best treatment for a scar that isn't super spendy - please help!

[SenselessUbiquity]

I had a small growth removed in the winter and the wound didn't heal properly and is now turning into a very evil looking scar. It's in a very visible place and I really want something to calm it down - I think it will always be visible but it's red and I want to take the colour down as much as possible. What do you think the best thing would be to put on it? the cheaper the better, I am broke :(

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If you've found this page in your search of the massage oils that have been recommended by fellow Mumsnet users, you might find our guide to the best massage oils useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ

Bepanthen. And make sure it's protected from the sun.

bio oil it's not dead cheap but you only need the smallest bottle as a little goes a very long way

I had surgery on my face a few years ago. Scar was quite red and lumpy. Surgeon suggested vitamin E cream and it worked a treat.

I used one from the Body Shop.

Bio oil copies available sometimes from Aldi or Primark

I've just been using a silicone scar sheet on a fresh raised scar on my leg and it's flattened down very quickly, though still pink at the moment. Is yours somewhere where you could wear a little dressing on it?

As it's somewhere visible, make sure you're always using good sun protection, as sunlight can make scars worse

Removed by who - can you go back to them and seek advice? I have heard about NHS consultants assisting with excessive scars after treatment with them, particularly if it’s in a visible area.

There’s 2 aspects:

The scar, which would be improved with silicone sheets

The pigmentation which will naturally fade over time. Keeping the area moisturised and heavily sun protected at all times will help - sun will make it worse. It is vital that you use high strength sunscreen religiously. Topical treatments may help but there’s no miracle cure.

Also if you’re out and and about, it’s for the best to keep the area covered. Ie wear both sunscreen and a long sleeved top or a hat/headband/plaster to physically cover it. You really need to baby recent scars - now it the optimal time to make a difference

redness can take months to go down. If exposed need to make sure protected from sun even at this time of year.

The silicone stuff comes in gel as well as sheets. It's very good at reducing the redness, dd2 used it on her abdominal scar and it was very effective.

Thanks so much everyone! I have never heard of silicone sheets. What do they do?

Thanks for the tip about bio oil copies - I think this looks like it might be good www.wilko.com/re-gen-specialist-treatment-oil-75ml/p/0496739?gclid=CjwKCAjwu5CDBhB9EiwA0w6sLdBZTH10nZB6Kp5mL-GYRUsDj7eXLXWHVZ21W5FksZP_WbecpQobrxoC518QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Boots scar reduction serum is good. I badly cut both shins last summer falling down some metal stairs
Scarred really badly but using the serum over a few months has really flattened and removed almost all discolouration ..

Go to your GP and get some advice - I had a nasty scar after surgery and all the treatment was on the NHS: steroid injections, kelocote gel, Haelen tape and silicone sheets. Don't mess around as a poorly healing scar after excision does need looking at properly

thanks for the advice, maybe I will go back to the GP.
I had a lot of help with healing itself, regular appointments till it was on the mend, but I haven't been seen for a while.

Don't bother with expensive oils it's the massage itself stimulating blood flow that has the effect.
So you can use anything (plastic surgeon advice)

Plain aloe Vera gel also rose Mosqueta oil. Takes time but will help
Bio-oil is full of fragrances and crap. Would not recommend

@Ihopeyourcakeisshit

Don't bother with expensive oils it's the massage itself stimulating blood flow that has the effect. So you can use anything (plastic surgeon advice)

I agree with this too... my plastic surgeon advocated massage as well.

Yes I got the Boots serum advice from NHS nurses one who had used it on surgery scars herself.. it the massage mainly and using serum just soothes it ..
however it certainly helped and only about £6