Burns Scar Treatment

The classification of burn scars is based on the level of thermal injury sustained. -First-degree burns damage the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. This type of superficial burn typically heals within a week, with pigment changes commonly observed in darker skin types. -Second-degree burns affect both the upper and lower layers of skin, and may take 12 to 24 days to heal. These burns are more likely to result in scarring. -Third-degree burns are the most severe, as they involve damage to the top two layers of skin and underlying tissue. These types of burns can take a prolonged period to heal and often produce a scar. Nerves are frequently damaged in third-degree burns, resulting in altered sensation in the affected area.

Given the severity of third-degree burns, it's advisable to seek medical treatment in a hospital outpatient setting. For less severe cases, the following measures may be helpful: -Compression, which involves applying pressure to the affected area and is considered the gold standard. Ideally, compression garments should be worn 24 hours a day for 3-12 months. -Silicone may be used as an adjunctive therapy. -Surgery may be necessary for severe contractures, which limit movement. Surgery can release these contractures and enable greater mobility. -Physiotherapy and occupational therapy may be used to mobilize the affected areas, which can reduce the formation of contractures. -Vascular lasers and hybrid lasers (Alma Hybrid) may be utilised to reduce redness and improve the quality and pliability of scars.

Typically, patients will need to undergo 6 to 12 laser sessions over the course of 1-2 years. The reason for this is due to the fact that scar tissue has limited regenerative capacity to remodel, with a significant decrease in hair follicles that provide the regenerative capacity to heal.