Stitches - I was just in a car accident and got stitches in my forehead?

I was just in a car accident and got stitches in my forehead?

I am worried about scarring. I have 6 stitches near the middle of my forehead...right in plain sight. I had stitches before, but in my leg and i didn't worry about the scarring to much then, so i don't really know how to take care of it. What is recommended to do before and after the stitches come out? also, my boyfriend was in the accident, and is all cramped up. what could i do to help ease his muscle pain? is a heating pad good?

Public Comments

Double check with your doctor, but basically keep the area really clean with antibacterial soap and water. Your doctor may decide to give you antibiotic ointment to put on it just to make sure it doesn't get infected. I have a scar on my forehead from many years ago. I never thought anything of it until a little kid pointed out that I look like Harry Potter. :)
Vitamin E is great to prevent scarring. It also depends on how good the doctor sticthed you up. Lastly, it depends if the stitches are taken out at the right time. If the tissue is not fully healed and taken out early it may increase the keloid. Keep the wound clean, about 2 days before the stitches are to come out, begin putting on vitamin E on twice daily. Keep applying the vitamin E until the scar clears up. Complete removal of the scar is unknown, there are too many factors. Genetics also play a role, african americans tend to produce a lot of keloid scarring, unsure why, but they do. As for your boyfriend, it is likely whiplash, gentle massage, and heat will do the trick. He should also be sure to see a doctor to ensure there is not a cervical spine injury.
There are a couple of over the counter scar creams you can use...or you could get your Dr to prescribe you. The over the counter 1 that I do know the name of is mederma scar gel. Hope this helps.