When your child gets hurt, one of the questions that may arise in your mind is if it will leave a scar. So, we have listed scar treatments in children to help you get a better understanding. While some scars in children are minor and fade away with time, others may stay for a longer duration and may require medical intervention. So, here we talk about the different types of scars and their specific treatments. Read on to know more.
How Are Scars Formed?
A scar is a mark left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed (1). The formation of a scar is part of the normal healing process of skin that was damaged by surgery, trauma, or burns (2). Wounds can take time to heal. Here is how a wound is healed and a scar may form (3).
The inflammation lasts for two weeks, and during this period, the body tries to heal the wound. At this phase, the wound is red, tender, and swollen.
In the proliferation phase, the skin goes through a repair, and it might take about six weeks. In this phase, the scar appears raised, red, and rigid.
The final phase is remodeling, wherein the scar becomes flat and soft. It might take 12 to 18 months.
Every scar is different since every injury or damage to the skin is different. It is essential to understand the type of scar before proceeding with treatment.
Different Types Of Scars
Some scars take less time to heal, while a few might take longer (1) (4) (5).
1. Keloid scars
These grow at the wound site and result due to overproduction of collagen during remodeling of the wound. These appear round, thick, and dark in color. These might be painful or itchy and may even restrict the movements if they are around a joint area. They can appear on any part of the body and could recur.
2. Hypertrophic scars
These are similar to keloid scars, but their growth is not beyond the boundary of the skin’s wound. These are thick, elevated, and red. These scars continue to thicken for months but can get better over a year or more.
3. Sunken scars
Certain skin conditions such as chickenpox, acne, or injury can leave pitted or sunken scars. They are also known as atrophic scars.
4. Scar contractures
These scars are often formed when the skin is damaged due to burns. Contracture scars pull the skin and tighten it. Some contractures may affect underlying tendons, joints, and muscles, thus impairing movement. A doctor will suggest the appropriate treatment based on the type and extent of a scar.
Scar Treatments In Children
Small or minor scars may fade away on their own. But some broad or deep scars may require treatment. As the treatment plan for a scar could vary, talk to your doctor to know various options. It is important to realize that the outcomes are better in scars where treatment interventions are initiated in early phases of wound healing. If a scar does not respond to other modes of treatment or gets worse, then surgical removal might be the solution. There are usually two ways to treat the scar surgically (8) (9). Right care and precautions may help prevent scarring.
How To Prevent Scars In Children?
A few tips may help prevent a significant scar, and some prompt actions could help minimize the extent of a scar of your child.
For small scrapes and cuts, wash the wound with water and soap. Cleaning helps reduce the chances of infection and may help prevent scarring. Once the wound is cleaned, you may apply antibacterial cream and use a bandage.
If the cut is more profound or the bleeding doesn’t stop, you may take your child to the doctor.
Encouraging your child to wear protective gear such as helmets and pads while cycling or skating may prevent any significant injury.
Avoiding harsh sunrays may also prevent any existing scars from intensifying.
Never itch or poke an existing scar, as it may get infected and aggravated.
Don’t apply any products that claim to reduce the scar. Use only the ones that are recommended by a dermatologist.
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