With the return to school comes the return to sports, activities, and sun exposure – and all the risks associated with them. Here’s how to ensure good back-to-school health as your kids embark on a year of new possibilities.
Risk of Sports Injuries
Kids can get injured in any number of ways when engaging in sports, from lacerations and abrasions to torn tendons and broken bones. No matter what kind of injury they get, the formation of scars can ding even the most confident young player’s self-esteem. On top of that, they can negatively impact their flexibility and range of motion after the healing process begins.
While you can’t avoid the possibility of injury altogether, you can encourage your child to take the proper precautions, such as wearing mouthguards and protective gear at all times.
Fractures
The two main injuries associated with a fracture include closed fractures (skin does not open but may or may not require surgery) and open or compound fractures (the bone breaks through the skin and requires surgery). This latter injury can result in an exterior laceration, whereby it leaves a jagged wound prone to infection and/or malformation. Surgical scars are smoother and smaller than open-fracture scars because they are precise in nature. Many surgeons today are aware of the importance of minimizing length and width of incisions so as to minimize the scarred area.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Surgery for soft tissue injuries isn’t common, but may be called for in the case of significant tears and ruptures. Usually, soft tissue scars can heal on their own. Just like surgical scars due to fractured bones, repairs of ligaments and tendons are linear and short. You can keep the swelling down by resting the injured joint or limb. The area is less likely to experience widespread, raised scarring when there is less fluid in the area.
Cuts and Abrasions
Common injuries from playground surfaces and sports equipment include cuts and scrapes, turf burns, and helmet or cleat impacts. Keep the wound clean and dry, and if deep, get stitches to minimize the formation of scars.
Sun Exposure
Many sports and other activities take place outdoors, which means it’s important to keep your kids covered with sunscreen. This will help minimize the appearance of scars so they don’t stand out as much. Use at least an SPF 15 and apply 15 minutes before going out – even out to recess for a half hour.
Scar Treatment
The most effective treatments for minor sports injuries include massage, exercise and scar gel application. Massage and exercise can help to minimize or even prevent contracture while allowing the wound to heal without putting a limit on the athlete’s range of motion.
Stock up on Scarfade
Be ready for everything that the school year throws at your kids by stocking up on Scarfade products now, from bottles to gel tubes.