Everyone has been burned at least once in his or her life. Someone had it in childhood and remembered very vaguely, and someone was injured at work, for example, in the shop already at a conscious age. In both cases, unsightly scars could remain, which spoil the appearance and seriously affect self-esteem.
Scars represent the tissue that the body forms to close wounds. They represent the final state of healing. They occur after injuries, burns, inflammation, due to acne, after surgeries and other injuries. Often scars are unsightly and prominent, requiring medical intervention to remove them. Scar deformities can only be treated after the skin has healed.
What are burn scars
In the case of a shallow injury, an ordinary scar is formed, consisting of connective tissue, which, as a rule, except for a cosmetic defect, does not cause any other discomfort. In the case of a burn scar, however, the connective tissue becomes more dense and penetrates deep into the injury, causing not only aesthetic discomfort, but can also interfere with movement and even organ function.
Factors that can affect the likelihood of scars formation
- Age – the younger the age of the patient, the greater the ability to regenerate the skin, so young people heal faster than adults;
- Localization – thin skin on the neck and upper extremities is the worst to regenerate, as there is less elastin produced, so regeneration is much slower;
- Gender – women are more prone to scarring than men;
- Surgical intervention at the burn site can provoke the formation of connective tissue.
How a scar is formed
There are 4 main stages in the formation of a future scar.
- Inflammation stage – lasts up to 10 days from the moment of injury and is characterized by the appearance of edema and primary adhesion of the wound. This is also where fibrin begins to form, which will be responsible for tightening the edges of the future scar.
- The stage of young scar formation lasts from 10 to 30 days. At this time, vascular “bridges” between the edges of the wound are formed, and collagen begins to be produced. The scar has a bright pink color and is tender to the touch.
- The stage of scar maturation, lasting up to 3 months from the date of injury. At this stage, the diameter of the vessels passing through the constricted area decreases. Therefore, the scar turns white. More collagen bundles begin to form. It is at this stage that the scar can develop into a keloid or hypertrophic scar.
- The stage of final scar formation is when the scar is fully formed. This is how it will be for the next few years. This stage lasts up to 12 months.
Cosmetic procedures
According to dermatologists, treatment of scars after a burn should be started only after complete healing and formation of the scar. By taking active steps earlier, you can aggravate the problem.
It is also important to remember the contraindications and painfulness of many techniques. Consider popular cosmetic procedures to combat scars:
- Chemical peeling. A substance enriched with fruit acids is applied to the injured area. It eats away the pathological stratum corneum of the epidermis, so that the scar is softened and smoothed relative to the general relief of the skin.
- Laser peel. Popular against scars on the face. As cosmetologists assure, the process is safe and effective. Rough buildup carefully “spiles” the laser beam, leaving a new soft skin.
- Silicone plates and gels. Prevents overgrowth by applying pressure. This method is effective at the beginning of healing.
- Diamond resurfacing. A type of peeling – in a special device placed microcrystals, which in the process of work exfoliate the horny layer of the epidermis with sharp edges. So you can remove a fairly significant area of traces of burns.
- Glucocorticoid injections. They are mainly used against keloid scars, but there is a high probability of side effects. The drug is injected directly into the scar.
In addition to the above procedures, it helps to get rid of scars physiotherapy – techniques based on physical effects: with the help of ultrasound or current, the drug particles get much deeper than they could with conventional applications.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures are effective for the correction of both fresh scars and old scars. To achieve visible results, it is very important to choose the right medication to be used in combination with physical effects.
What treatments are categorized as physical therapy?
- Magnetotherapy. Improves blood supply to the injured area and the mental state of the injured person after the injury.
- Phonophoresis. Dissolves the scar, increases the elasticity of connective tissue, stimulates blood and lymph circulation, as well as metabolic processes, including intracellular, enhances the production of biologically active substances and enzyme systems.
- Electrophoresis. The therapeutic effect is the simultaneous positive effect on the body of electric current and active charged molecules of the active substance. In the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue, a drug depot (reserve) is created, significantly increasing the time of exposure to drugs.
Post-treatment care for burn scars
After undergoing scar treatments, it is crucial to follow a proper aftercare routine to optimize healing and minimize the formation of permanent scars. Proper moisturizing is essential for keeping the skin hydrated and promoting the healing process. Using scar-specific creams or silicone gel sheets can help in reducing scar visibility and improving the skin’s elasticity.
Additionally, protecting the healing area from direct sun exposure is vital to prevent hyperpigmentation or further damage. Regular follow-up appointments with a dermatologist or specialist are important to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans if necessary. By combining professional treatments with diligent aftercare, patients can significantly improve the appearance of burn scars and support overall skin recovery.
