Kids are notorious for getting bumps and bruises. They’re curious by nature, so it stands to reason they’ll get hurt here and there. Some injuries are superficial, while others are more serious and may even result in scarring. As parents, we naturally want to minimize or prevent any chance that an injury will have a long-term physical effect.
Let’s talk about scars, how they affect kids, what their healing times are vs. adults, what the best scar treatments are and how you can use products like Scarfade on kids.
How Kids are Affected
Children are resilient. While they’re not immune to scars, early treatment is the best way to prevent injuries from leaving prominent scars. Kids also heal quickly, which is why speedy treatment is vital to nip the problem in the bud.
When your child gets injured, it’s time to take action. If the area is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze for about 10 minutes. If you take pressure off too early, the area won’t scab over properly. When you’re sure the bleeding has stopped, wash the wound out with soap and water, or even have them get in the tub and soak it for a while. This will lower infection risk and prevent dirt from getting inside.
After cleaning is done, apply some antibacterial ointment for added moisture & protection. Cover up the area with a bandage until healing takes place, usually a couple of days.
Next up is where the magic happens. Get out your tube of Scarfade and apply it to the site twice a day to lessen the appearance of any scar that may be forming.
Generally, children heal faster than adults, especially when it comes to skin wounds and fractures.
Stitches or No Stitches?
Some wounds will require a few stitches. Your kids may need stitches for:
- Cuts that go deep into the skin.
- Gaping cuts where you can see dark red muscle or yellow fat.
- Cuts more than a half-inch long.
- Cuts that are deep, gaping, or in a cosmetically-sensitive area such as the face or arms.
Making Kids’ Scars Less Visible
What can you as a parent do to minimize your child’s scar appearance after initial healing? Here are the top three tips:
- Protect those areas from direct sunlight. Did you know that damaged skin can become permanently discolored by the sun for six months after sustaining an injury? Direct sun exposure can intensify discoloration by way of a process referred to as hyperpigmentation. Minimize sun exposure and keep the area covered with clothing or an SPF sunscreen of at least 30. This will reduce darkening of the scar, but don’t do this until two weeks after the injury to allow for proper healing.
- Massage the area, as scars can soften up and flatten more readily when massaged. Use a circular motion with the pads of your fingers.
- Use silicone products such as Scarfade, clinically proven to lessen the appearance of a scar. And it’s totally safe to use on kids!
Keep a couple of tubes of Scarfade in your medicine cabinet for those times your child takes a spill.