Burn scars often manifest as keloids, or puffy, raised scars where the skin has been injured. Third-degree burn scars are the most serious, since the burn has destroyed several layers of skin tissue. When you already have a burn scar, it's important to work with your doctor to find solutions to help minimize and heal burn scars for a smoother appearance. Burn scars can be stubborn, but with the right treatment therapy, they can be diminished for healthier looking skin.
Step 1
Ask your doctor about wearing compression bandages over your scars. A report published in an April 2005 issue of the "Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries" notes that compression garments worn over burn scars seemed to accelerate scar maturation and produce thinner scars overall. Compression garments help slow the scar formation for less noticeable scarring and they are commonly used in burn treatment.
Step 2
Visit a rehabilitative massage therapist for scar massage. Scar massage can help improve the appearance of burn scars as it breaks up the fibrous material of the scar for smoother skin. A regular masseuse is not qualified to complete massage therapy for scars, so it's important that you talk to your doctor and receive a referral for a rehabilitative massage therapist who specializes in burn scars and other therapeutic techniques.
Step 3
Apply silicone gel sheets to existing burns to help improve their appearance. The gel sheets help keep the wound hydrated and remove tension, which can contribute to the formation of the scar, notes BurnSurgery.com. The earlier the application of the gel sheets begins, the more effective they are, since the scars are still forming. Your doctor may still suggest them even when your scars are older and fully matured.
Step 4
Practice range of motion exercise to help keep your scar pliable for the better healing of the skin around the burn. Burn scars can become toughened and stiff over time, so it's important that, under your doctor's supervision, you continue to move the areas of the body around where your burn is located. Your doctor may suggest simple exercises, or refer you to a physical therapist to keep your body working properly and minimize the effects of your scarring.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about the possibility of laser treatment therapy. According to a study performed by the Department of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, Burn Unit, Division of Surgery at the University of Vienna, with results published in the medical journal "Burns," 17 out of 19 burns improved after being treated via low-level laser therapy, with little, if any, side effects. Your doctor can examine your burns and decide whether or not you're a good candidate for laser therapy to help heal your burn scars.
Things You'll Need
- Compression bandages
References
- "Journal of the International Society of Burn Injuries": The Assessment of Erythema and Thickness on Burn Related Scars During Pressure Garment Therapy as a Preventive Measure for Hypertrophic Scarring; Eric Van den KerckhoveabCorresponding Author Informationemail address, Karel Stappaertsb, Steffen Fieuwsc, Jan Laperred, Patrick Massagee, Mieke Flourf, Willy Boeckxg; Apr. 2005
- BurnSurgery.com: Burn Scar and It's Complications
- "Burns": Low Level Laser Therapy -- a Conservative Approach to the Burn Scar?; Gaida K, Koller R, Isler C, Aytekin O, Al-Awami M, Meissl G, Frey M.; Jun. 2004
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