Last month, my toddler’s eyebrow had a run in with a windowsill. Unfortunately, the windowsill won. During that experience, I quickly learned two things: that the ER is not a fun Wednesday night out and that a large scar may be part of my daughter’s face for the rest of her life.
— Stephanie Hepburn
Keep it moist
When a cut is healing, the first step toward minimizing a scar is to ensure that a scab does not develop. A scab is like a plug that forces new skin to grow underneath it, said Dr. Lisa M. Donofrio, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine.
The simplest way to prevent scabbing is to apply Bacitracin or Vaseline to the wound twice a day and cover it with a bandage. Once the wound has healed, doctors have a multitude of opinions about how best to diminish the appearance of a scar. Some recommend massage and the use of silicone sheets. Others believe that’s a waste of time.
As a mom, I could hardly let nature take its course. So, I began applying a silicone sheet to my daughter’s wound. The results have been impressive. Silicone sheets “seem to work by increasing the moisture content of the healing tissue,” Donofrio said.
Over-the-counter silicone sheets by ScarAway are designed to hydrate, soften and minimize the formation of new scars and shrink, flatten and fade old ones.
ScarAway by Mitchell-Vance Laboratories, $19.99 at Walgreens
Seal the deal
While silicone sheets are the Bentley of scar therapy, there are times when you don’t want to be bandaged up. For such occasions, a liquid silicone product, such as Scar Healing Therapy by Kinerase, is a temporary alternative.
The non-greasy gel is made from multiple fine-grade silicones that help to reduce the appearance of red or raised scars, both old and new. Unlike the silicone sheets, the clear treatment is not unsightly and is compatible with makeup.
Silicone gels, however, are not as effective as silicone sheets. Gels don’t always stay where they’re put, Donofrio pointed out.
Scar Healing Therapy by Kinerase, $48 at About Face of Mandeville, 3441 East Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 985.727.1887, and About Face of Metairie, 3258 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504.889.7102
Aside from infection, the sun is the next big concern. Sun can cause “pigment staining,” Donofrio said. So, if you want to go poolside while you’re healing, make sure to lather on a broad-spectrum sunblock.
Unfortunately, regardless of the sun, sometimes unattractive hyper-pigmentation naturally occurs during the healing process. In order to prevent discoloration, dermatologists recommend the use of a pigment-blocking product. Donofrio’s pick is Lustra-AF, a prescription medication that contains the lightening ingredient hydroquinone.
There also are non-prescription products that contain hydroquinone, such as Murad’s Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel. At 2 percent hydroquinone, the gel is milder than the 4 percent prescription strength but is formulated with alpha hydroxy acids to fade discoloration and hyper-pigmentation.
Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel by Murad, $60 at Lovejoy Day Spa, 200 Metairie Road, Metairie, 504.828.1997
Another way to minimize the appearance of a scar is to hide it with makeup. GloCamouflage by Glominerals covers blemishes with a richly pigmented cream that’s formulated with vitamin K to improve the appearance of hyper-pigmentation.
To pick the right shade of product, use the following guidelines: For a red and raised scar match your overall skin tone. For a raised, but not red scar, pick a shade that’s slightly darker than your overall skin. For a depressed (sunken) scar, use a shade lighter than your skin tone.
Apply the product in light layers with a brush until the scar begins to fade away. GloCamouflage also does a great job covering bruises and can be used under foundation, pressed powder or alone.
GloCamouflage by Glominerals, $21 at Make Me Up, 3426 Magazine St., 504.891.9688
Help for bruises and abrasions
Bruises and skin abrasions often go hand in hand with cuts and gashes. To treat a bruise or scrape, first clean the area to prevent infection, then minimize exposure to the sun, said New Orleans dermatologist Dr. Mary P. Lupo. “A lot of scrapes won’t scar but will discolor,” she said. “You are more prone to discoloration if you have a darker skin tone.”
Lupo recommends Second Skin ($6.99 at CVS) to keep the scraped area moist and occluded. To treat a bruise, apply pressure and ice. “As soon as you bump the area, get an ice pack, wrap it around the area, and if it is an extremity then elevate it,” she said.
Lupo’s favorite anti-bruise product is Bruise Relief Gel by Dr. Holmquist Healthcare ($9.99 at Target). Bruise Relief, developed by LSU medical professor Nelson Holmquist, compresses the blood vessels. “I actually use the gel after every patient that has a filler injection in order to reduce bruising,” Lupo said.
Taking oral supplements, such as Arnica Montana, papain (from papayas) or bromelain (from pineapples), also may help reduce the appearance of bruises. But Lupo recommends that you consult your primary-care physician before taking any supplements.