How To Prevent Scarring After a Burn Injury

Burn injuries are one of the most serious and painful types of injuries. They are often the result of car accidents, workplace accidents, home fires, and household accidents. The most common cause of burns is heat or thermal sources, like steam, scalding liquid, or flames, but they can also be caused by chemicals or electricity.

After a serious burn, the first concern is always prompt medical care. Once the immediate danger has passed, the focus shifts to long-term recovery and scar prevention. Scars aren’t just psychologically traumatizing; they can also reduce a person’s range of motion.

Here is how to prevent scarring after a burn injury – or at least minimize the appearance of scars.

Do All Burns Leave Scars?

There is no way to know whether a burn will scar, but the more severe the burn, the more likely it is to scar. Around 70% of burns lead to scarring to some degree. 

The likelihood of scarring depends on many factors, such as:

  • The severity of the burn: The more severe the burn, the deeper the tissue is affected and the longer it takes to heal. This increases the risk of scarring.
  • The size of the burn: Larger burns are more likely to scar than small burns.
  • Healing time: Minor burns that heal quickly usually do not scar, but burns that take three weeks or longer to heal are likely to scar.
  • Age: As we age, our skin gradually loses the ability to produce collagen, which is necessary to form scar tissue. Older people also have slower wound healing.
  • Sex: Women have a higher risk of developing contractures, a type of scar likely to cause complications.
  • Genetics and ethnicity: People with African, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry are more likely to develop thickened hypertrophic scars. Genetics also play a role in scar vascularity, or the amount of blood vessels in a scar, which makes the scar grow thicker and a deeper color. This affects the type of scar that forms.
  • Treatment: How fast the burn is treated, and the type of treatment, can affect scar development.
  • Location: Burn injuries on the upper limbs, neck, feet, and areas of articulation are more likely to scar.

Burn injuries are usually classified in degrees. A first-degree burn only affects the skin’s outer layer, and it is unlikely to scar. A second-degree burn damages the dermis. These burns may take weeks to heal and may scar.

A third-degree burn damages all the skin layers and nerve endings, and it may affect tendons and bones. These serious burns are almost certain to cause scarring.

Three Types of Burn Scars

While all burn scars are made up of collagen, scarring can happen in three main ways. The type of scar that develops depends on the factors above, like the location, genetics, and the victim’s sex and age.

Hypertrophic scars are the most common. These scars stay within the boundaries of the original injury and have a red, raised appearance. They may feel warm to the touch. Hypertrophic scars are often sensitive and itchy.

Keloid scars are much thicker and more raised than hypertrophic scars with a shiny appearance. They develop beyond the original injury’s boundaries.

Contracture scars are the most troublesome because they cause the skin to contract and tighten. They tend to develop in areas of articulation or joints. As contracture scars develop, they can even extend into muscles and other tissue. Contractures can be painful and limit movement.

Treatments To Reduce or Prevent Scarring After a Burn Injury

Scar therapy soon after the injury or once the burn has healed can help to prevent or reduce scarring. Pressure garments can flatten and soften scars when they are worn for up to 23 hours a day. They may be recommended for up to two years. Silicone gel sheets are also commonly prescribed to reduce itching, keep the skin hydrated, and improve keloid and hypertrophic scars.

For some people, other treatments like scar massages may help. This may reduce itching, sensitivity, and soreness while improving the appearance of a scar.

Tips To Reduce Burn Scar Formation

In addition to medical treatment, there are several steps you can take yourself to reduce the risk of scarring.

  • Regularly perform range-of-motion exercises to keep your joints flexible
  • Stay active to reduce stiffness and keep your skin stretched and flexible
  • Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher to help scars fade
  • Moisturize your skin often because scar tissue dries out easily
  • Do not apply any ointments or products that trap moisture and prevent your skin from breathing

Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Your physician may recommend physical therapy or limiting certain actions after your injury. 

If you do develop scar tissue, the good news is that it tends to fade, flatten, and become less sensitive as it matures. If the scar limits movement or its appearance troubles you, your doctor may suggest a scar revision procedure to improve its appearance.

Contact the San Diego Personal Injury Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108

(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000