Three types of scars are associated with wounds caused by burns: keloid, hypertrophic and contracture scars. Improving the appearance of keloid and contracture scars generally requires the assistance of a physician or plastic surgeon. Hypertrophic scarring---a raised, thick and red mass of scarring directly located at the burn site---may be improved with over-the-counter and naturopathic remedies. Consistent application of these remedies may help you get rid of hypertrophic burn scars on the leg.
Step 1
Apply silicone sheeting or silicone gel to the scarred areas of your legs to help improve and minimize burn scars. A study published in the journal for the International Society for Burn Injuries by researchers from Maresal Cakmak Military Hospital showed that applying either silicone sheeting or silicone gel to hypertrophic burn scars was effective in improving their patients' scarring. Wear the silicone sheeting for at least 23 continuous hours, or as directed by the manufacturer. Silicone gel should be applied one to two times daily.
Step 2
Apply an onion extract gel as an alternative to silicone sheeting or silicone gel. Researchers from the Pirogov Medical Institute Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre in Sofia, Bulgaria, saw improvement in 95 percent of 161 study participants who used onion extract gel on their burns. Apply the onion extract gel two to three times daily as directed by the manufacturer. Be prepared to apply the onion extract gel consistently for at least three months before seeing an improvement.
Step 3
Massage your burn scars. Deep massage may cause the bond that holds the collagen fibers in a hypertrophic scar to break down, causing the scar to depress over time. Use a natural oil like extra virgin olive oil or an all-natural cocoa butter as a lubricant. The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center recommends massaging the oil or cream into your scars three or four times daily with enough pressure to cause the area to "blanch" or appear white. Massage in all directions.
Step 4
Consult your doctor for other treatment options if these remedies do not create an improvement in six months. After examining your scarring, your doctor may be able to provide other remedies such as steroid injections, dermabrasion or scar revision surgery. Discuss possible side effects for each of these options before proceeding.
Things You'll Need
- Silicone sheeting
- Silicone gel
- Surgical tape
- Onion extract gel
References
- "Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery"; Post-Burn Scars and Scar Contractures; Arun Goel and Prabhat Shrivastava; September 2010
- The RUSH Project: An Easy Guide to Outpatient Burn Rehabilitation
- Annals of Burns and Fire Disasters: Treatment of Superficial Burns, Post-Burn Scars and Keloids With Contractubex Gel
- Burnsurgery.org: The Burn Wound
- "Burns: Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries"; Comparison of Efficacy of Silicone Gel, Silicone Gel Sheeting and Topical Onion Extract; H. Karagoz et al.; December 2009
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