Does anyone have some "anti-battle-scar" healing methods??

[Kitsune06]

Okay okay okay

I feel obligated now to post.

Being a member of BME (bmezine.com) for quite awhile and actually witnessing/watching abrasion scarification/cautery scarification, etc for art, I feel a need to post now about what goes into scarification (from my experience).

Now, I say 'from my experience' because this goes against some of what I've just read on this thread, but the basis of scarification is purposely prolonging the healing time of injuries to the dermal layers. For shallow abrasions, you generally don't need to worry too much about scarring. Clean it well and flush it out with saline to remove debris which will lead to infection (thus prolonging the healing time) and use triple antibiotic. I like the seran-wrap idea- it's used in tattooing where scars=blurred or otherwise poor work- but I'd only use it for a few days, while it's really lymphing.
Keep it dry and let it breathe. Occasionally dab triple antibiotic on the scab to keep it soft and pliable so it won't get caught on things and get torn off. Shearing the scab will lead to the distruction of the delicate new dermal cells being put in place, which will tell the body that this area needs something tougher- generally a more crinkly scar tissue.
Once the tender pink skin is in place, start using vitamin E oil and Siberian oil.

Gaping cuts are another matter. If they gape even when pulling the edges taut and don't close by themselves, you might need stitches. Stitches will scar, unless (once closed!) you use Vit. E. I think J&J has some scar reducing strips based on static electricity (?) to reduce scars... cuts need to be babied, esp. if you have a tendency toward keloids.

Bacteria love oils and the anaerobic environment oils can produce in a wound. This is why oils shan't be used on open cuts, burns, or new piercings.

If you're one of those gnarly mtb chicks who wears scars as a badge of honor,
take your road rash or deep but not gapey cut and scrub it well with a *CLEAN* toothbrush, bristles loaded with hydrogen peroxide. Yes it will burn and hurt and maybe make you cry, but the abrasion, combined with the foaming action of the peroxide will help flush debris. After that, flush well with saline. Continue to periodically remove the scab tissue and abrade the healing tissues.
Eventually, the wound *will* heal, and you'll have a pink scar, which will fade to white over time.

Sorry to write a book, but relying on what I know from experience, I thought I'd share.