How to reduce the appearance of burn scars 

11^th November 2022

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

11 November 2022

Anyone with a few burn scars will know all too well how difficult they are to deal with. Not only are they a physical reminder of pain once endured, but they can also be a source of self-consciousness and create low self-esteem. Luckily though, there are ways to reduce the appearance of burn scars. With the help of skincare clinic The Laser Treatment Clinic, this guide discusses some of the best methods, tips and advice on how to manage them.

The different kinds of burns

There are three different kinds of burns that are categorised by their severity and how much of the skin they affect.

• First degree burns: A first degree burn affects the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis. These burns are called superficial wounds and they usually go away on their own without the need for medical assistance. However, these burns do cause redness and pain.

• Second degree burns: This kind of burn affects the epidermis and also the secondary layer of skin (called the dermis) too. These burns are more severe than first degree burns and can cause blistering of the skin as well as pain and redness. A second degree burn is much more likely to scar and can take a while to heal on its own. Medical assistance may also be needed.

• Third degree burns: A third degree burn is the most severe kind. They affect the epidermis, dermis and may also damage bones and tendons too. Unlike the other two kinds of burns, third degree burns may turn black or a waxy white colour. They are also very likely to scar and it will be necessary to go to a hospital. One of the treatments for third degree burns is skin grafting.

Burn scar removal treatment

For those who have suffered a second and third degree burn and been left with unsightly scars, there are treatment options available. 

A few of the treatment options include –

• Laser treatment
  Laser treatments are an effective way at reducing the appearance of burn scars. Laser treatment works by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein that improves the appearance of the skin and helps it look more even and smooth. Lasers heat up the skin and encourage new collagen to be produced, helping to repair the scarred skin.
  There are two types of laser treatment: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative laser treatment is when lasers remove the top layer of skin to promote collagen production, whereas non-ablative just uses heat to do this. A skincare professional will assess the skin and determine what the right treatment option is.

• Steroid injections
  Another way to reduce the appearance of burn scars is through steroid injections. Corticosteroid injections are injected into the skin to reduce swelling and reduce the visibility of the scar. Steroid injections cannot completely remove the burn scars, but they can help flatten them. 

Anyone suffering with second or third degree burns should seek medical advice.

The editorial unit

The material contained in this article is of the nature of general comment only and does not give advice on medical or any particular matter. Recipients should not act on the basis of this article’s information without taking appropriate advice from a healthcare professional.