Scars in Children – Causes and Remedies

Every scar has a story behind it. But, when it is your child who has a scar, obviously you will be worried. As a parent, you will think of the possible reasons behind it, bad and worse, but you need not worry. Scars are a normal part of life, particularly for children as they often play outside in the grass and dirt and are likely to fall and get wounded. Some scars heal fast, too, in kids. But do you know what a scar actually is and how does it form? Know everything about scars in children and ways to get rid of them in this post.

What Is a Scar?

A scar is characterised by a mark that is caused by the damage and subsequent repair of skin tissue. Damage to the skin can occur from a cut, burn, scrape or sore.

How Does a Scar Form?

When the skin suffers a wound, connective tissue that is made up of collagen in the body covers up the damaged area. The collagen repairs and restores the skin over the course of some days. While this restoration of the skin happens underneath, the upper layer dries up, forming a rough, dry, dark patch of covering called a “scab”. When the skin is fully repaired, the scab is shed off. The ‘repaired’ skin usually has a distinct appearance as compared to the skin surrounding it. This is called a scar (1). However, every wound doesn’t necessarily cause scarring. Extremely shallow wounds sometimes heal without causing a visible scar formation, and scars themselves fade over time.

Types of Scars

Scars can vary widely in appearance and texture, depending on factors such as the depth and extent of the injury, as well as individual differences in skin type and healing ability. Understanding the different types of scars can help individuals manage their appearance and potentially minimize their visibility.

1. Keloid Scars

Keloid scars result from an overly aggressive healing process, where the body continues to produce collagen even after the wound has healed. This leads to raised, thickened scars that extend beyond the original injury site. Keloids can be itchy, tender, and even painful, and they may continue to grow over time.

2. Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloids in appearance, with raised, thickened tissue, but they do not extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. These scars may fade over time but can remain visible and may cause discomfort or itching.

3. Atrophic Scars

Atrophic scars are characterized by a loss of tissue, resulting in a depressed or sunken appearance. These scars often occur as a result of conditions such as acne, chickenpox, or surgical procedures. Types of atrophic scars include “ice pick” scars, which are narrow and deep, and “boxcar” scars, which have broad, defined edges.

4. Contracture Scars

Contracture scars typically result from burns or injuries where a large area of skin is lost or damaged. As the scar tissue forms, it can cause the skin to tighten and contract, potentially limiting movement or flexibility. In severe cases, contracture scars can affect underlying muscles and nerves.

Medical Treatment for Scars

The formation of a baby scar on face is a part of the natural healing process, hence it does not require any treatment. Still, a commonly asked question from new parents is – will my baby’s scar go away? Treatment of scars to minimise their appearance or remove it completely is purely aesthetic. Commonly used medical treatments for scars in children are:

• Scar removal creams: These can be bought from pharmaceutical stores. You should apply it when the wound is freshly healed. Use special scar removal creams specifically created for babies, as normal ones contain steroids that could be harmful to your baby (2).
• Steroid treatment: Steroid injections are used to treat bumpy and raised scars like keloid scars, which sometimes even expand from the original wound. This type of treatment is rare for children.
• Surgical removal of scars: A surgical procedure is generally done to remove a protruding scar (3). This is an expensive method, but it usually gets the best results as far as aesthetic appearance is concerned.
• Laser treatment: A highly energised beam is used to burn and remove large scar tissue. Unlike surgical treatment, laser treatment does not remove the scar, but it is very successful at reducing the appearance of scars (4). However, laser treatment is not recommended for children.
• Silicon sheet therapy: In this type of treatment, a plaster containing silicone gel is stuck on the scar. This therapy can be used on fresh wounds as well as bulging scars. It applies pressure to the wound and prevents the formation of scabs while protecting the inner layers where the collagen is rebuilding the skin tissue. This way, the development of a raised scar is negated.
• Cryotherapy: This is a method that employs freezing cold temperatures to heal. To remove bulging scars or other outgrowths in cryotherapy, the extruding portions are frozen solid and crumbled away.

All of these treatments, including scar removal cream for babies, shouldn’t be tried without the doctor’s approval. Your doctor is in the best position to determine if the probable side effects of these treatments could be too high for your baby. So, consult with your doctor before you go for any treatment.

Home Remedies to Treat Scars

Scars can be bothersome, but there are several home remedies that may help reduce their appearance and promote healing. These home remedies on scars for kids are often easily accessible and can be incorporated into daily skincare routines to potentially improve the overall appearance of scars.

1. Aloe Vera

Applying aloe vera gel to scars can help moisturize the skin, promote healing, and reduce inflammation.

2. Coconut Oil

Massaging coconut oil onto scars may help soften and moisturize the skin, potentially reducing the appearance of scars over time.

3. Vitamin E

Applying vitamin E oil or capsules directly to scars may help improve their appearance and promote healing.

4. Honey

Using honey as a natural wound dressing may help promote healing and reduce the risk of infection, potentially improving the appearance of scars.

5. Onion Extract

Applying onion extract to scars may help reduce their appearance by inhibiting the production of collagen, which can lead to smoother, less noticeable scars.

6. Lemon Juice

The acidic properties of lemon juice may help exfoliate the skin and lighten dark scars over time.

7. Tea Tree Oil

Using diluted tea tree oil as a spot treatment for scars may help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

8. Cocoa Butter

Massaging cocoa butter onto scars can help moisturize the skin and improve its elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of scars over time.

9. Silicone Gel Sheets

Applying silicone gel sheets to scars may help flatten and soften them, promoting a smoother appearance over time.

10. Massage

Regularly massaging scars with gentle pressure can help break up scar tissue and improve blood circulation, potentially reducing their appearance over time.

How Can Scars Be Prevented?

While preventing scars in children is not entirely possible, there are certain measures that can be taken to minimize their appearance and promote faster healing, especially in children:

• Ensure a nutritious diet rich in vitamin C to support the body’s healing process.
• Keep wounds clean and covered with sterile bandages to reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid picking at scabs or wounds, as this can increase the likelihood of scarring.
• Use sunscreen to protect healing skin from sun damage, which can darken scars and make them more noticeable.
• Seek prompt medical attention for deep or severe wounds to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.
• Consider using silicone gel sheets or other scar reduction products as recommended by healthcare professionals.
• Encourage children to avoid activities that could lead to injuries, such as rough play or sports without appropriate protective gear.
• Teach children proper wound care techniques, including cleaning and dressing wounds promptly.
• Monitor wounds closely for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, and seek medical attention if necessary.

What If the Scar Gets Bigger and Does Not Fade Away?

The formation of scars is unpredictable; however, they fade away rather quickly in young ones. For example, simply try remembering how many scars you still have, that you got as a child? Only deep scars remain for years.

There are two types of scar formation that actually get bigger instead of fading.

• Hypertrophic Scar: These scars are bumpy and raised from the surrounding skin. They do not spread outside the site of the initial wound. Hypertrophic scars mostly form on burn wounds.
• Keloid: Keloid scars are smooth and raised, and resemble blisters. This kind of scar could spread beyond the original wound, over the surrounding skin to form large, unsightly patches.

If such a scar appears on a prominent part of the body, like the face, you should refer to your dermatologist. The dermatologist will be able to identify the type of scar and give further advice on how to improve the appearance of scars on a child’s face through medical treatment.

FAQs

1. How long do scars in children take to heal?

The healing time for scars in children can vary depending on factors such as the size and depth of the wound, the child’s overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. Minor scars may heal within a few weeks to months, while more severe scars may take longer to fade and may require ongoing care.

2. Can scars in children cause any complications?

While most scars in children heal without complications, some may cause issues such as itching, discomfort, or restricted movement, especially if they are large or located in sensitive areas. In rare cases, scars may also be associated with psychological effects such as self-consciousness or low self-esteem.

3. When should parents seek medical attention for their child’s scars?

Parents should seek medical attention for their child’s scars if they notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus discharge. Additionally, if scars are causing significant pain, itching, or discomfort, or if they are not improving with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

4. Are there any special considerations for treating scars in babies or toddlers?

Wondering how to get rid of scars on a toddler’s face? When treating scars in babies or toddlers, parents should take extra care to ensure that any topical treatments or home remedies used are safe and appropriate for their child’s age and skin sensitivity. It’s essential to consult with a pediatrician or dermatologist before applying any products to a young child’s skin and to closely monitor for any adverse reactions.

This was all about baby scar treatment. As parents, we always want the best for our children. A common concern is ‘do baby scars go away?’ Children also get an inferiority complex if they have scars on their faces, thinking that people may stay away from them. Though we cannot control how other people react, we can only show love and support to our kids and encourage them to look beyond their scars.

References/Resources:

1. Scars; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scars/

2. Scar Management; Nationwide Children’s Hospital; https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/scar-management

3. Treatments and Procedures: Scar Revision; Johns Hopkins Medicine; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/otolaryngology/specialty-areas/facial-plastic-reconstructive/cosmetic-surgery/scar-revision

4. Laser Treatment of Scars; Baylor Medicine; https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/specialties/dermatology/laser-surgery/laser-treatment-of-scars

5. Keloid Scars; Stanford Medicine; https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/s/scar-revision-surgery/procedures/keloid-scars.html

6. Scars: Diagnosis and Treatment; https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/scars-treatment

7. Zimmerman. E, Crawford. P, Cutaneous Cryosurgery; American Academy of Family Physicians; https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/1215/p1118.html; December 2012

Also Read: 

Groin Pain in Kids
Burn Injury in Children
Head Injury in Kids
Fractures (Broken Bones) in Children