Preventing Scars on Eyebrows After Injury: Tips for Parents

Injury to the eyebrow?

Hello, my child is one year and four months old.
Yesterday, they fell from a chair and hit their eyebrow against a wooden table.
The wound is about 0.7 cm long and approximately 0.1 cm deep.
Since it impacted the brow bone, we applied ice.
After the bleeding stopped, we cleaned the wound with saline solution and applied an eye ointment.
I would like to know how to prevent scarring on the eyebrow.
If a scar does form, will hair not grow back on that scar? I'm worried that the eyebrow might have a gap.
Is there a specific ointment that can help minimize scarring? Thank you for your response! A worried and remorseful mother.

Baobao de ma, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/05/24

Dr. Zhou Hongzhang reply Plastic Surgery

1.
If the wound is too deep, resulting in a complete rupture of the dermis, suturing may be required.
2.
Whether there will be eyebrow loss is related to whether the hair follicles in the subcutaneous tissue layer are injured.
If too many hair follicles die, it may leave a scar resembling an eyebrow loss.
3.
You can apply some whitening and scar removal ointments, but the effectiveness is not very good.
Dr.
Hsiung-Chang Chou, Plastic Surgeon.

Reply Date: 2011/05/24

More Info

Hello! It's understandable to be concerned about your child's injury and the potential for scarring, especially when it comes to delicate areas like the eyebrows. Here are some tips and insights on how to prevent scars after an injury, particularly for your child's eyebrow area.

Immediate Care After Injury
1. Clean the Wound: You've already done a great job by cleaning the wound with saline solution. This is crucial as it helps to remove any debris and bacteria that could lead to infection, which can worsen scarring.

2. Control Bleeding: Applying gentle pressure to stop any bleeding is essential. It seems you have managed this well.

3. Moisturize the Area: Keeping the wound moist can significantly aid in the healing process. After the initial healing phase (usually a few days), you can apply a thin layer of a healing ointment, such as petroleum jelly or a specialized scar treatment ointment. This helps to keep the area hydrated and can prevent the formation of a thick scab, which can lead to more noticeable scarring.

Preventing Scarring
1. Avoid Picking at Scabs: As the wound heals, it may form a scab. It's important to avoid picking at it, as this can lead to increased scarring and even infection.

2. Sun Protection: Once the wound has healed, protecting the area from sun exposure is vital. UV rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on the area if it will be exposed to sunlight.

3. Silicone Gel Sheets or Silicone Gel: After the wound has closed, you might consider using silicone gel sheets or silicone gel. These products have been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars. They work by hydrating the scar tissue and creating a protective barrier.

4. Massage the Area: Once the wound has fully healed (usually after a few weeks), gentle massage of the area can help break down the collagen fibers that form the scar. Use a moisturizing lotion or oil during the massage to keep the skin supple.

5. Consult a Dermatologist: If you're particularly concerned about scarring, it might be worthwhile to consult a dermatologist. They can provide treatments such as laser therapy or chemical peels if necessary, especially if the scar becomes prominent.

Will Hair Grow Back?
Regarding your concern about hair growth, it’s important to note that if the injury did not damage the hair follicles, there is a good chance that hair will grow back normally. However, if the injury was deep enough to affect the hair follicles, there might be some hair loss in that area. In most cases, minor injuries like the one you described do not lead to permanent hair loss.

Nutritional Support
While topical treatments are essential, ensuring your child has a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also support skin healing. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, play important roles in skin health and healing.

Conclusion
In summary, you are already taking the right steps to care for your child's injury. Keeping the wound clean and moist, protecting it from the sun, and considering silicone treatments can all help minimize scarring. If you notice any signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, or pus), or if the scar does not improve over time, seeking medical advice is recommended. Remember, children’s skin tends to heal well, and with proper care, the chances of significant scarring can be minimized. Wishing your child a speedy recovery!

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