Burns occur when we touch something too hot or a boiling substance. It can burn the skin surface. Also, some chemicals, prolonged exposure to sunlight or radiation can cause burns. Even electricity can cause skin burns. If burns occur, the skin cells in the affected area will die. A protein named collagen is produced by the skin to repair itself. After the skin develops, a scar or mark is left behind. In the first degree burns, the mark will not be so visible. But in second and third degree burns the burn marks will remain. Depending upon the extent of damage, the burns are of three degrees. They are first, second and third. In first degree burns the skin becomes red and epidermis gets damaged. In second degree burns both epidermis and dermis get damaged. Skin becomes red and blisters are formed which cause pain. In third degree burns the outer layers epidermis, dermis and tendons also get damaged. Here the skin color entirely changes and nerve endings are damaged.
For any type of burns consult a burn specialist or plastic surgeon or an aesthetic surgeon for proper treatment. If not possible, take an online consultation.
Types of Burn Marks
There are three types of burn scars depending upon the degree of burns. They are as given.
- Hypertrophic burn marks. They are generally in red or purple color. They appear to be slightly raised from the skin surface. They are warm to feel and cause itching.
- Contracture burn marks. In this condition the skin becomes tight and normal skin movement is hindered
- Keloid burn marks. A small rise above the skin surface is seen. Skin becomes shiny there.
Be it any burn mark, it can only be treated by a doctor. Consult a burn specialist plastic surgeon or an aesthetic surgeon. It is not advisable to try anything on your own.
Treatment of burns to reduce Burn Marks.
The treatment depends upon the degree of the burn mark.
- Generally for the first degree burns the mark will fade away in one week or ten days. Skin can rebuild itself and it seems to be normal most of the time.
- In second degree burns mostly an antibiotic ointment will be prescribed by a burn specialist. To prevent any infection the burn area is to be covered properly with non-stick and sterile gauze or bandage that is suggested by a burn specialist.
- In third degree burns, a supportive clothing called compression garment is advised by a burn specialist. Even though it is tight it can cover the area and stop infections. If the skin becomes tightened and movement is uneasy, or contractures are formed then a surgery is recommended by the burn specialist or plastic surgeon.
- Apart from the above physical therapy is recommended to ensure free movement of skin. If needed skin grafting is done by a burn specialist or a plastic surgeon.
Treatment of Burn Marks.
There are four main types of treatments available for treating burn marks. They are as given.
Over the counter topical treatment
Skin has oil glands in it. The burns can destroy those glands. This makes the skin dry and causes itching. Moisturizers and emollients can help to restore moisture. Please use the moisturizers that are prescribed by a burn specialist.
Apart from this silicone gel sheets are used. Medical grade silicone gel has been used for many years for burn marks treatment. It reduces the itching sensation and pain. Whether in sheet form or normal gel silicone gel can reduce the burn marks thickness. Silicone gel must be used for a certain period of time. It must not be combined with ointments. A burn specialist can say all the precautions needed to use.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is effective to reduce the area of burn scars. A burn specialist can recommend proper massage techniques as per the burn mark. Skin rolling, stretching, kneading and stroking are the common massage techniques used. Massage therapy can help to reduce the rigidity of the skin at the burn area. It can reduce the discomfort and give an ease in movement. Massage therapy is only to be done as per the instructions of a burn specialist or plastic surgeon. Massage must not be done on fragile and unhealed skin.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment can reduce pain, discomfort and rigidity of skin. It can reduce the reddish color upon the burn marks. Some of the mostly used laser treatments are CO2 laser, fractional laser, pulse dye laser and Q switched laser. However, all patients do not need laser treatment. After taking laser treatment one must be careful about sun exposure. The treatment is done in a step by step process. The results are not instantly seen. Apart from this, some side effects are observed in this process. Swelling of the area, hyperpigmentation, itching and redness are observed in few cases. Always go for laser treatment only if a burn specialist or plastic surgeon recommends.
Pressure Therapy
This is a widely used age-old process to treat burn marks. Mostly hypertrophic scars are treated with this method. Here the pressure garments or elastic garments are used to apply pressure on the affected area. This needs around 8-9 months of treatment for a better result. Even though wearing the pressure garments is a little uncomfortable, this is an effective process to treat hypertrophic scars. A burn specialist can advise properly on how to use the pressure garments.
Steroid Injections
This is used to treat keloid scars. This type of scars can thicken the skin surface and cause discomfort in movement. So to reduce it steroid injections are used. Corticosteroids are injected in the affected area. This can shrink the scars and make them a little soft. Also these injections can lessen the pain and itching sensation. Always steroid injections are to be taken by the prescription of a burn specialist or plastic surgeon or an aesthetic surgeon as per the need.
All the above are non surgical procedures for treating burn marks. Consult a plastic surgeon or aesthetic surgeon for proper understanding of procedures.
Surgical procedures for treating Burn Marks.
If there is a larger area of skin having burn marks, then there are surgical procedures too to treat. They are as given.
Skin grafting
A small part of skin is taken from the healthy part of the body. Generally skin is taken from thighs or buttock parts. It is grafted in the affected area.
Skin flap
This is similar to skin graft. But here the skin is taken along with the blood vessels, fat and muscles. This is done when the blood supply is not good at the burn area.
Tissue expansion
In this technique a tissue expander is placed beneath the skin in the affected area. The expander will be constantly filled with saline solution. As time passes the skin stretches. Once a burn specialist is sure that the skin is stretched enough, the scar is removed. The stretched part is used to cover up.
Z plasty
Here a z shaped incision is made at the burn marks part. This reduces the contractures thereby giving flexibility to the skin. This can lessen the area of visibility of scars.
Fat grafting
If the burn marks are not even and are depressed then this process is done. Fat is taken from the healthy part of the body and is replaced in the depressed areas to make them even with the rest of the skin.
Always talk to a burn specialist or a plastic surgeon or aesthetic surgeon to know completely about any procedure. Not all the procedures suit everyone. There can be side effects or allergies too. So at least get an online consultation.
