Scar Treatment
Burns occur from a variety of sources. Some burns are caused by heat such as from a fire, boiling water, or prolonged exposure to the sun while some are caused by the cold such as exposure to extreme weather conditions or extended contact with ice. In addition, burns can also be caused by a variety of chemicals. Burns are ranked by a four tier classification system: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degree burns.
First degree burns are minor burns which affect only the top layer of the skin. Those affected by first degree burns typically experience minor pain and redness around the burn site. Second degree burns are more serious and affect multiple layers of the skin including the dermis layer. Second degree burns are typically accompanied by a blister. Third degree burns occur when the top layers of the skin burn away. These are very serious burns and usually require medical care. Skin grafts are often necessary when a third degree burn occurs. The most serious degree of burn is a fourth degree burn. This rare type of burn occurs when there is significant trauma to the skin. Unfortunately, this type of burn may result in the loss of a limb or even death in some cases.
Even if a burn is successfully treated, a scar may still remain after the wound has fully healed. There are three main types of scarring that can occur after a burn: Keloid, Hypertrophic and Contractures. Keloid scars occur when there is an increased production of collagen at the burn site. As a result, the scar may grow beyond the original boundaries of the burn and appear as a tumor or cyst. Hypertrophic scars are less serious than Keloid scars, but they too may grow. However, Hypertrophic scars are confined by the boundaries of the scar and often appear as raised, red bumps. Finally, Contractures occur when there is a tightening of the skin, ligaments, or muscles underneath the burn. As a result, those affected by this type of scar, generally experience limited movement. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to treat a burn scar. Some treatment methods involve invasive and expensive surgical procedures such as collagen injections and laser treatments, while other options include applying a topical scar treatment such as using a silicone scar treatment gel or cream.
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