Should I avoid sun exposure to prevent scar pigmentation?

Question

Hi doctor,

About three months ago, a bathroom wall mirror fell on me and sliced my left cheek open. It resulted in a pretty deep cut on my cheek about 2.4" of my cheek. I got stitches in an hour and it has been healing well I think. I have also been massaging the scar every day for 10 minutes with Cicaplast for over a month. I was told to completely avoid the sun on my scar. I wear SPF 70 sunscreen every time I leave my home and I simply do not let it get exposed. I use whatever is on my hands to cover it. The only thing is that it is getting very complicated. I am in college and cannot do anything because I am too afraid to be in the sun.

My question is, do I still have to cover my scar, or is sunscreen enough? I really miss being able to just walk to college without fabric on my face. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read about your query and the history.

After an injury, anywhere for that matter may result in darkening termed as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Cicaplast makes the healing faster and since it is three months for now, the injury would have healed better. A better healed scar has a little chance of getting more pigmented than a fresh one. You can now maintain it with just sunscreen which should be applied in the day time in a span of two to three hours. Sunscreen protects your face from the UV (ultraviolet) rays and since your sunscreen has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 70, you will have a 98% protection from sun. So, just a sunscreen is enough.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.