Hi, I've just recently had surgery, so I used some Curad gauze to cover up my scabs to protect them. Well, I didn't know that these gauze's adhesive sides would stick to my skin so tightly that they left some glue residue and skin redness. Since I used them repeatly for 1 week, now that I'm done with them I have lines of darker & slightly cracked skin (looks like a mild case of sunburn except the areas are darker, not red). From common sense I believe that they should go away as they're just dead skin cells? However, I'd like to know if anyone can confirm that and if there's anything I can do to speed up the healing process... should I just put lotion or Vitiman E on them, say, after a shower? Exfoliate them? Would they go away and how long? Thanks so much.

I know something that should help right away. It's called Dermaction Step two. It's made with Emu oil, MSM and aloe vera... all great for healing wounds. You can try it for $10.99 at www.dermaction.com

Tenny, scars result when the skin repairs wounds caused by accident, disease, or surgery. They are a natural part of the healing process. The more the skin is damaged and the longer it takes to heal, the greater the chance of a noticeable scar. Typically, a scar may appear redder and thicker at first, then gradually fade. Many actively healing scars that seem unsightly at three months may heal nicely if given more time.

Every person heals differently and at different rates after a surgical procedure. Using creams that contain Vitamin E can speed up appearance of any scar. Cocoa butter cream can be used to help heal scars, and to prevent the formation of keloid scars. There's other treatments like Mederma and Scar Zone that are used to heal surgical scars.

Silicon sheets are also very beneficial in treating scars. Doctors have used silicon gel sheets for many years to try to reduce the appearance of scars. When placed over the scar, they work by flattening, softening and fading red and raised scars. These are now available from the pharmacist and research suggests that the improvements they bring are permanent.