Wounds and Scars
After the cut is repaired | While there are stitches | After the stitches are removed | Improving the scar
Scars
All cuts heal with a scar. If good care is given to a scar early while it is healing, the end result will be a less notable scar. Scars continue to mature and change for up to 12-18 months. During this time there will be pinkness in the wound. The final quality of the scar is determined by the wound itself, inherited skin healing qualities and how well the wound was cared for. The following steps will help you care for your child's wound.
After the Cut is Repaired
- Keep the area clean and dry for the first 48 hours
- Leave any bandages intact for the first 48 hours
- If there is no bandage, apply a thin coat of antibiotic ointment
While There are Stitches
- After the second day, clean the area twice daily with an antibacterial soap
- If there are crusts right around the stitches, they can be removed by gently cleaning with a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide
After the Stitches are Removed
Apply moisturizer twice daily until the skin returns to its normal color.
How to Improve the Scar
Scar Massage
The body heals wounds by laying down new proteins. The healing area is a ridge that can be felt along the site of the cut. Massage can help this smooth out to a flat surface.
Using a thick moisturizer (cocoa butter, vitamin E, shortening), rub the wound for 5-10 minutes twice daily. You must use enough pressure to change the color of the cut from pink to pale. Benefits from massage last until all the pink is gone from the wound. Wait for 3 weeks after the cut is repaired before massaging.
Sun Protection
Any fresh scar (one that is still pink) can get sun burned, even in dark skinned people. Once a scar gets burned or tanned, it will not fade back to its normal color and a dark spot will always be present. It is best to avoid sun on a fresh wound. Clothing with long sleeves, full length pants and hats provide good sun protection. If the wound is not covered by clothing, it should be covered with sun block. The zinc and titanium oxide based sun blocks (which are waterproof) work the best, but any sun block with SPF of 15 or greater will work if applied often.
Activity
Cuts deep enough to require stitches need to be protected from stress which might reopen them. For 2 weeks after stitches, no contact sports or rough activities should be allowed.
Patient Education Program II 2204 9/98
Rev. 11/04, 8/05
