Minimizing scars in kids

As a pediatrician and mom, I know first-hand how often kids end up with injuries.

But I still feel lots of guilt every time one of my kids gets injured / develops a scar. And after three kids, that has happened more often than I care to admit.

Which is my way of telling you that it’s important to remember that cuts, scrapes and even stitches are common. Whether it’s a playground tumble or an adventure gone sideways, minor injuries are part of growing up.

The good news? With the right care, most childhood wounds heal beautifully. Here’s what the research (and real life) tells us about minimizing scars in kids.

**If you want more information on first aid after injuries, along with how to tell if an injury might need stitches, check out this post.

Why do scars happen?

Scars are a normal part of the body’s healing process. Any time the deeper layers of skin are injured, your body forms collagen to repair the wound.

But if that process is disrupted (which can happen due to drying out, irritation, infection, repeated trauma, or even tension on the skin), the resulting scar can be more noticeable. So to minimize scarring, your job is to decrease any disruptions to the normal healing process.

4 tips to help minimize scars.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE: Keep It Moist, Not Dry

• It is a huge wound care myth that you should let wounds “dry out” - in fact, studies show that moist wound healing actually leads to faster recovery and less scarring.

• After the wound has closed (or if it's a superficial scrape), apply petroleum jelly or a silicone-based gel once or twice a day to keep the area hydrated. This helps support the skin's natural healing and reduces the risk of scab formation, which can lead to worse scars.

SUN PROTECTION

Ask any dermatologist, and this is the step they will recommend over and over again. SPF is the holy grail for minimizing scars.

• Healing skin is especially vulnerable to changes in pigmentation when exposed to UV rays — which can darken scars so they look more prominent.

• Once the wound has closed, use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on the area daily, or cover it with clothing or a bandage.

• This step alone can make a huge difference in how a scar looks months down the road.

The Pediatrician Mom Tip: Here is a link to some of my favorite sun products.

SILICONE: WORTH IT?

• YES! Silicone gel sheets and topical ointments have solid evidence behind them for minimizing hypertrophic (raised) and keloid scars.

• These silicone products work by regulating collagen production and creating a protective barrier over healing skin.

• Realistically, I think the sheets don’t work great in active kids - it is hard to keep things clean and if you’re replacing them all the time it can get expensive. So I use the gel for my kids.

• Apply twice per day for up to 2-3 months. Allow the silicone gel to dry completely before topping with SPF.

• The sheets are especially helpful for larger wounds, surgical incisions, or injuries on tension-prone areas like joints - and in older teens and adults.

LIMIT TRAUMA

Anything that irritates or traumatizes the skin can disrupt the healing process and cause a worse-looking scar. Do what you can to minimize skin trauma! This mean avoiding:

• Picking scabs

• Skin irritants (like harsh, scented products)

• Dryness (keep moisturizing!!)

  The Pediatrician Mom Tip: Don’t wait too long! Start your scar care routine as soon as the wound is no longer open!

Remember that all information on this website is for education, and not medical advice. NEVER disregard reaching out to your own healthcare provider because of something you have read here.

When to call the pediatrician

This is not a comprehensive list. In general, always err on the side of calling your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child. There is a lot to be said for a parent’s gut instinct, and I promise: your pediatrician would rather you called!

Some reasons that you might consider reaching out to your pediatrician include if your child’s wound is:

• Deep, gaping, or not healing well

• Showing signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, warmth)

• On the face, hands, or a joint (any place where scarring can affect function or appearance)

For more on wound management in the moment — and what wounds typically need stitches / ER visits — check out this post.

If your child has had a previous injury and you didn’t know these steps, START NOW. They really are most effective immediately after the skin damage, but some measures (like SPF) will help no matter what. And remember: medical interventions are continuing to evolve in this area and there are other options for older children and adults (eg: scar revision, laser treatment, etc).

Finally, I want to remind you to be patient. Scars in kids can look pink for months to even 1-2 years after the injury.