What is a scar?

The scar is the visible part that marks the skin reconstruction following an accident or surgery. A wound has formed in the skin, affecting both the epidermis and dermis, and this deep wound causes a cutaneous lesion.

The role of protective barrier for the body is no longer assured, the skin will rapidly regenerate and close up. This extremely complex process calls on a multitude of cells and messengers that follow a very specific pattern. Scar tissue develops, connecting the wound edges to close the lesion. This reconstruction leaves a mark, usually lighter or darker in hue - the scar.

How does the healing process work?

The scarring process follows a specific pattern that begins with the injury. A complex mechanism, of varying length, is then set in motion, following the following phases:

• Detersion phase: from the very first seconds, blood flow changes to activate the process. Initially, tissue dilation promotes vascular permeability. Then, blood vessels contract, and platelets form clots to limit blood loss. The wound is then cleaned, free of dead tissue, germs and other bacteria. The wound becomes red, the local temperature rises, the area swells and is painful. This initial phase lasts an average of 1 to 4 days.

• The budding phase : At this stage, connective tissues appear, producing large quantities of collagen, elastin and other tissue elements to help rebuild the dermis. At the same time, buds form at the end of damaged capillaries. It is these buds that give the wound its red color. This new phase lasts several days, until the scar tissue has completely closed the wound - around ten days on average.

• The epidermal phase: the connective tissue is complete, the wound contracts and closes, revealing a primary scar whose shade is similar to that of the skin. The healing process is completed around 21 days after the injury.

• An additional phase allows the to form a permanent scar. As the wound edges continue to close, the scar becomes softer and smoother. It takes between 6 months and a year for the scar to fully mature. This process can be compromised when a particular pathology impedes healing.

Scar pathology, when tissues struggle to rebuild themselves

The tissue regeneration process can vary and lead to different types of scars:

• Normal" scar: the standard healing process, the scar is clean and slightly lighter or darker than the skin.
• Hypertrophic scar : the scar is large and raised, often red or purplish and painful. The inflammatory healing phase was too extensive. It may take several months or even years for the scar to return to a more standard appearance. It will, however, remain thicker and wider.
• Cheloid scar : Their appearance is often reminiscent of a hypertrophic scar. They are, however, larger than the wound. Excessive collagen formation is at the root of this abnormality during the healing process. Thick and unsightly, they can be painful and itchy.

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Simply apply the patch by following our tutorial videos, available in French only. here to guide you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about how to apply the patch, send your request to sante@stimcareonline.com. A therapist trained and certified to apply STIMCARE patches will take the time to answer your questions.

How to promote the healing process?

As we saw earlier, the healing process takes time, and that's normal. Here are a few tips to help your wounds heal over the long term.

• Bromelain: certain natural nutrients can help stimulate the healing process. This is particularly true of bromelain, an active ingredient extracted from pineapple with recognized healing properties.

• Anti-UV creams The sun represents a real risk for scars, compromising the healing process and causing hyperpigmentation. Using sun creams with a high sun protection factor will help preserve your scars in both summer and winter.

• LSTIMCARE patches At the end of the healing process, i.e. around a month after injury or surgery, the patch can be placed directly on the scar. The action of the mineral oxides stimulates micro-circulation. Nerve endings in the direction of the scar are reactivated, sending information back to the brain.
  Discoloration and redness fade. Your scars, even very old ones, become thinner and more mobile. Adhesions are loosened, the various tissue planes regain suppleness and the tensions inherent in scarring are relieved.
  A little extra: STIMCARE patches totally block UV rays, so your scar is fully protected.

How to use: Cover the entire scar surface and count on 1 to 4 months of consecutive patch wear, depending on the case, to see an aesthetic and "mechanical" improvement.

It is possible to keep the patch on for up to 15 days, as the effectiveness of patches on scars is longer.

Scar healing is a complex process, and natural solutions can help to support the process. STIMCARE Patches help you achieve a healthy, supple and pain-free scar.