Is it important to put sunblock on scars?

I think it is true. I heard that scar tissue is deficient in melanin, the pigment that protects your skin from damaging UV rays. (Notice that scars do not have freckles or moles in them) New scars should be covered in bright sun, by an occlusive dressing or opaque clothing.

Older scars (>1 yr) can be exposed to the sun, unless they are very extensive, like skin graft donation sites. Those should be protected until the site is completely healed, and even then you should wear sunscreen. Scar tissue is more sensitive to damage from UV rays because it lacks melanin.

A few years ago I had appendicitis surgery. When I went to have the stitches removed at the local clinic they said that I should cover the scars for a couple of months and then use sunblock for at least 6 months as scars can burn easily. We went camping a couple of months later and I have to say that I didn't reapply throughout the day as I should have.

I did notice that it did burn easily and 7 months later it was still pretty red.

I didn't know the answer to this, but you had me curious as I have quite a few scars myself. I was surprised how little info came up when I tried to find the answer, in fact this question is on the first page there is so little. I did find this... Quote--- Cover your scars with sunblock.

Scars have less pigment than the rest of your skin. They therefore lack the ability to develop a protective tan, and they are especially vulnerable to sunburn. You should make certain to cover all scars with a strong sunscreen whenever you head outside on a sunny day, says Stephen Kurtin, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York.

End quote---- http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/114.cfm I could not tell you if that is true, it sounds logical but as I'm not sure how valid a source mothernature.com is I can't guarantee it. Personally I generally spread sunblock everywhere, right over my scars so I suppose it doesn't matter either way, but good trivia to know.

As stated in the previous answer, there is not a lot of information on this, I did find this; " Sunblock is important if the scar is on exposed skin Scars do not contain the normal pigments that protect skin, so burn easily. " embarrassingproblems.com/problem/scars I also found this; "Keep the scar out of the sun at all times. Newly formed scars are very sensitive to sunlight.

Sunlight radiation will make the scar more red and is also in other ways detrimental to its appearance. Use a sunscreen of minimal SPF 30 and cover the scar as much as possible by clothing or plasters. Keep in mind that many clothes do not provide much protection against sunshine.

A simple white cotton t-shirt only has a SPF of 10 or less" squidoo.com/how-to-reduce-scar-redness These look to be good websites if you have any other concerns about scars and how to treat them. It does seem logical that as the scar is as a result of damage to the skin, not to risk any further harm coming to it.

I highly recommend sunblock every day all the time, on your whole body. I am 30 and a lot of people think I am only 20 years old when I shave. I've used sunblock, not cheap stuff, for years, I have not even the slightest wrinkle on my face and my scars stay fine.

They are correct up top, there is no evidence to support... I use it daily and love when people think I am younger than my 21 year old brother. Find the brand you like and it seems as if you never age. My scars are all under my shirt/pants and even when I'm in the sun they still seem to be getting smaller ( I have a few huge scars.....) The one on my stomach is 6 inches long, no problems.

I would put sunblock on your scars. Make it a routine. Even with no sun a moisturizing sunblock is awesome.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.