Injuries are a part-and-parcel of growing up. Kids often suffer from bad falls, get cuts and scrapes and sometimes injure themselves so severely that surgery is the only option. This often stresses us parents, especially when it involves our very tiny tots. We want to know the ways to heal baby scars and find remedies that can hasten the process.
First, you need to remember that treatment for scar reduction can only start once the would has naturally healed.
When it comes to babies, experts prefer to give the injury anytime between 12 and 18 months before they begin scar treatment.
If you begin treatment before the wound dries, you can potentially cause your baby more pain. In addition, you can also end up scabbing the area, leading to a permanent mark on the body.
So the first thing to know is to how a scar actually forms on your baby's body. If you know this process, it's easier to work on home remedies as well as doctor-recommended ones.
How Does a Scar Form on a Baby's Body?
When your baby suffers a wound, the body produces collagen and sends it to the affected area to cover up the damage. These collagen cells then repair the skin over the course of a few days.
While all of this is happening underneath the skin, the actual wound on the skin dries and turns into a rough scab. Think of it as nature's band-aid.
When your baby's skin heals completely, the scab falls off on its own leaving behind the repaired skin. Now, this skin may not look like the original and may be slightly more red. Or it could turn into a scar.
This scarring can scare many parents. But the good news is that there are several ways to heal baby scars.
Medical Ways to Heal Baby Scars
In your quest to heal baby scars, you can resort to either of two options: medical and home remedies. Let's look at the former, first.
1. Scar-Removing Creams
You may find several over-the-counter scar-removal creams. You should apply it especially when the would has just healed. The only thing to remember is that you should buy steroid-free creams because they are safer for babies.
2. Steroid Treatment
Your doctor may recommend steroid injection treatment for your baby if the scar has expanded or has turned into a keloid scar. But this treatment is rare for babies, and only in severe cases do doctors suggest it.
3. Surgical Removal of Scars
In this type of treatment, the protruding scar is surgically removed through surgery. It is usually a very expensive method and the cost depends on the scar and the type of surgery. But this is mostly for aesthetic purposes.
4. Silicon Sheet Therapy
This is a fairly easy treatment wherein the doctor places a plaster containing silicon gel over the wound. The plaster works to heal the scar on top of the skin as the collagen underneath works to restore cells. This method treats the wound and prevents formation of scabs. It is also a go-to method to reduce the discolouration of skin created by a wound.
5. Laser Treatment
Doctors use a highly energised beam to first burn and then slice the large scar tissues. But it is not aesthetically as effective as surgical treatment.
That's because it reduces the appearance of the scar but doesn't necessarily remove it. However, this is not usually suggested for a baby. Sometimes it is used for older children.
While all these treatments are effective, they shouldn't be tried without the recommendation of a doctor. Your doctor is the best person who can suggest the ways to heal baby scars because some of these treatments can have side-effects as well. So consult your doctor before you opt for a treatment.
Natural Home Remedies to Heal Baby Scars
Home remedies can also work well to heal and reduce the appearance of wounds. Other than keloid or hypertrophic scars, most other scars can heal without the aforementioned medical procedures.
You can use home remedies with ingredients that are easily available in most homes.
- Aloe vera. The plant's thick gel has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and works as a soothing moisturiser, too. Apply it to your baby's scar and leave it for 30 minutes. Do this twice a day for faster healing.
- Coconut oil. Another great home remedy for scars is coconut oil. It has been used as a scar reducing product for years. Warm the oil and massage it on the scar for two to four minutes. You can repeat this three times a day.
- Honey. It is a natural moisturiser, and exfoliates the skin. Massage honey over the scar for a few minutes. Wash and repeat.
- Toothpaste. Yes! An unusual pick, but it's one that works. Rub a pea-sized amount over the scar, leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse off. Repeat this twice a day. Just remember that some toothpastes are not suitable for babies and may irritate the skin. You can use baby toothpaste instead.
- Apple cider vinegar. This contains Vitamin C and removes harmful microbes from the skin while repairing the skin. It has the power to naturally dry and heal the skin. Mix one tablespoon apple cider vinegar in two tablespoon water and use a cotton pad to dab it over your baby's scar. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off. Repeat this twice a day till the scar fades.
As parents, we always make sure that our babies are protected. But sometimes injuries happen and there is not much you can do to stop them. But after-injury-care is how you can ensure that your baby is protected.
Still, if the scar on your baby's face or a prominent area, its best to consult your doctor and talk about the best treatment options.
Source: Livestrong
Feature & lead image courtesy: Pixabay
Also read: Infant suffers blister like burns on face after falling asleep with pacifier