirt) and scraped her face -the right cheek bone area. It looked horrible almost like a 'rug burn'. It was about the size of a quarter & dark in color (my mom was fair). Someone told her to apply liquid Vitamin E on it daily and it will fade or go away. She did this numerous times a day for about one year and it was very successful! The scar eventually faded away completly!! I as a child was amazed and never forgot that remedy for scars!"