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Should I avoid sun exposure to prevent scar pigmentation?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar. N

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sudhir Kumar N is a Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon, and Cosmetologist. His expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of skin, hair, and nail disorders. As a Cosmetologist, he offers advanced aesthetic solutions such as skin rejuvenation, anti-aging therapies, and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. With specialized skill in hair transplantation, he helps patients restore natural hair growth, blending medical precision with artistic finesse to enhance appearance, confidence, and overall quality of life.

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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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At October 14, 2015
Reviewed At October 3, 2024

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sudhir Kumar N is a Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon, and Cosmetologist. His expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of skin, hair, and nail disorders. As a Cosmetologist, he offers advanced aesthetic solutions such as skin rejuvenation, anti-aging therapies, and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. With specialized skill in hair transplantation, he helps patients restore natural hair growth, blending medical precision with artistic finesse to enhance appearance, confidence, and overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Companion

Scar Pigmentation Prevention Sun Exposure Companion

How it works

After an injury, proper scar care is essential to prevent darkening and promote healthy healing. Here's what you need to know about protecting your scar from the sun.

1

Initial
Injury

2

Post-Inflammatory
Hyperpigmentation

3

Cicaplast
Healing

4

Sunscreen
Protection

5

Consistent
Application

6

Scar
Covering

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar. N
Dr. Sudhir Kumar. N

Dermatology

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sudhir Kumar N is a Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon, and Cosmetologist. His expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of skin, hair, and nail disorders. As a Cosmetologist, he offers advanced aesthetic solutions such as skin rejuvenation, anti-aging therapies, and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. With specialized skill in hair transplantation, he helps patients restore natural hair growth, blending medical precision with artistic finesse to enhance appearance, confidence, and overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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