Burn scars or scalds
Accidentally touching something hot, like grabbing a pan right out of the oven, or getting scalded with boiling water can burn your skin. Chemicals, the sun, radiation, and electricity can also cause skin burns.
Burns cause skin cells to die. Damaged skin produces a protein called collagen to repair itself. As the skin heals, thickened, discolored areas called scars form. Some scars are temporary and fade over time. Others are permanent.
Scars can be small or large. Burn scars that cover a wide surface of your face or body can affect your appearance.
Treatment of burn scars
Treatment will depend on the degree and size of the burn. Don’t try any home treatment without first talking to your doctor.
For second-degree burns:
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to your burn to help it heal.
- Cover your burn with sterile, nonstick gauze to protect the area, prevent infection, and help the skin recover.
For third-degree burns:
- Wear tight, supportive clothing called compression garments over your burn to help your skin heal. You may have to wear compression garments all day, every day for several months.
- You may need a skin graft. This surgery takes healthy skin from another area of your body or from a donor to cover your damaged skin.
- You can also have surgery to release areas of your body that have been tightened by contractures, and help you move again.
- A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help you regain motion in areas that have been tightened by contractures.
