Baby scolded by boiling water. Please help.

[A1983]

Poor girl. Thank you jd83, much appreciated

 

[A1983]

Ps im sure ive read of some adults being able to tan following scarring but (and this is what they've said-im obviously not condoning tanning) they have had to have a lot of exposure before it did tan and blend in.

I'm only concerned about when she's a lot older and maybe become more frustrated if at all of course with her leg if it looks worse when she tans as I'd like to think she will wear what she likes and not feel any need to cover up-only through choice unrelated to being self-conscious.

I think im mostly shocked because the white pigmented area from only 24 hours ago isn't really a 'scar' as it has looked like the rest of her normal and healthy skin for over a year. The outline of it reminded me of where the burn occurred but without it you can't see a thing. It's like a cut completely healing and leaving no trace...then not tanning when in the sun? I do put sun block on her and today may have gone a bit overboard with it! But I don't want to cause her any more problems. I totally get the skin graft scarring probably won't tan ever.

Anyway maybe ill get some replies from people who have scars/scars from scalds and see how they have gotten on...

 

[Cattia]

I have a large scar on my left leg from surgery after a severe break I had age 11. It has never tanned and shows up a lot more in the sun. I can honestly say, having had it throughout my teenage years, it has never bothered me. I actually used to rather like being asked about it when I was younger as I felt it was something a bit different. Hopefully your DD will feel the same way x

 

[A1983]

Thank you Cattia

 

[TwilightAgain]

I have a large scar on my neck, shoulder and upper arm from a scald when I was one. Unfortunately it doesn't tan, nor does it appear to take fake tan which is a little frustrating but it doesn't bother me too much, i've just had to get used to being a milk bottle it does make me feel self-conscious sometimes and definitely affects my choosing of what to wear but everyones different. She might not be too fussed whereas others will.

I have seen tattoos over a burn/scald though and they look fabulous - can't even tell their skin was anything different. I know she's only a baby but it might be something she's into when she's older.

 

[SurpriseBub]

I'm so sorry this happened to your sweet baby I have a friend I met around the age of 12. She was scalded severely by a boiling pot of water when her family was camping when she was a toddler. I remember being jealous, as it has/had a very cool marble looking effect around her ankle! It has been fading more and more each year- and I still find it unique and beautiful! I think her mum had done a good job of not making a big deal of it, but calling it pretty etc every so often... Without being overbearing that seems to probably have helped her to think of it as unique, and not sad. I hope the scar fades, and your DD finds it special in the future

Ps. Why not take her to a pediatric dermatologist? They should be able to let you know what to expect and/or if any scar revision is possible (Apologies if you have already done so!)

 

[A1983]

Thanks ladies, yes we've actually just seen a cosmetic surgeon related to burns but he said it's as good as it will get plus any work may make it look worse...I was very disheartened tbh. Ill post a picture of how it looks now just so you can see what im talking about but may delete it later for privacy. Yes I do try to make her feel confident about her scar but she's only nearly 2...but I know they understand a lot more than you think! This is her first summer 'exposed' as last year she had to be covered with pressure garments and clothing-our first summer together too. So you can maybe see why I thought 'right baby-lets do this' and haven't once covered her up for the sake of hiding the scars and believe me I was nervous of people's questions as im very protective and obviously wish I could just take it away from her. So when the sun seemed to show up her original burn area which is over half her leg (and I haven't seen this for over a year as thought had disappeared and healed for good) I was really upset and still am for her. Anyway. People have seemed to not mention it, just look, or ask what happened briefly. Twilight im sorry you have felt self-conscious over the years. I actually lived with a girl with similar scars to yours and she never coveted them and her confidence shone through-we never 'saw' them after the initial meet. But every one is different and it's a very personal reaction to how it can make you feel. I do try and tell myself she is still herself - same legs/arms/personality and is a really independent and confident little person and I am so proud of her! She is my world

 

[A1983]

looks better at some angles, but also worse too-esp when standing. The pigmented part is from half way down calf to top of thigh...but as you can see from this picture taken a month ago it's no where to be seen usually hence my shock at seeing it return

 

[sethsmummy]

oh my your poor baby I dont know what it looked like when it first happened but it looks really good hun. Im glad you are embracing it with her fingers crossed she has no social problems with showing her leg xx

 

[SurpriseBub]

I agree that it looks good- you have obviously done a great job at taking care of it and getting all the best treatment. Hopefully it will continue to fade, and won't be something that either of you think that much about as she gets older. It sounds like you got a shock, and are rattled all over again. I'm not always good at doing it- but try to think positive. She has done so well with it, and you have obviously done a wonderful job of caring for her. It could be much worse, or even just in a much more obvious spot. Her chubby little legs are so sweet- keep thinking of that!

 

[A1983]

Sunshine you're so right-it has definitely resurfaced and rattled me. I was just starting to face things, I haven't been able to properly seek support about it until now as been to angry and also not believing anyone can really help me as all I wanted was for it not to have happened. It's the way it happened, who did it, the fact I wasn't there, the fact as a mother you protect every millimeter on their body through every sleepless night, (then to trust someone for an hour with your baby for them to let that happen, it's barbaric), knowing she was in agony and then the agonising wait to see how she would heal plus operations that have honestly traumatised me. I will seek some emotional support now though I feel ready. But yes im so proud of her, and I totally know it could have been worse/her face etc-that just makes me fall apart-and we're so lucky it is what it is-lucky in that for a whole flask of boiling water to pour over her then nobody to do anything but drag wet tissue over her blistered leg (ive seen the cctv footage)...Drs said it was the equivalent of her being held in a flame. I rest at night knowing she will never know this nor remember the pain (obviously ill tell her the jist if and when she asks) but the ordeal will remain with me only. She has beautiful legs! She's tall too so ill tell her she's like a supermodel!

Sethsmummy-thank you, it was awful-but after seeing your signature it is another example of how brave and amazing our children are and how I do just need to remember to be positive again. Hope your little boy is doing ok

 

[SurpriseBub]

You brought tears to my eyes. You are obviously a loving mum, and your baby is lucky to have you. I know what you mean about not being able to "accept" something because you can't accept it happened at all. you are very brave to seek some help, and I hope you can start a new chapter. hug your little one tight.