What is the best way to treat a serious cut so that the scarring is minimized?

Hi jcorroon-ga,

First of all, let me say that the research below is general
information and is no replacement for professional medical advice. If
you have any concerns about serious cuts, please seek proper medical
advice.

This Website has some information on how to minimise scars.
Summarising what is there, the best way to treat cuts so as to
minimise scarring is first to clean the wound and then ensure that the
two sides of the wounds are as close together as possible. The site
recommends using a sterile strip to seal the edges together. If a hard
scab forms, it can increase the likelihood of scarring – the site
recommends covering the wound loosely with a bandage or breathable
dressing, which allows air to get to it, but not enough to cause a
hard scab to form.
For more information, see:
http://members.tripod.com/~grinchville/scars.html

Remember that some cuts may require stitches in order to heal and
minimise the risk of scarring. This extract from an article on
vhiHealthe.com explains:

“Cuts that are deep have jagged edges, or gape open usually require
stitches. So do cuts on the face, eyelids, lips, or the palm side of
the hand or fingers, where skin is taut or stretches with movement.
For best results, cuts should be sutured within eight hours --
preferably sooner -- to avoid serious risk of infection and help
prevent scarring.”
http://www2.vhihealthe.com/topic/topic13692

Depending on what caused the cut, you may also need a tetanus shot,
which will involve a trip to your local doctor - better safe than
sorry!

This article, also on vhihealthe.com, deals with how to treat cuts for
babies
http://www2.vhihealthe.com/topic/407

Search Strategy:

Cuts+scarring
Minimizing+scars
Minimising+scars
Treating cuts

I hope this helps. If any part of this answer is unclear, please ask
for clarification before rating.

Thanks,
Cobrien-ga

Vitamin E put on the skin after most of the healing has been completed
will
help reduces scarring from some wounds. You can buy Vitamin E oil
capsules at the drugstore or grocer.  In addition most drugstores
carry something less messy, which is a Vitamin E ointment.

Aloe Vera - excellent for healing.  

Be sure to keep something like Polysporin or Neosporin on the wound. 
Not only will prevent infection, but it prevents a hard scab from
forming too quickly.  The wound must heal from the inside first.

And as my colleague Cobrien said... be sure to update your tetanus
shot.

Good Luck,

tlspiegel-ga

If a keloid scar forms, silicone patch therapy (available at drug
stores) offers amazing results.

What's a 'keloid scar'?