Scar Care [Part 2: Tape & Medication]: My Personal Journey with Scar Management

Hello! I’m Mikan.

In my previous post, I discussed the basics of scar care. Today, I’d like to share the scar care methods I personally use. (For actual scar progress photos, please refer to my previous post.)

Scar Tape

There are many types of scar tapes available, which can make choosing one quite confusing. Here, I’ll introduce the tapes I use and discuss their effects.

The Purpose of Using Scar Tape

Reducing Tension on the Wound:
Tension on a scar can cause it to become raised, leading to keloids or hypertrophic scars. Applying tape helps distribute tension evenly and supports the wound in contracting properly.
Protecting the Scar:
Tape protects the scar from external irritants and friction. It also applies gentle pressure to prevent the scar from becoming raised—especially effective on areas that move frequently.

The Scar Tapes I Use and Their Effects

I’ve tried several products for my scar care, including MicroPore, Atofine, Steri-Strip Tape, and MepiForm. Here’s a closer look at each:

MicroPore:https://amzn.to/3QkcUZf
True to its name, MicroPore tape has tiny perforations. It’s an affordable option that’s easy to maintain.Tips for Application:
- Apply Vertically: Place the tape perpendicular to the scar to help prevent scar elevation.Overlap in a Zigzag Pattern: Apply the tape with about a 50% overlap from top to bottom to ensure it stays in place—even during a shower.Frequency of Replacement: I replace it roughly once a week, allowing it to naturally peel off to minimize irritation.When Removing: Pull the tape in the opposite direction of application while pressing the skin to lessen pain. It’s best to remove it before bathing, as moisture can make the adhesive overly sticky.Extra Help: If it’s stubborn, a tape remover can be used—though overuse might damage the skin.
Note: With MicroPore, you can apply a moisturizing cream or anti-inflammatory ointment over it. However, in my case, I found that my wound became too wet, so I opted to use the tape by itself.
Atofine:https://amzn.to/42TWChn
Atofine is a tape specifically designed for scar care and offers effects similar to MicroPore.
Advantages:
- Ease of Replacement: It doesn’t require cutting into small pieces, making it simpler to apply and remove.
- Natural Appearance: It blends well with the skin, so it’s discreet—even during an ECG or other examinations.
  Drawback:
- It is slightly more expensive than MicroPore, but many find the ease of use worth the extra cost.
Steri-Strip Tape:https://amzn.to/3QjnT5e
Steri-Strip tape is a sterilized option used immediately after surgery. I used it briefly following my open abdominal surgery.
Features:
- Sterilized for Safety: Ideal for reducing infection risk in the early stages of healing.Immediate Protection: Provides effective protection during the initial phase when the wound is still open.
  Pros:Early protection and maintenance of a clean environment.
  Cons:It is more expensive compared to other tapes.It becomes less necessary once the wound has closed, reducing its usage frequency.
I initially used Steri-Strip tape after my abdominal surgery but switched to MicroPore once my wound had closed. I occasionally used Steri-Strip for aesthetic reasons when a scab came off, but generally, MicroPore provided sufficient protection. It’s also handy for minor cuts as a backup.
MepiForm:https://amzn.to/3D28kf5
MepiForm is a type of silicone gel sheet known for its effectiveness in scar care. Advantages:
- Moisturizing Effect: It keeps the wound well-hydrated, protecting it from dryness. Adequate hydration can promote healing and reduce scar formation.Ease of Removal: It’s designed to be removed easily, which is convenient if you need to avoid having tape on your scar for specific occasions. Drawbacks:It requires daily removal and washing of the wound, which can be time-consuming and add to your daily routine.
I found that replacing MepiForm every day was a bit of a hassle—especially since my wound tends to become wet—so I haven’t used it very frequently.

Scar Medications

Scar care isn’t just about tapes—medications also play a crucial role. Here are the products I use:

Hirudoid:https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B08GKVR47X/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_0NH9AJC3DTZKBXSKN280?linkCode=ml2&tag=loeysdietzlif-22
I started using Hirudoid once my abdominal scar matured and I stopped using tape.
Effects:
- Moisturizes: It prevents dryness and helps maintain skin flexibility.
- Improves Circulation: Enhanced blood flow promotes better healing. Usage:
  I initially purchased the lotion type to avoid stickiness, but ultimately, I found the ointment version easier to work with.
Bio-Oil:https://amzn.to/4hGdPza
This oil contains Vitamin A (retinol) and is used to promote faster healing and skin regeneration.
Usage and Precautions:
- Since the container is transparent, retinol can degrade when exposed to light and heat. To combat this, I transfer the oil to a small brown bottle and store the excess in the refrigerator. I only take out what I need.
- Its effectiveness isn’t entirely clear yet, but I make it a point to apply it to my abdominal scar every day.

Summary

Combining the right tapes and medications for scar care can help reduce not only the appearance of scars but also alleviate pain and itching. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered which products work best for me as I continue to heal. I hope my experience offers useful insights for anyone struggling with scar care.

Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll share detailed updates on the progress of my scars!

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