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Prevent Scars from Forming & Diminish Ones that Already Exist

From the Show: Health Radio
Summary: What exactly is a scar, and why does it appear?
Air Date: 7/15/15
Duration: 10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
Guest Bio: Ellen Marmur, MD
Ellen-MarmurDr. Ellen Marmur is a leading dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon and Founder of Marmur Medical in New York City. She is a recognized and admired expert in skin cancer diagnosis and surgery, Mohs surgery reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, and women's health dermatology. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Marmur is an Associate Clinical Professor in both the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Genetics & Genomic Research at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

In 2014, Dr. Marmur started Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!® and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness about skin cancer. Today, the initiative has grown into a world wide effort (to participate please visit https://www.aad.org/SCTAH). Dr. Marmur is the recipient of the City of Hope's prestigious Spirit of Life humanitarian award in 2015. She also donates trees in honor of her patients and others to reduce our carbon footprint.
Prevent Scars from Forming & Diminish Ones that Already Exist
If you've recently injured yourself with a scrape, or cut, or if you're healing from surgery, you may be worried about a scar forming.

This can be especially concerning if it's on a noticeable part of your body. Depending on where it is, a scar can make you feel embarrassed and self-conscious.

What exactly is a scar, and why does it appear?

A scar is a "mark" on your skin made of fibrous tissue that forms after an injury or wound has healed on your body.

Are there ways to prevent a scar from surfacing?

Associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Dr. Ellen Marmur, suggests gently washing your injury site with mild soap and water to remove any remains and to keep bacteria out. You might want to consider applying petroleum jelly to keep your wound from forming a scab. Next, Dr. Murmur suggests covering the wound with a bandage and to continue cleaning it while it heals.

Is there anything you can do to reduce the evidence of a scar if you already have one?

Listen in as Dr. Marmur shares how to prevent scars from healing and what to do if one already exists.