can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

My poor 2yo little girl pulled the easel down on herself sat afternoon. she sliced her forehead open to her skull. we had a plastic surgeon stitch her up, but he said the healing was 50% his technique, 50% her and how she heals. he told us to use hydrogen peroxide 3 times a day when the steri strips fall off, and the silicone pads after that. and i know spf like crazy this summer. but if you have any other tips or experiences, please share.

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

I'm so sorry! I know how traumatic that is, probably more for you than for her! My then 1.5 y/o DD fell into my parents stone fireplace hearth and gave herself a nasty slice right between her eyes on her forehead and got stitches. We had a plastic surgeon stitch her up and he assured us it would likely disappear. I didn't believe him, but sure enough, a year later it's practically gone.

He gave us a gel like lotion of vitamin E, squalene, and something else that we religiously put on 2-3 times a day and gently massaged the area to smooth out the raised bumpiness and prevent a buildup of scar tissue. I think we waited a week or two to do this until it was mostly healed so as to not reopen the wound. Watch it closely for infection, keep it hydrated, and definitely try the massage for a few minutes, a few times a day.

Good luck!

ETA: I have heard good things about bio oil for scars. Do a google search on toddler scarring. You'll find lots of encouraging success stories and helpful information.

Message edited 2/27/2012 6:37:23 AM.

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

In my experience breast milk was fantastic for preventing scars so I used that while nursing. After I stopped nursing, I used mederma and other ointment creams multiple times a day for a few months. DD fell and hurt her nose. If she cries you can still see the scar, but normally you can't.

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

They make Mederma for kids. I also find Aquaphor helps.

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

massage the area I was told..just double check with the doctor..because I believe it is supposed to break up scar tissues..also I swear by using sunblock or cover area in sun..I would keep covered in sun for prolonged periods..and I swear by coco buter..I had stiches and these things helped me to heal without a scar..

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

when massaging area make sure it is fully healed first.. just ask doctor at what point it would be ok

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

My LO has a little scar on her face, and the pediatrician said to put lots of Aquaphor on it.

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

My ped and the ER said to put Mederma on it 3 times a day for 6 months.

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

My ped suggested, when in the sun, to put desitin on it. The zinc completely blocks it from the sun (which contributes to scaring)

Message edited 2/28/2012 10:39:19 AM.

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

My son had stitches on his face and we were advised to use ScarGuard for a long time... I also had to keep a bandaid on him for most of the summer. Good luck!

Re: can you give me your best tips for preventing scars in toddlers?

Thank you everyone! I'm going to check out all of these options. right now, there is nothing i can do because it's still covered. then i'm supposed to use only hydrogen peroxide and water for another few days, and then i can start scar prevention!