How do I Use Vaseline to Care for a Scar?

Scars can happen any time skin is damaged, especially when the flesh is cut or scraped. It is important to treat wounds promptly to help prevent infection and to help avoid scars. Contact a doctor if a wound does not stop bleeding in less than 15 minutes or if an infection develops even after cleaning and caring for the injury. There are a few steps to properly care for a wound to prevent a scar, including the use of petroleum jelly, or Vaseline.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloth
• Gentle cleanser
• Water
• Neosporin
• Vaseline
• Bandages

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Instructions

• 1

  Stop any bleeding from the injury by holding a clean cloth that you don't mind staining to the wound and applying pressure for several minutes.

• 2

  Clean the wound thoroughly with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, such as baby wash or a mild soap.

• 3

  Keeping a wound clean and covered will help prevent a hard scab from forming. Apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment over the wound and cover with a clean, dry bandage. One brand name of antibacterial ointment is Neosporin and can be purchased at most grocery stores, drugstores or pharmacies. Repeat daily for one week.

• 4

  Begin applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the wound daily after the first week of treatment and continuing to cover with a clean, dry bandage. One brand name of petroleum jelly is Vaseline and can be purchased at most grocery stores, drugstores or pharmacies.

• 5

  Continue daily application of petroleum jelly and covering the wound with a bandage until new skin grows over the wound, which will help prevent a scar from forming.