Scars- How to Help the Healing Process

Updated on April 27, 2008
L.J. asks from Eastlake, OH
43 answers

My very active three year old daughter fell into our entertainment center a few weeks ago and bruised her cheek bone and got a two inch vertical cut. The bruise is fading but the cut seems to be turning into a very visible & nasty scar. I have put on neosporin and vaseline. I just ordered merderma for kids from amazon, hoping this will help.

Does anyone have any advice on helping scars fade?

I hate to think of her having this scar all her life. I just want to wrap her in bubble wrap. She falls constantly but that is another story all together. We are visiting a physical therapist for her mild cp.

What can I do next?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the wonderful advice.. so far I have been doing a number of things. Mederma for kids during the day- when I think to apply it, a coat of vaseline at bed time, and cocoa butter and neosporin now & then. I always apply sunblock too. I am going to try the vitamin e-oil. It's very noticable to me and now almost looks like a vertical cat scratch right on her cheek bone, it's not very deep so I am hopeful that it will heal. The bruise has faded but she still has a red circle like mark from the impact on her cheek bone.

Thanks again for the advice

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B.L.

answers from Lima on

Something that helps is squeezing vitamin e out of the capsule and rubbing it over the scar 3 or 4 times a day.

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S.P.

answers from Columbus on

Hi I have a really big scar on my forehead and my Dr. told me to rub Vitamin E on it. I just bought the Vitamin E capsules and poked a hole in one and squirt some out and rubbed it on. It really worked. It softens the skin and helps the scar soften up and heal. Hopes it helps.

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M.

answers from Cincinnati on

My son (then three years old) had to have five stitches under his eye last year and the doctor told us one of the best things to do to minimize the scar is to wear sunscreen. We put sunscreen (used a sunscreen stick) on him every day (rain or shine, indoors or outside) and reapplied when/if necessary. This was last year and now the scar is hardly visible. We mentioned Mederma (which can also be used, but the doctor still thought sunscreen to be best). Hope this helps.

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A.C.

answers from Chicago on

When I had a few suspicious moles removed, my dermatologist recommeded using Polysporin twice a day. I asked if I could use Neosporin, but she said they preferred Polysporin. At the very least, it will help it heal quicker. I still have scars, but I had deep incisions, so I wasn't expecting them to disappear. Good luck!

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C.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

Cocoa butter, cocoa butter, cocoa butter!!! Just pure cocoa butter once in morning and before going to bed. I used it on 2 major surgery scars and you can hardly see them on my stomach. DO THIS AFTER THE CUT HEALS. Good luck and god bless.

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N.L.

answers from Columbus on

My sister's daughter had a cut on her lip, which required stitches. They gave her some kind of lip balm to help with the scarring, but I don't know what kind. They also told her to massage the scar so that it breaks up any scar tissue that may form so it doesn't get hard - of course they did this after it had healed.

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A.O.

answers from Indianapolis on

Vitamin E and cocoa butter and aloe are all great natural remedies for scars. You want to keep them moist from the begining and they will heal a lot better. If you want these products in a from a company that makes a difference check out my website at www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/aoaks.
I used vitamin E on a scar from a surgery that I had on my elbow and although it is still visible it is a lot better than it could have been.
My kids did the same thing (fell into the entertainment center) and the scars do get better all on their own. My kids cuts weren't quite that big but they looked pretty bad for awhile and then about 2 years later I can't even hardly see it.
Good luck

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P.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

Vitamin E cream helps as does Aloe, for some reason. I know how you feel. My 26 year old fell alot and seemed to like to injure his face and head. He grew out of it.

Most scars fade out pretty well. Have you spoken with your physician about this? Dermotolgists have some great advise they can give you as well.

P. R

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M.G.

answers from Columbus on

Coco Butter heals a scar nicely and it blends into the skin

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M.J.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi L.,

There is a product called Shea Butter, it come fom a tree in Africa. If you can get a hold of some it will work great.

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L.C.

answers from Columbus on

My son cut his head a few years ago (18 stitches) and here's what the doctor told me: First, use plenty of sunscreen. Scar tissue burns easily which makes the scar more obvious. My son's scar is on his forehead, so for the first several months he wore a baseball cap to keep the sun off of it. Second, apply Vitamin E to it twice a day. You can get it at any drug store - it comes in liquid form in a bottle. He told us to use the Vit. E for at least a year.

It takes a long time for it to fade, but how you treat it at the beginning makes a huge impact. It's been three years since his injury--I can still see the scar because I know it's there, but most people don't notice it until it is pointed out to them.

Hope this helps!

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B.A.

answers from Toledo on

L., I just had surgery and have been using maderma also, this seems to work! Good luck!

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S.W.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi L.-

When I was 4 I fell face first into concrete and had split my head open right on my forehead. My cut was about 3 inches across. I am 28 now with NO scar. It sounds like you are doing everything right to prevent one. Let the cut heal and see what it looks like in a few months to a year. Good luck!!

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S.C.

answers from Indianapolis on

Pure Vitamin E Oil works great. My son had two surgeries on his arm when he broke it playing school football. Everyday I would take vitamin E oil (very cheap) and rub it into the scar. The surgeon could not believe how well it did with the scar. My son was a little upset with how well it looked...he wanted "war scars!"

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J.W.

answers from Dayton on

Massage the scar and vitamin E. Good luck

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K.D.

answers from Cleveland on

Gosh this is when I am mad I didn't take before and after pics! lol
My oldest two are always getting hurt it seems! lol Specially my son. The two worse times were when my son burned both is hands on the oven. They thought he would need plastic surgery and would scar. My daughter it was when she was running and fell hit a chair with her face. Right on the cheek bone. Had to get stiches.
Both we used Arbonne's Rejuvenating Cream. Gone are the scars! My daughters took longer and my aunt (nurse) told us to massage it to break up the scar tissue under the skin.
https://www.arbonne.com/products/not-so-basic/skin/specia... is a link to it! Let me know if your interested and have any questions.
i have used the products for 18 yrs and they have helped me in sooo many ways.
www.passion4more.myarbonne.com

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L.F.

answers from Cleveland on

My sister fell years ago and had quite a nasty scar-my mom rubbed cocoa butter on it (more like massaged it in) over several months and the scar is now barely visible.

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A.F.

answers from Cleveland on

My son fell and ended up with stitches above his lip. Our dentist told us to make sure that we puts lots of sunscreen on it or the scar would turn dark (it happened during warm weather). 2 years later, you can barely see the scar.

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S.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

L.,
Get some Vitamin E Gel tablets or Vitamin E oil.
Puncture the Capsules with a pin and squeeze out the oil.
Apply to the scar once or twice a day, especially at bedtime.
Have used this for years and it works.....very good for healing.

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S.B.

answers from Elkhart on

I comepletely agree with what the ladies said about using cocoa butter!!
Another thing that works for us, is bag balm. I have 2 active boys and bag balm works great for cuts and healing. We use it for alot of stuff. Might sound crazy but it does work!!

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N.L.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi L., My family has been drinking a juice with 19 superfruits called Mona Vie. There is a world renouned facial trauma surgeon in Minnesota that insists his patients drink Mona Vie before and after surgery. It has produced less wound breakdown and no infections. My family has noticed that old scars are fading and shrinking! It's amazing! To hear an interview with this Doc go towww.GlobalWellnessReport.com It is also very affordable for children especially. Call me at ###-###-#### if you want to find out more. You can also visit www.brighart.com for more info. Hope this helps. God Bless and I hope your baby does well regardless. N. Lurry

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D.R.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I actually sell a BeautiControl product that specifically helps reduce the appearance of scars. I'd be more than happy to send you a sample. I used it on my C-section scar, Halo scars, and on the kids. It really does work great. D.

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J.N.

answers from Indianapolis on

L. J,

Gift cards are the answer! The couple can purchase what they need, want, or what they want to replace. You could also give a donation to their favorite charity.

J. N

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E.J.

answers from St. Louis on

When I was a kid I spilled a pot of boiling soup on my stomach. Most of it healed on its own, but there was a small section that they had to graph new skin onto part of the burn. Aside from the burn creams we were told to put straight Vitamin E on it daily....maybe twice a day. We just bought the little vitamin E capsules and poked a hole in the end of it with a pin. Then you can just squeeze the oil onto the scar and throw the capsule away. It was simple and somewhat clean. Also, the advice to keep the scar protected from the sun is excellent. The doctor told us the same thing. My scar was bright redish purple and now you can hardly tell it there....as far as color is concerned, but it take about 2 years.

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S.H.

answers from South Bend on

L., I got a really nasty cut right in the middle of my forehead that looks like a X! It happened later in life and I used merderma on it and it worked wonders!!! Other things I did was to keep it moist and not let it dry out and scab. Scabbing can make scars much worse. Also be sure to protect the area from the sun. Hope that helps!

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N.K.

answers from Cincinnati on

I have heard that massaging the scar helps. I think it is to keep any adhesions from forming. Your daughters scar may not be that bad.
Keep it protected from the sun!
And if it is really bothering you, moisturize the area,and apply a little concealor to the area. This should cover the difference in skin tone.

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J.D.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi L.:

Scars take a good year to heal and will actually look worse before it looks better. Make sure that this summer you have sunscreen on the scar so that it does not burn. If you burn the new scar it will stay the darker color. Massaging does help with scar maturation so once it is well healed you could try and massage it twice a day with your finger with a little pressure to help break down the scar tissue.

Good Luck!

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H.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Vitamin E and that mederma will do wonders.
Also, keep in mind where that scar is today when she's 8 will be in a totally different place as she grows. My friends son had a gash right between his eyes - now at 13 it's clear up in his hairline.
However - you could always call a plastic surgeons office and ask what they recommend. It wouldn't hurt!
HTH!!

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C.P.

answers from Columbus on

L.-

My son fell into our entertainment center a couple of months ago as well. He ended up getting 4 stitches just above his eye. They told me at Children's that in addition to using Vaseline every day for a year, I should use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 everyday for 2 years as the new skin in this area will pigment differently with exposure even on cloudy days. With the summer coming up, it might not be a bad idea to add this to your routine. I hope this helps!

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L.M.

answers from Cleveland on

The mederma for kids works very well. My son had a birthmark surgically removed from his jawline two years ago. The other advice his surgeon gave me was to make sure to keep it protected from the sun. Make sure to use a very high SPF sunscreen on the scar when she goes outside.

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C.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

I have been told all facal cuts need stitches to make the scars as small as possible. Our son did the same thing on his brow and hair will not grow in the scar. Looks very strange like 3 brows because of the separation.

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L.T.

answers from Cleveland on

hi L.-
I'm a pretty uncoordinated person, with plenty of scars. I'm not sure what exactly what will make it go away, but to allow it to fade over time, keep it REALLY protected from the sun, with sunscreen with a really high number.
I say do that all this summer and starting soon, b/c the sun's getting warmer.

hope this helps-
L.

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A.B.

answers from Cleveland on

Remember a child's skin is growing and turns over dead skin cells very quickly as compared to adults so it should heal relatively quickly and the scars will fade away as the cells repair themselves. Do not worry about a permanent scar.
But if you want to try something I would suggest going as natural and chemical free as possible. Many years ago I had a boyfriend who was severely burned (2nd & 3rd degree) on his face from a fire breathing accident. (Crazy, I know!) We took an all natural approach and used PURE VITAMIN E and ALOE VERA. We applied it several times a day. He also took some herbal supplements but I can't remember what they are (whatever it was speeds up the cirrculation to the skin and skin cell repair). He healed completely and in only a few months. No scars at all, whatso ever! It was amazing! Even the doctors were amazed!
I would not recommend the herbal suplements for a child though. But the aloe and Vit E should be ok - check with Dr. first.
If you want to try this just make sure that whatever you use is 100% pure, no extra additives like food dye or perfume or alchohol. Ouch! And I would make sure that your daughter has no allergic reactions to Aloe (my sister gets an itchy rash from anything with Aloe in it). You can get these things at a health food store.

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M.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

I recently had surgery and my plastic surgeon had me order "Scarguard" online.( scarguard.com) I think it really helped! Also, vitamin E oil is great!

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K.B.

answers from Indianapolis on

L.,

OB's often recommend a product by neosporin that help the scar, it is fabulous, research it.... I can't think of the name but it is neosporin but with a special formula to help fade scars. It did WONDERS for my sister's c/s, which is a good size scar so I am using it with my last c/s and hope it helps fade mine as well :)

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C.L.

answers from Evansville on

L.,
I had surgery on my arm and the doctor told me to put Vitamin E oil and Aloe Vera on the incision mark to prevent it from scarring. I took his advise and cannot see the incision mark.
Hope this help.
Hugs,
C.

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D.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

There are over the counter ointments that are specifically geared toward healing he skin and scars, but I ALWAYS recommend PURE ALOE. It's AMAZING for the sking....cuts, even paper cuts, burns, skin irritations, dry skin, etc.

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R.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

Be extremely diligent about applying sunscreen this year. If she were to get a sunburn on a healing scar, it will be stay more visible.

From a home remedy point, my mother always used vitamin E oil. I don't know if there are medical studies to prove or disprove this, but she believed in it.

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L.S.

answers from Dayton on

Either lavender oil or shea butter are very healing. I would try to get the most natural ingredients that you can find. Most health food stores carry them.

Hope this helps!

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E.W.

answers from Cleveland on

vitamin e. consider plastic surgery later. but as she gets older it will probably fade as her skin grows along with the rest of her. My son got a bad cut by his eyebrow when he was under five. He needed lots of stitches and they did plastic surgery at the same time so his scars were minimal. He is 25 now and I don't even notice it unless I look for it.

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A.K.

answers from Columbus on

I used Merderma for my surgery scar as well as Vitamin E oil. I got it at CVS. I have to actually point out my scar to people which is on my neck. It's not noticeable at all. Good luck!

A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

Try putting vitamin E oil on it. That is great for the skin & natural.

Good luck

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J.C.

answers from Indianapolis on

use a lotion on it that has vitamin E in it, that helps the skin's elasticity.

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