Sun protection for scars? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. I would use a multi-faceted approach to scar protection. Darker clothing that covers your incisions is one of the best options, but since this will be difficult during your travels, I recommend  a sunblock with either titanium or zinc to prevent abnormal pigmentation of the incision, and to protect the skin that was operated upon to prevent burning. Patients can also wear a mechanical barrier instead of the sunblock, such as a tape, bandaid, and silicone sheeting. Hope that this helps.

Is always wise to protect scars from the sun when scars are young, that is less than one years old. Especially in those who tan easily, scars have a tendency to hyper- pigment. Scar tape can help protect. Bathing suits may cover the scar can sometimes allow enough sunlight in to cause hyperpigmentation. A good mechanical type of sunblock within SPF reading in the 50 to 60 range also hopes. Remember if you are in the water to reapply sunblock afterwards.

Any scar that is actively remodeling should be totally shielded from the sun. Sunblock is inadequate at this point in time.