Mederma for Kids Review

Mederma for Kids is according to manufacturer Merz Pharmaceuticals 'the first and only' scar treatment product dedicated to children. The cream is advertised as it should help soften and smooth old and new scars. During application it's purple which fades quickly and should be of attraction to children. I can imagine it does but more importantly, does Mederma for Kids do what it says? Does it really work?

We can't determine with complete certainty. The main, active ingredient of this particular scar cream is the botanical extract Allium cepa which is onion extract. As far as I know there have been done two clinical studies on this component. One concluded that there was no benefit. The other showed some effect on collagen creation (scar tissue consists mainly of collagen). But the latter was a study conducted on rabbit ears.

I also found an article referring to a study but no PubMed or other source. This study concluded that scars treated with Mederma were significantly softer in appearance. So in conclusion, there's no evidence it works, but no real evidence it does not.

Anecdotal reports on the other hand are promising. Many who have used Mederma, or Mederma for Kids are positive. But this is the case for vitamin E as well. Which is disencouraged to use on scars because it does not work and may cause skin irritation and even worsen scars.

These reviews on SkinStore.com show how mixed the opinions are:

Great stuff - 3/25/2008 My son was 10 months old when he had a severe facial laceration...he looks almost like it didn't happen now, the dr. gave us this to use and I attruibute this to a good surgeon and Mederma

Disappointing - 11/23/2007 I bought this for my daughter who was bitten by a dog. She used it religiously as stated on the pack, but there was no change. Her scars are still very red and she is has become very self conscious. A waste of time and money.

In conclusion: Mederma for Kids may be helpful for some scars on some kids. Whether the effects are due to massaging the gel into the tissue or actual effective products remains to be seen. Personally I would rather use Vaseline which has shown to be just as effective (or even slightly more) in one study. Experts think this may have to do with its hydrating qualities. For a proven effective product use silicone sheets or gels. These are still the only backed by science products available.


The ingredients of Mederma for Kids are:

Water (Purified), PEG-4, Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, D&C Violet No. 2, FD&C Red No. 4.

Mederma for Kids vs. Mederma
I think it's good to point out that these are the exact same ingredients as in Mederma. The additional ingredients are the colors added. Consequently the scent of both products is the same.

Read more...

Scar Treatment for Kids

Kids are playful. Now and then they play rough and especially the youngest are a bit unsteady. So they get injured relatively often. That's just part of childhood.

As parents we may worry about wounds that will lead to scars. We are afraid our offspring may get self-conscious because of prominent scars. That's why it's good to know how to get the best home scar treatment for our children.

A few things are essential. First of all wound care. The better a wound heals the less scarring will generally occur. Scabs are detrimental, they lead to scar creation. Especially when they are picked off by kids. Which they like to do.

Immature scars (up to 1-2 years) should always be protected against the sun. Massage and some, proven effective products can also make a difference. Read this article on scar treatment for children to learn more.

Read more...

Tummy Tuck Scars

When it comes to the treatment of tummy tuck scars a few things are essential. Very briefly summarized it all comes down to; optimal wound healing, reduction of tension, hydration, and silicones.

A rapidly healing wound without complications is less likely to evolve into a problematic scar.

Tension on a scar in one axis will result in a stretched scar. Tension from many directions or intermittently will result in a hypertrophic scar.

"Hydration is a second beneficial influence on scar control and is the basis of the use of silicone sheeting and gel." (source)

The use of surgical tape, silicone strips, wound dressings, and compression garments can really make a difference when it comes to tummy tuck scars. Learn more about the best tummy tuck scar treatment in this extensive article.

Read more...

Best Scar Product? Polyurethane Dressings vs Silicone Sheets

Since I started treating my scars I didn't know better than that silicone sheets are the most effective scar treatment product available. Especially when it comes to burn scars and hyperthropic and keloid scars these are actually the only really effective scar product there is on the market. So I thought... But thanks to Bri who posted a comment on my silicone scar treatment Squidoo lens I learned about polyurethane dressings.

After digging a little into reports of studies and clinical trials it seems polyurethane dressings are slightly more effective in fading scars. An important side note: the studies I found were sponsored by the manufacturer of the commercial product. More about this in a following post.

Here are some facts and links to research reports on the effectiveness of polyurethane dressings compared to silicone scar sheets.

Over a 12 week period polyurethane dressings were compared with silicone sheets. Summarized, both the scars treated with silicones as well as polyurethane improved but according to the patients the scar color, tightness, softness were in favor of the polyurethane dressings. Furthermore during the trial period no serious side effects were reported but in case of the use of silicone sheets there were to patients who developed local dermatitis ( rash) where no adverse events were related to the use of the polyurethane dressings.

Read the full abstract of this study conducted by Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg here: Efficacy of a Polyurethane Dressing on Hypertrophic Scars in Comparison to a Silicon Sheet.

The polyurethane scar dressings are available at Amazon.com.

Read more...

Valuable Getting Rid of Scars Advice

This is a great piece of getting rid of scars advice I found last night.
In this article on dermatology website Skinandaging.com Dr. Sarah L. Taylor, a dermatology clinical research fellow at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Winston-Salem, N.C., gives an overview of which scar removal treatment products are recommended by dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and other medical personnel. The article is about the effectiveness of popular over-the-counter scar treatment products and the evidence behind these products.

What works?
All the most common over the counter scar removal products are mentioned; topical vitamin E, onion extract based scar creams like Mederma, silicone sheeting, honey as a topical scar removal product, lime juice, cucumber juice, cocoa butter, and aloe vera.

Summary of the article:
"To summarize, silicone gel has the most data behind it as an efficacious topical, over-the-counter treatment option for scars, and is an option for patients who want something they can buy themselves. Also, there is probably not any harm, and possibly some benefit, to rubbing honey onto healing wounds and scars. Further quality studies involving human subjects are needed for topical, natural preparations for scars, so in the meantime, encourage your patients to not waste their time or money on other natural products out there that claim to improve the look of their scars."

Read the full article here

Read more...

Scar Treatment: Keeping Scars Warm with Paraffin Wax

Applying heat to scars can be beneficial for scar appearance because of the fact that higher temperatures increase of the activity of the enzyme that breaks down scar tissue.

(Shamberger R, Tabbot T, Tripton H, et al. The effect of ultrasonic and thermal treatment on wounds. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1981;68:860-870.)

Even an increased temperature of 1°C can result in softer, more flexible and less ugly scars. Common tools used for heat application on scars are moist heat packs, paraffin wax and ultrasound devices.

Paraffin wax is an excellent material to store heat and to keep skin from dehydrating. It is an ancient wisdom that paraffin therapy is a authentic way to speed healing and soothe muscle and joint pain. Paraffin wax application soothes and moisturizes the skin, opens pores and increases circulation; all essential in effective scar treatment.

Heat application on scar tissue with warm paraffin wax is beneficial to new and older scars. Paraffin wax acts like a liquid hot pad. Solid wax becomes molten on heating, and slowly releases heat when in contact with the skin. The wax gets solid as it loses heat. You can remove the wax when cooled off but still pliable.

More on keeping scars warm in order to improve scar appearance here

Read more...

Treating scars with honey

Revolutionary new scar treatment product
The New Zealand based company Comvita is owner of the Medihoney brand. The global leader in medical honey products has set up a new medical products division to take hi-tech honey dressings to the international market. Dr Molan from the Honey Research Unit has developed the technology to turn honey into a rubbery solid.

The pioneer in honey on wounds treatment Professor Molan thinks "that this may be the best way to use honey on scars"

The scientific proof on the effectiveness of Manuka honey for wound treatment is increasing. About treating scars with honey is still very little known. Scar treatment based on honey has not been tested yet. But there is a chance it might work.

Professor Peter Molan has designed the new dressings that take the mess out of honey.
"It's like a sheet of rubber, you can touch it without it being sticky at all," he said. Comvita has high hopes for the new wound treatment product.

"Previously untreatable wounds of many types are now found to be treatable by honey," said Comvita spokesman Ray Lewis.

Let's hope this product works even better than silicone scar sheets in order to reduce the appearance of a scar. I will update on this blog as soon as there are new developments regarding the revolutionary honey scar sheets.

Read more...

Home remedy scar healing | 12 Tips to improve scars

# Scar Smoothing Tip 1 | Wait until the wound is healed
Never start with treating your scar until the wound is fully closed. If you start too soon you will only make things worse.


# Scar Reduction Tip 2 | Treat your scar right away.
The sooner you start treating your scar the better the results eventually will be.



# Scar Fading Tip 3 | Moisturize.
It is very important to keep your scar from drying out by applying a moisturizing cream. Any hydrating cream will do. Many dedicated scar creams make promises that are not scientifically proven. Also drinking enough is important to hydrate your body.


# Scar Improving Tip 4 | Exercise
Exercising increases the amount of oxygen rich blood that flows through the scar tissue. Avoid stretching the scarred skin too much. This is very important. Stress on the scar tissue will make it expand. * More on this in a following post about fitness and scars


# Scar Reducing Tip 5 | Scar massage
Massaging the scar will improve it. By softly manipulating the tissue the blood circulation will improve and the scar will get softer and prettier. You can use a any hydrating cream.


# Scar Recovering Tip 6 | Avoid sunshine on the scar
Try to keep the scar out of the sun as much as possible by using plasters or a good sunscreen. As long as it is not in it's final state the scar will be damaged by solar radiation. This will lead to damage of the tissue and can cause hyperpigmentation.


# Scar Blending Tip 7 | Let the scar 'breathe'
Oxygen is essential, just like water. I was given the advice to expose my scars to fresh air as much as possible. When the weather allowed it I walked around shirtless. Fresh air is said to improve the blood flow thus supporting the skin's recovering ability


# Scar Minimizing Tip 8 | Don't smoke
Not only does smoking delay the healing process of scars it also increases the chance of scar development.


# Scar Fading Tip 9 | Drink less alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine have a dehydrating effect on the body and skin. By cutting down on alcohol an caffeine you will help the skin's recovery process, resulting in less scar tissue.


# Scar Improving Tip 10 | Eat healthy
Your nutrition is also influencing the scar healing process. Make sure you eat a well balanced diet with proteins and carbohydrates. Proteins are important as building stones and carbohydrates for delivering energy to aid the healing process. There is no scientific evidence that additional vitamins or minerals will support a better scar result.


# Scar Blending Tip 11 | Be patient
Scars will improve over time. Make use of non invasive methods like the over the counter methods in this list. Try to avoid the more intrusive methods like laser treatment, steroid injections and surgery when possible. Those invasive scar healing methods can be risky. The scar will be stressed again which often results in creating new scar tissue. Look at those methods as a last resort, if more natural scar healing doesn't satisfy.


# Scar Blending Tip 12 | Use an effective scar treatment product
Silicone scar sheets in combination with silicone scar gel and a moisturizing cream really worked on my scars. The scars color really toned down from red to more skin color. Also did my scars get more flat and soft. I used doctor-level silicone sheets. They have a higher silicone saturation, better quality silicones and seem to be more durable. More on my silicone scar treatment here.

And more general scar treatment information here.

Read more...

scars and nutrition | can food improve my scar?

Well as I stated in .. post there is no scientific evidence that taking extra vitamins or supplements will benefit scar improvement. In fact too much of these additions can harm not only to scar healing but to general well being as well.

A balanced, healthy food pattern is important to the final result of scar appearance though. Eating enough vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates and protein can add to a better overall scar healing.

What's also important and plays a role in this is the knowledge of eating healthy. At least this is my personal opinion. I have not read a test report or something like that about this. But it does make sense. When you are eating healthy and balanced added by using some of the scar products that do work you know you are doing everything within your power to get a better scar result. This results a positive contribution to your mindset. And we all know about a healthy body is a healthy mind.

This might sound like a bit new age kind of thing but it is true. A positive attitude can do so much for you.

So maintaining a balanced nutrition can be a segment of the total scar treatment and can add to a positive attitude which will help you in the end. If only for coping with the scars, but I really do believe this will result less ugly scars.

Read more...

Home remedy scar treatment

When I got my scars my first reaction (concerning the scars) was: " I want to get rid of them completely". I went on a search to find out what works best to heal scars. I discovered many treatments, surgical procedures, opinions, products and more.

Some scar treatments are radical and others just don't work. An injection with steroids is such a radical scar treatment. There are risks involved. Using onion extract based cream to improve a scar is an example of something that doesn't work.

I know there are many testimonials on the Internet that say otherwise but in my experience it doesn't do much. Most doctors say the same. If a medic subscribes something like such a cream it's like a placebo in my opinion. Maybe a strong belief in the product will change your perception, but not the scar. Although there is something positive about it but more about that later.

Not to create a wrong impression, invasive scar treatments like surgery or laser treatment can certainly be a solution to a real problem. But first you should let your body do it's work. It takes more than a year for a scar to be in it's final state. Until that time there are some things you can do yourself. Read all about it in the 12 Tips to improve scars post.

Read more...

Which honey for treating wounds

The ancient Egyptians already used honey as an efficient wound treatment. Nowadays the use of honey for treating wounds gains popularity. The Waikato Honey Research Unit in New Zealand has done much research on this subject.

Different types of honey exhibit different amounts of antibacterial activity. The Waikato Honey Research Unit have studied honey from different types of sources. A few of them having particularly high antibacterial activity. Manuka honey gathered from the Manuka tree is such a honey with exceptionally high antibacterial activity.

From the Waikato Honey Research Unit website: To be sure of getting the true “Active Manuka Honey” consumers should look for a statement that the antibacterial activity claimed is in fact due to the Unique Manuka Factor, or that it is stated that it is “non-peroxide activity”.
Certified UMF® Manuka Honey is the recommended by The Waikato Unit for wound care. Many products claim to be the real deal but are not. One must pay attention to make sure that the product is certified Manuka honey.

Why Manuka honey is particularly good for wound care.


More info about the medical benefits of honey

Read more...

How to apply honey on a wound

Important:The information in this post does not constitute medical advice. Wounds that are not healing should be seen by a professional medical practitioner.

For centuries now honey has been used as an effective remedy for wounds, burns and ulcers. In recent years there has been renewed interest in the medicinal properties of honey. Much of this research is being carried out by a team of people working at the Waikato Honey Research Unit, New Zealand.

Honey dressings are used as a topical antibacterial agent to treat wound infections. In cases where antibiotics and antiseptics are ineffective wounds respond well to honey. Honey benefits the healing process, resulting in minimal scarring.

• 1. Make sure the wound is clean
• 2. The easiest option is to apply the honey on a sterile dressing. Slightly warming the honey makes it more fluid.
• 3. Cover with a clean gauze or bandage
• 4. The honey dressing should be changed at least once a day depending on the seriousness of the infection.

There are pads pre-impregnated with honey on the market for a more convenient alternative. if pre-impregnated dressings are not available, spreading the honey on the dressing is preferred. Instead of on the wound.

Which honey should I use?

"Honey is one of the oldest foods in existence and was an ancient remedy for wound healing. It was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun and was still edible as it never spoils."

Read more...