Dog bite scar and healing

[Catrin]

It is getting close to two months since the dog bite. It is healed, all except for the top couple of skin layers. I think it is healed, then I forget and scratch it and the skin comes off. No blood or anything, it isn't that deep, and it is just over a portion of the scar, not the entire thing.

Any suggestions on what I might use that would allow it to finish healing? The budget is tight, very much so... I don't think this warrents a doctor's office visit. Basically it just looks dry until I scratch it, and I do put lotion on it.

Have others had this problem? I know it was a pretty deep wound, but everything beneath the skin has healed, and most of the skin. I figure the longer this take the worse the final scar will be...

[withm]

Mederma. Get a tube at drugstore or grocery - whererever you buy that kind of stuff. Costs maybe $12-15? I don't remember. Put a little bit on the scar 2x day for a couple months. The scar will probably fade before you use it all up. I used this on my shoulder surgery scar and you have to be really looking for it to find the scar - and I know where it is - and still have trouble finding it.

[OakLeaf]

Mederma doesn't promote healing, it's a bleaching agent based on onion extract, to be used when a wound is completely healed ... and it contains paraben preservatives. Raw honey will help the healing, or vitamin E if you're not sensitive to the carrier oils. Make sure you're getting plenty of.protein, and gently massaging the area. Deep wounds will take some time.

[Catrin]

Mederma doesn't promote healing, it's a bleaching agent based on onion extract, to be used when a wound is completely healed ... and it contains paraben preservatives. Raw honey will help the healing, or vitamin E if you're not sensitive to the carrier oils. Make sure you're getting plenty of.protein, and gently massaging the area. Deep wounds will take some time.

I thought that perhaps it was too early for Mederma. I think I should be getting enough protein, but will start massaging the area and pick up some honey or vitamin E, thanks!

[marni]

you can also get a slave called everything balm from goodiesunlimited.com which is an all natural compilation of vit e, jojoba, rosemar, lavendar, calendula, eucalyptus, tea tree oil and probably more that that I am not remembering. It is excellent for scaring, healing, post ride soreness, dry skin, eczema and sunburn. Been using it for years and swear by it. Last time I bought it, a small pot was 8.00 but it goes a long way.

marni

[Biciclista]

aren't slaves illegal? :D:cool:

Catrin, keep it moist!

[withm]

How big a wound are we talking about? It might be gross, but a photo might help us to better understand your predicament and the status of your healing.

Mimi's right - If you still have an open wound, keeping it moist will speed healing. But if it's been 2 months and it's still open, I'd be giving the Dr. a call to see what he/she thinks. Tegaderm and other similar type of bandages are great, can be left on several days, but they are on the pricey side, although worth every penny.

I personally have many reservations about applying honey to any wound.

Since cost is an issue for you, it would be worthwhile to compare the cost of 60 days worth of Vitaman E capsules (not to mention the messy application) with the simplicity of something like Mederma.

I speak from my own personal experience with wounds large and small. Obviously others will have differing opinions and recommendations. And some will just Google keywords and become an instant expert on the subject.

You have said before that you were diabetic, so you probably know that wounds take longer to heal than in non-diabetic patients. I would not mess around with this. If you want good advice, proper healing without infection, and minimal scarring you really should be talking to your doctor.

[Catrin]

I apologize for any confusion, this is not an open wound. It closed quite some time ago and there is no longer any pain associated with it. It is simply a portion of the scar where the last layer of skin has yet to re-grow. There is no drainage, blood, or anything of that nature. Unless you look closely at it it just appears to be a large oval-shaped scar.

I will try Marni's suggestion, it sounds like just the ticket to persuade that last little bit of skin to return - of course if I left it alone that would probably help as well...but it gets so dry and itches :o I keep putting regular lotion, or Udderly Smooth on it but it doesn't seem to be quite enough.

[Biciclista]

is it small enough now to be able to use bandaides?

[Catrin]

is it small enough now to be able to use bandaides?

Depending on the size of the band-aid, that would allow it to stay moist, wouldn't it? I think that is the key issue here. Perhaps that combined with the right salve to keep things moist and facilitate the last little layer of skin to grow...

Thanks everyone!

[Becky]

Tegaderm is a godsend for situations like this. I buy mine on Ebay or Amazon, and it's considerably cheaper that way. Another option is the NexCare clear waterproof bandaids that seal on all 4 sides. They're basically Tegaderm with a small dab of gauze in the center.

[Catrin]

Tegaderm is a godsend for situations like this. I buy mine on Ebay or Amazon, and it's considerably cheaper that way. Another option is the NexCare clear waterproof bandaids that seal on all 4 sides. They're basically Tegaderm with a small dab of gauze in the center.

This looks like a good option - I also found the balm that Marni suggested. Thanks everyone!

[margo49]

Siberian oil = oblipika ( in Russian so not sure of the English spelling) = seabuck thorn (not sure how you spell that either).
It's orange and I have used it on injury and surgical scars both.
Do you have Russian immigrant shops over there - that's the best.
Health food-y places are more expensive and it's mixed with other stuff and diluted and fancified in general.
Use what worked for Ghenghis Khan!

[OakLeaf]

What's the objection to honey (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060407151107.htm), just out of curiosity?

When I had a mole taken off my back this winter I dressed it with raw honey. 4 cm Mohs procedure - the stitches were supposed to stay in for 14 days. I had them out in eight, and the nurse said the incision looked "great." It never so much as got red - until it completely closed, it stayed as clean-looking as when the doctor made the cuts. This is the first wound I've dressed with raw honey and I have NEVER had a wound look so clean before.

[margo49]

Yeah, I wondered too.
Had great results on surgical scars with honey - even the surgeon Dr Local Tit-ologist remarked on it. And a few months later the Head Of Radiology Dr World Famous was "doing my dots" and said "Nice. Very nice. Who did this surgery?"
Well documented the use of honey/ moist healing environment...but a bit messy to tell you the truth. (The Siberian oil I mentioned up-thread was messier though.) I used New Zealand Manuka honey but not a real fancy high grade one - just one bought at the supermarket.

[Catrin]

I must admit I had the same question - seems to me that I've had doctors recommend it for this purpose due to certain qualities of honey.

Thanks again for all of the advice, I've learned some things in this discussion. I haven't posted a picture because I didn't think it was really needed - and a close-up isn't pretty even though it is closed. I will either use the salve that Marni recommended, or the NexCare option, whichever is less expensive. I must admit the salve is quite interesting though, & at $6 for 2 ounces...

[OakLeaf]

I didn't find honey messy once I got the hang of how much to use. Smear with a finger, cover with Tegaderm.