How to Use Vaseline to Care for a Scar

Vaseline helps prevent the pain and buildup of scar tissue when treatment is started as soon after surgery or wounding as possible. Researchers at Harvard Medical School tested the effectiveness of Vaseline, a petrolatum-based product, on the formation of pain and scar tissue and found it to be as beneficial as other leading scar treatments. The study, written by V.Q. Chung and published in the February 2006 issue of "Dermatologic Surgery," states that petrolatum use on scars is standard post-surgical therapy.

Apply a small amount of Vaseline to two clean fingertips.

Is it Bad When Scars Peel?

Learn More

Massage the scar with your fingers using small, circular motions. If you still have scabs on your wound, skip this step until the wound has healed further. Massage should be performed for 10 minutes. The Ohio State University Medical Center reports that scar massage helps prevent the buildup of new scar tissue and keeps skin from puckering. It will not reverse an old scar, but will help prevent further damage if your wound is fairly recent.

Wash the scarred area and pat it dry with a clean towel.

How to Apply Pressure for Keloid Scars

Learn More

Apply a layer of Vaseline over the scar.

Place a bandage over the Vaseline-covered scar. When applying the bandage, pull it tight across the area so it maintains some pressure. According to an article by Karyn Repinski in "Fitness Magazine," placing constant pressure on the scar can help flatten it out 2.

Repeat this process up to 3 times per day.

Tips

If you do not have Vaseline, you may use another brand of petroleum jelly.

Warnings

If you experience pain, bruising or bleeding during a scar massage, discontinue and speak to your physician.