Stretch marks are not the best “decoration” on the human body. However, you should not think that stretch marks can only appear in pregnant or lactating women. People who, for various reasons, have reduced tissue elasticity are predisposed to stretch marks. Therefore, the principle of action of any remedy against stretch marks is to effectively moisturize the skin surface, enhance the production of collagen, which is responsible for the elastic properties of the skin, and have a regenerating effect. Many people prefer to use Bepanten or Bepantol. Are these drugs effective against stretch marks?
- 2 Emulsion for stretch marks Bepantol
- 3 Rules of application
- 4 Contraindications and possible skin reactions
- 5 Reviews of the products
Indications for use of ointments
Not all drugs are universal, so you should consult a dermatologist before using the ointment. If the ointment is used incorrectly, the skin condition may worsen. General indications for the use of anti-scar ointments are:
- stretch marks caused by weight gain or sudden loss;
- post-traumatic tendon contractures;
- prevention of scarring after surgery;
- keloid (colloid) scars;
- atrophic and normotrophic scars;
- hyperpigmentation and post-acne;
- fresh hypertrophic scars.
Review of anti-scar medications
It is safer to entrust the choice of a remedy to a doctor, especially after the appearance of surgical scars - with appendicitis, hernia, etc. Thus, retinoic ointment is effective for acne and post-acne, but in the case of traumatic scars it is powerless. The silicone-based drug "Strataderm" copes with scars and scars, eliminates stretch marks, but is expensive. Moreover, one tube is not enough to carry out a treatment course.
Let's consider a list of popular products for scars that are effective and do not put a strain on the family budget.
| Name of ointment | Action | Mode of application |
| Contractubex | The German drug contains heparin and allantoin. These components help break down scar tissue and improve regeneration. The drug has a positive effect on the skin structure, softens pathological tissue and makes the epidermis elastic. The ointment contains onion extract. This ingredient has an anti-inflammatory effect, improves blood microcirculation and inhibits the proliferation of connective tissue. | Contractubex is applied to the affected area three times a day for a month. The drug is prescribed at the early stage of scarring and for prevention. The drug is ineffective against old scars. |
| Dermatix | A Dutch-made drug in the form of a gel-like mass. It is used immediately after the wound has healed to prevent scarring. The product eliminates pigmentation, improves blood supply to epidermal cells, and saturates the connective tissue with moisture. | Dermatix is applied twice daily. The drug is quickly absorbed and leaves no traces. Duration of therapy is 2 months. The drug will not help with deep skin damage. But it is safe and suitable for use by children and pregnant women. |
| Fermenkol | Active collagen preparation made in Russia. Stimulates the resorption of existing scars and prevents new ones. Makes convex formations flat and elastic. At the same time it has an analgesic and antipruritic effect. Side effects to the ointment are rare, so the product is recommended for use in children. | Use the product twice a day for a month. Fermenkol removes hypertrophic scars on the body. To increase the effectiveness of therapy, the drug is used as part of medicinal electrophoresis. |
| Solcoseryl | The drug improves cell regeneration and nutrition. It is applied to the face for acne and post-acne. The ointment will be useful for dry wounds, frostbite, burns, and cuts. Zinc ointment works similarly. It is cheaper and suitable for the treatment of dermatitis, bedsores, dry and weeping wounds. Both drugs do not have a pronounced anti-scar effect. But using them early will prevent scarring. | The ointment should be used twice a day. At the stage of scar formation, the drug is used under a bandage. |
| Clearvin | This cream softens the skin, activates cellular metabolism, and improves blood circulation. Contains natural ingredients and belongs to Ayurvedic preparations. Effective against comedones, stretch marks, age spots, skin microdamages. Suitable for treating acne, smoothes the skin, eliminates signs of chronic fatigue. | The skin is lubricated morning and evening for several weeks. Doctors consider the drug as a cosmetic product, but the natural base and safety of the cream distinguish it from other drugs. For minor disorders and for their prevention, the product will be effective. |
| Imoferase | The cream is intended directly for the removal of scars and scars. Hyaluronidase, which is part of the cream, inhibits the growth of connective tissue and reduces swelling. During a course of treatment, convex formations decrease in volume, the level of pigmentation decreases, and elasticity increases. Imoferase cream acts on old scars and scars, reducing their density. | The effect of treatment is noticeable after 3 weeks, the full course of therapy is 8 weeks. It is recommended to use the cream after operations, burns, cesarean section and in case of traumatic skin damage. |
| Heparin ointment | The drug improves blood microcirculation, which allows it to be used for stretch marks, hematomas, localized infiltrates and ulcerative lesions. It will not be possible to get rid of scars with heparin ointment, but prophylactic use of the product will prevent pathological growth of connective tissue. | Heparin ointment is applied up to 3 times a day for 2 weeks. |
| Methyluracil | Forces regenerative processes, improves renewal of epidermal cells. The ointment heals wounds by speeding up epithelization. It has a protective property, restores the integrity of the skin, and prevents degenerative changes in the epidermis. Used after burns, including radiation. Bepanten cream works in a similar way. The list of indications for the drugs is comparable. | The duration of therapy is 1-4 months. An analogue of the drug is called Levomekol ointment. This is a combination drug based on methyluracil. |
| Vishnevsky | The ointment resolves seals and activates restoration processes. The drug is distinguished by its dark color, pungent odor, and affordable price. The drug is not able to get rid of scars and rough scars. But it is used to eliminate the consequences of chickenpox, acne, and dermatological diseases. Compresses with Vishnevsky ointment are effective. | The drug is mixed with honey in equal proportions, applied to the skin, covered with a cabbage leaf, then with film and left for an hour. Ichthyol ointment works in a similar way. |
| Hydrocortisone | The ointment has anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits the growth of connective tissue. It is used after blepharoplasty and eyelid pathology. Hydrocortisone ointment is a glucocorticosteroid, which explains the impressive list of contraindications and side effects. | The ointment is used for 2 weeks, treating the skin surface up to 4 times daily. |
Contraindications
The main contraindication to the use of the presented drugs is individual intolerance. Silicone preparations are hypoallergenic, and ointments based on plant extracts are used after an allergy test.
Contraindications and side effects vary depending on the type of drug. Glucocorticosteroids are prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. They remove pathological formations well, but are not used in childhood and for kidney diseases.
If it is not possible to cope with scars using external preparations, then lidase injections are used. Procedures are carried out daily or every other day. One procedure requires an ampoule of lidase.
Panthenol ZD
Zelenaya Dubrava produces a universal cream based on dexpanthenol, which can be used to care for the skin of the face, body and hands. This is an inexpensive drug that shows high effectiveness in getting rid of acne spots. During the healing period of acne, it is recommended to apply the product not only to the affected, but also to healthy areas of the skin.
Reviews
Anna: I used Fermenkol gel after prolonged acne. There were dents and cyanosis on the face. I conducted two courses with an interval of a month. There were no marks left on the skin.
Victor: I was treated by a dermatologist when I scalded my hand. The burns have healed, but the scars remain. The doctor said that I started treatment on time. After just a year, it would be difficult to remove traces. Contractubex helped. I smeared it for a month.
Olga: I’m not ready to overpay for pharmaceutical anti-scar products when the problem can be dealt with in affordable ways. I use a vodka compress with Vishnevsky ointment. It warms and heals. Helps with minor defects.
Cream for scars and scars is a product intended for the correction of certain types of cosmetic defects. The medicine has a list of indications and contraindications described in the instructions.
How effective are creams in healing scars?
You can try to determine the type of scar from photographs on the Internet, but it is better to do this with the help of a cosmetologist. Medical science classifies several types of scars.
Normotrophic - able to heal independently over time, without external effort. May appear from a cut or scratch. It is characterized by a lighter skin tone compared to other areas. Other types of scars require effort to treat. Regular use of drugs is the main condition for changing the color and smoothing the scar; the result will be noticeable in a month.
Keloid
Keloid (colloid) scars are a complex type of skin defect. They appear after burns and deep damage to the dermis and are characterized by the growth of connective tissue on healthy skin. Keloid tends to further increase. Surgery to remove scar tissue does not guarantee scar reduction. Its occurrence is caused by the presence of increased collagen in injured skin, which is associated with disruptions in the immune system. Such a scar causes a lot of discomfort: it tightens the skin, itches, burns, hurts, does not look aesthetically pleasing, and there is a possibility of developing into a malignant formation. The treatment method is selected taking into account the state of immunity and heredity.
Atrophic
Atrophic scars are stretch marks on the skin after a sharp increase/decrease in body weight, chickenpox, acne or pregnancy, appear on the stomach, chest, legs. This scar is characterized by loss of collagen and sensitivity, is dark in color, lightens over time, and is located below the surface of the skin. The use of anti-scar gels, creams, and ointments is effective in the early stages after the formation of a scar, while it is dark in color. Treatment is more successful in combination with home remedies and monitoring the patient’s hormonal levels and weight.
Hypertrophic
Hypertrophic scars are a consequence of open deep trauma; postoperative scars from removal of appendicitis or warts, scar from cesarean section. Similar marks are left by herpes. They stand out above the surface of the skin, excess collagen in them is absorbed, and the scar lightens over time. Such a scar can smooth out on its own a year to a year and a half after the injury.
The condition of the scar is objectively assessed a year after its formation. Metabolic processes will be completed in it, capillaries and blood vessels will disappear. From this time on, you can begin to remove the defect using radical methods - laser; most pharmaceutical products will not work at this time. To minimize the consequences of injury, it is necessary to begin preventing the formation of a scar immediately after the wound has healed. While it has nerve endings, blood vessels, and metabolic processes are preserved.
Panthenol-ratiopharm
The product is produced by the German pharmaceutical company Ratiopharm in the form of an ointment containing 5% dexpanthenol. It is positioned by the manufacturer as a stimulator of tissue regeneration, which is recommended for use after opening boils to more quickly restore the skin and reduce the risk of scar formation after them.
It is not recommended to apply the drug to immature red inflamed skin elements due to the viscous consistency.
Review of the best healing drugs
The action of remedies for scars and scars is aimed at preserving moisture in the area of cell and tissue regeneration, metabolism and blood flow. The most common: bepanten, imoferase, heparin ointment, contractubex, dermatix - gel, clearvin and others. The rating shows drugs of different price categories and countries of origin. It is believed that a good remedy: ointment, cream and gel for scars and scars on the hands and face should contain the following substances: heparin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin, urea, silicone, plant extracts. The product should be moderately liquid and easily absorbed. Also help with itching or swelling.
Composition and properties of an effective product
Scar removal creams should have the following effects:
- stop the inflammatory process;
- retain moisture in the skin and prevent its evaporation;
- quickly restore the cellular structure of the epidermis;
- cleanse and brighten damaged areas;
- maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
After the formation of colloidal scars, you cannot use products that stimulate collagen production. Otherwise the problem may get worse.
The components of a high-quality and effective anti-scar product should include the following components:
| Substance | Effect |
| Heparin | Restores the epidermis, has a softening and moisturizing effect on scars |
| Allantoin and panthenol | Reduce pain and promote healing of various types of injuries |
| Elastin and collagen | Makes long-lasting scars elastic and gives them firmness |
| Hyaluronic acid | Maintains optimal moisture levels in scar tissue |
| Onion extract | Prevents the formation of new scars |
| Urea | Effectively resolves even old scar tissue |
| Silicone | Protects the damaged area from negative effects, allows moisture and air to pass through |
To speed up the healing of scars, it is necessary to protect damaged areas of the skin from sunlight.
Rules and features of application
Injuries in children often result in the formation of scars; for their treatment and prevention, the parent must remember some rules. The basis for favorable therapy is the need to take the child to the doctor. At the first stage of healing, he will determine the need for a suture, prescribe antibacterial drugs or ointments that relieve itching, and select a dosage form.
At the second stage, he will prescribe a remedy to prevent scar formation, depending on where the injury is located. Scar ointment is justified when used on the body, but a gel or cream is more suitable for the face. The dosage and frequency of use is determined by a specialist depending on the medical history, age, weight, and predisposition to allergic reactions of the young patient. Some medications are not intended for the treatment of children, and especially infants; some should be used with caution. The benefit or harm of the drug is determined by the doctor.
Treatment for complete scar removal
Parents of children who have been ill and adults who have had chickenpox are worried: will there be scars after chickenpox? Scars appear, but most often they disappear without a trace over time.
Scars may remain for the following reasons:
- Large and deep blisters that do not heal for a long time in adolescents and adults with reduced immunity who have chickenpox.
- A complication of chickenpox is a bacterial infection, the accumulation of pus in blisters.
- Constant irritation, scratching of blisters, which leads to infection of the wounds.
- Tearing off scabs from skin rashes before they fall off on their own. Natural healing is disrupted and scars remain.
If the patient was unable to get rid of the defects with the help of ointment for scars after chickenpox in the process of their maturation, then he has to turn to dermatologists and cosmetologists for special help. A salon or clinic offers different types of peeling for scar removal.
Other treatment options will help remove traces of chickenpox:
- physiotherapeutic procedures aimed at resolving rough scar tissue (electrophoresis and phonophoresis);
- microdermabrasion to exfoliate the top layer of skin using hard microcrystals and activate skin regeneration;
- laser resurfacing with layer-by-layer removal of damaged tissue, which stimulates cell renewal.
- subcutaneous injections of drugs that level the surface of the pits.
Contraindications
Many of the described remedies are universal and can be found in any pharmacy or home medicine cabinet and have proven effectiveness. Traditional medicine also has a whole arsenal of remedies for eliminating scars, but cosmetologists recommend using them as an additional remedy to drug therapy.
The main contraindication will be individual intolerance to the ingredients. If the patient feels itching, burning, redness, or a rash on the skin after using the medicine, then you should choose another remedy or change the form of the drug. It can be gel, cream, in the form of an ointment or balm. Some have age restrictions or should not be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy. General contraindications include:
- the presence of a non-healing or incompletely healed wound in the area of scar localization;
- the presence of purulent inflammation or necrotic tissue in the area of scar lesions;
- the presence of tumor growths in the area of scar treatment;
- simultaneous use of several drugs to avoid their chemical interaction and provocation of side effects;
- the presence of a scar on the mucous membranes or near the eyes.
In the treatment of scars, a timely, comprehensive approach is important. In some cases, especially if the scar is on the hands or on the skin of the joints, the doctor may prescribe oral tablets or additional physical procedures, which will shorten the rehabilitation period and enhance the result.
Ointment for scars must be chosen with special care. You need to figure out which ointment is suitable for removing scars on the face, and which one is suitable for children’s delicate skin, and most importantly, which remedy is the most effective? Reviews say that more than 78% of people trying to get rid of scars do not know which drug to choose against the defect, however, they want to get rid of it quickly and inexpensively.
The effectiveness of creams for scars, scars and after acne
Old damage can be difficult to treat with topical products. If scar preparations are used for fresh wounds on the face, you can get rid of scars.
This effect is achieved due to the main active ingredients that are present in the composition of the drugs. These elements promote accelerated blood microcirculation, the production of collagen fibers, normalize the water balance in the body tissues, and have a healing and regenerating effect.
Read about how calendula attunement helps get rid of scars here.
How to choose an effective ointment?
Treatment of scars, if they are small and do not have significant pathology, occurs at home more often than in a hospital.
Creams, gels or ointments are commonly used to remove scars. The products are not very different in consistency; creams or gels are most often produced for sale in cosmetic stores, and they are quite expensive.
Ointments are pharmaceutical products that are much cheaper. At the same time, the likelihood of proper storage, and therefore product quality, is several times higher.
To choose a good remedy for healing and removing scars, first of all, you need to consult a doctor. Depending on the type of scar, the area where the flaw has formed, and the individual characteristics of the body, he will choose the most suitable remedy.
How to remove already formed fresh scars after chickenpox on the face
To smooth the epidermis immediately after an illness, it is necessary to use ointments that contain natural collagens and vitamins. In some cases (to avoid scar growth) it should be lubricated with silicone creams.
Adults
In adulthood, the skin noticeably loses its ability to quickly self-regenerate, so restoration of the epidermis occurs slowly. Sometimes the period of treatment of fresh pits and scars after chickenpox with the most potent ointments extends for 2-3 months.
The following gels and creams are ideal for daily lubrication:
After the face is completely cleared of the scabs that covered the rash blisters, the medicinal compositions of these creams (ointments) are applied in a thin layer to the affected skin 2 times daily.
Alignment of shades and smoothing of the surface of the epidermis occurs after approximately 30-60 days (depending on the size, density and depth of the scars).
In children and adolescents, scars after chickenpox are quite rare. If treated incorrectly, shallow pits may form, which can be smoothed out with completely harmless ointments with herbal bioactive ingredients:
- Scar Zone Provamed (Thailand).
- Bio Oil (from South Africa).
- Skagel Kids (Thailand).
- My sunshine - with panthenol (Russia).
- Children's cream (for bruises and abrasions).
- Rescue balm for children.
The best choice
Everyone has different metabolic processes in the body, so it’s impossible to say for sure which ointment will help. Sometimes during a course of treatment you can try several drugs, but still not achieve results.
It is usually difficult to get rid of old scars from deep cuts and burns; scars from small cuts and acne spots almost always go away with a bang.
The following remedies give the most beautiful and pronounced effect.
Bepanten
German quality, judging by the reviews, did not fail here against scars either. Price from 350 rubles per 30 mg tube. The ointment works with the help of dexpanthenol (a derivative of vitamin B5), which helps the skin recover, while collagen is produced exactly as much as damaged skin needs. Bepanten is suitable for sensitive skin, there are no age restrictions. So it's also suitable for children. Apply twice a day with massaging movements.
Hepatrombin
Serbian drug priced from 140 to 200 rubles. The product, designed to accelerate blood flow and treat varicose veins, thanks to allantoin and dexpanthenol, actively restores the skin and softens scar tissue. Sodium heparin is responsible for youthful skin - it gives elasticity, moisturizes well, and resolves scars. Apply twice daily.
Panthenol-Teva
A German drug, its cost is from 150 to 350 rubles. The same dexpanthenol helps not only with cuts and burns and rapid healing, but also prevents the formation of scars and can also treat scars. Suitable for treating all types of scars. The ointment is suitable even for infants.
Advice! The product should be applied 1-2 times a day.
Heparin
This medicine has a cheap price (no more than 100 rubles), and is not very effective. However, it is suitable for small, fresh scars. The heparin in the composition has a beneficial effect on epithelial cells and accelerates blood microcirculation in the desired area. The drug is actively used by women to reduce wrinkles on the face. The product also helps well against atrophic acne scars. Apply a thin layer twice a day.
Zinc
The drug is produced in Russia, the cost is within 200 rubles. Zinc oxide is effective in restoring the skin; most often, in addition to zinc, the ointment contains salicylic acid, which acts as an absorbent. The drug can be used from 3 years of age. To treat scars, apply 2 to 3 times a day.
Sulfur-salicylic
Cheap product of domestic production, cost from 28 to 120 rubles. Salicylic ointment primarily acts as a peeling substance - it eliminates all unnecessary, old epidermal cells, thereby accelerating the production of new ones. The sulfur component of the drug perfectly eliminates scars and has a softening and absorbable effect. Has an anti-inflammatory and protective effect. Acne scars after chickenpox will disappear from the skin of the face quickly. Do not use the product if you are allergic to the components.
Methyluracil
Domestic drug, cost from 100 to 200 rubles. Methyluracil, the active ingredient, is effective for wound healing and is suitable for the treatment of scars. Suitable for treating scars after cuts and burns. Cannot be used in children. Treatment with the drug is carried out twice a day, applying a thin layer to the problem area. If the scars are old, it is possible to use applications with the product.
Whatever anti-scar drug the doctor prescribes, you need to know how to prepare the skin for quality treatment - you need to steam the scar area, clean the skin with a scrub, and only then apply the medication.
Panthenol Forte
The cream is produced under the brand of the Libriderm series of facial skin care products. It contains a high concentration of dexpanthenol (9%), which is intended for dermis prone to irritation and inflammation. In addition to this component, the product includes vitamin E, aloe leaf extract and almond oil. Vitamin E nourishes the skin and increases local immunity, preventing the appearance of new rashes. Aloe extract has an anti-inflammatory effect, and almond oil has a moisturizing and softening effect.
The cream quickly heals remaining wounds after deep acne and helps prevent scarring.
What helps people, reviews
How many people, so many opinions. Reviews about the presented ointments are mostly either neutral or positive. No negative or negative emotions were found in the reviews. Everyone says that ointments are cheap, and even if they don’t help much against scars, they do significantly improve the skin.
I suffered for a long time from acne scars on my face; I read a lot of reviews about expensive creams, but they didn’t help. They advised me to use sulfur-salicylic ointment - it helped almost immediately, my skin became noticeably fresher, and there were no scars left.
Our daughter had a small scar from a burn; there are few scar treatments for children. We found Panthenol-Teva, the scar quickly acquired a less saturated color, it seemed to have shrunk, and the skin was not so rough.
I had a scar on my hand from a cut, I decided to remove it with the help of Heparin ointment, the reviews about it were always excellent. I can honestly say, Heparin ointment is the most effective remedy!
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