Learning About How to Minimize Scarring from a Burn

A burn scar is a mark left after a burn wound has healed. Burns injure the skin and can also injure the muscles, joints, and nerves under the skin. The color, texture, and feel of your skin may change as new skin and scar tissue form. And you may notice that the burned area feels tight and hard while it’s healing. As the burn heals, the scar may become thick, red, and raised (called a hypertrophic scar). The scar may also spread beyond the original wound (called a keloid).

Complete healing of a burn may take up to a year. During and after healing, these scars may be painful and itchy. They can also limit movement.

A major burn injury can cause scarring. Scars are more likely to happen if the burn takes more than 21 days to heal. Burns that get infected or are not cared for properly can take longer to heal and leave worse scars.

Skin grafting can help the burn injury heal, but it can also increase the risk for worse scarring. Other things that affect scarring include how deep the burn is, where the injury was on the body, what a person's skin tone is, and if there's a family history of excessive scarring after an injury.

While a burn wound is healing, proper wound care can help minimize scarring. Keep the burn clean and protected while it heals. And make sure to follow any other instructions from your doctor for caring for the burn wound.

There are also things you can do that may help minimize scarring after the burn wound has healed. Doing them early may work best to reduce scarring. But some of these options may not work well for some burn scar areas.

• Silicone gel. This uses silicone gel in the form of sheets or self-drying gel on the scar area. It can be used by itself or with pressure therapy.
  • Clean and dry the scar area before applying silicone gel. Make sure the product completely covers and extends beyond the edge of the scar. It is usually worn for 12 to 24 hours daily or according to the package or your doctor's instructions.
  • If using a gel sheet, remove it daily to wash the sheet and your skin with mild soap and water. Place the gel sheet back on the scar area after the sheet dries. A gel sheet can be reused until it no longer sticks.
• Pressure therapy. This uses garments or wraps to gently apply pressure to the scar area.
  • Garments may be specially fitted for you by your care team to make sure the garments apply the right amount of pressure.
  • They are often worn for at least 23 hours a day and for several months to a year.