How To Prevent Scarring After A Burn Injury
January 29, 2025 | Personal Injury
Scars often linger long after a burn injury. While they vary in appearance and severity, even minor scars can be a difficult reminder of a traumatic experience. Scars can also be painful. When skin contracts, it can limit the mobility of the injured area, especially if the burn is located near a joint.
Many factors influence the type and severity of a scar. Even the best medical care may not always prevent scarring, but with the right steps, you can effectively reduce your chances of developing noticeable or painful scars.
What Are Burn Scars?
Burns can happen almost anywhere, even in the workplace. When the skin is wounded, it naturally begins repairing itself. The dermis begins forming new collagen fibers, and those new fibers are called scar tissue. Scar tissue has a different color, quality, and texture than existing skin.
The deeper the burn or wound, the deeper the scar tissue can be.
There are four main types of scars associated with burns:
- Hypertrophic Scars: Collagen production scars that do not extend beyond the wound margins
- Atrophic Scars: Indented scars below the visible layer of skin
- Keloid Scars: Collagen production scars that do grow past the wound margins
- Contractures: Tight scars, most typical with burn wounds
Scars tend to go through several healing stages. However, burn scars can remain severe and uncomfortable for the long term, depending on the type of scar, the person’s skin, and the location of the burn.
First-degree burns, like those you might get from a faulty appliance, don’t usually require medical care, but even superficial burns can leave scars if they’re not properly treated. If you suffer a burn that causes blisters or leaves a charred appearance on the skin, seek immediate medical help. Second- and third-degree burns can require extensive medical care.
1. Immediate Care
To help prevent scarring with a first-degree burn, cool the area with cool water — not ice or cold water. Submerge the wound in this water for about 10 minutes or until the pain subsides.
Apply an over-the-counter burn cream or petroleum jelly to the area two or three times a day. Keep the area clean and away from direct sunlight.
2. Moisturizers
Once the wound is healed, keep the skin moist with an unscented moisturizing cream. Use light pressure on a new scar. As the scar ages, use more pressure to help keep the new skin loose and pliant.
3. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can reduce the pain associated with burn scars, as it relaxes the new tissues and helps prevent movement restriction. Speak to a massage therapist who is trained in scar care. Your healthcare provider may also instruct you on how to perform massage techniques at home.
4. Pressure Therapy
Pressure therapy involves using pressure garments or a transparent face mask if the burn is on the face. This therapy can take six to 12 months to be effective.
5. Steroid Injections
Steroid injections can be helpful for thick keloid scars that spread outside of the wound area. Steroids are injected into the scarred area to shrink and soften the skin. Corticosteroids also reduce pain and itching.
6. Laser Therapy
Laser treatments can include both pulse-dyed and fractional lasers. It may take several treatments to see results. There are some risks involved with laser therapies, but studies and clinical trials have concluded that the benefits outweigh the risks for most people.
Taking The Right Steps After A Burn Injury In Arizona
Just as any car accident injury should be taken seriously, it’s important to also properly care for any type of burn wound. Make sure to visit your healthcare professional and follow all medical advice to make sure your burn heals properly with minimal scarring.
Additionally, if your burn is a result of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, consult an experienced burn injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer for Help With Your Claim
If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
1221 E Osborn Rd. Suite 201
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 600-9000