Whenever the skin is damaged, whether accidentally through trauma or deliberately, as in the case of an operation, a scar forms as part of the natural-healing process.

Many people report that rubbing a cream containing vitamin E into the scar area, or taking a supplement of vitamin E, helps to speed up the healing process and reduces the appearance of the scar afterwards.

In the diet, good sources of vitamin E include wheatgerm, nuts (especially peanuts), vegetable oils, eggs, leafy green vegetables and wholemeal bread. In the Caribbean, cocoa butter cream is often used to help heal scars and to prevent the formation of keloid scars, the thickened raised scar that people with dark skin often develop.

Scars tend to gradually fade and look less obvious as time passes. However, once two years has passed since the scar occurred, its appearance is unlikely to change any more.

If a scar is still obvious and is causing cosmetic problems, then it can easily be disguised using camouflage make-up, which is available from pharmacists.

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.

Other medical treatments are available to improve the appearance of scars that can be discussed with your doctor if needed.