Common causes include
Thermal Burns
Caused by heat sources such as flames, hot liquids, or steam.
Chemical Burns
Resulting from exposure to strong acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances.
Electrical Burns
Occurring from contact with electrical currents, often leading to deep tissue damage.
Radiation Burns
Caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation or radiation therapy.
Friction Burns
Resulting from skin abrasion and heat, such as from road accidents.
Burn scars can vary in severity and appearance, depending on the extent and depth of the initial burn injury. The primary types include:
Hypertrophic Scars
- Raised, red scars that remain within the boundary of the original injury.
- Often itchy and can become more prominent over time.
Keloid Scars
- Raised scars that grow beyond the original injury site.
- May be painful and discoloured, with a tendency to recur even after treatment.
Contracture Scars
- Occur when scar tissue tightens, restricting movement in the affected area.
- Common in joints and large surface areas.
Atrophic Scars
- Sunken or depressed scars caused by loss of underlying tissue.
- More common in superficial burn injuries.
Advanced dermatological treatments can significantly improve the appearance and function of burn scars. A tailored approach is often recommended, utilising a combination of therapies to address specific scar characteristics. Below are some of the most effective treatment options available:
Candela Vbeam Prima: A pulsed dye laser that targets blood vessels in the scar tissue to reduce redness and inflammation.
- Improves scar colouration by minimising redness.
- Reduces vascularity, which can alleviate associated discomfort or itchiness.
- Stimulates collagen remodelling to improve scar texture.
Acclaro UltraClear: a cutting-edge ablative laser designed to resurface the skin and promote new collagen growth, with cold fibre laser microcoring, a unique feature that allows precise removal of scar tissue with minimal thermal damage to surrounding areas.
- Smooths uneven skin texture.
- Enhances skin elasticity by stimulating deep tissue regeneration.
- Reduces the prominence of hypertrophic and contracture scars.
Alma Hybrid: a hybrid laser system combining ablative (CO2) and non-ablative wavelengths to optimise scar treatment, with the Impact handpiece for Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery (LADD) that enhances the absorption of topical medications by creating microchannels in the scar tissue.
- Improves scar texture and reduces tightness.
- Maximises the efficacy of topical treatments for scars.
- Stimulates collagen production for long-term scar improvement.
Maintenance Skincare:
- Topical Treatments: Incorporate silicone gels or sheets to improve scar hydration and minimise scar thickness.
- Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen to protect scarred skin from further discolouration or damage.
Other Adjunctive Therapies:
- Injectables: Corticosteroids, 5-Fluorouracil or biostimulators can help soften and flatten hypertrophic scars.
Conclusion
Burn scars can be a challenging concern, but modern dermatological treatments offer effective solutions to restore both the appearance and functionality of affected skin. Advanced technologies such as the Candela Vbeam Prima, Acclaro Ultraclear with cold fibre laser microcoring, and Alma Hybrid with the Impact handpiece provide customised options for scar improvement. Schedule a consultation with KDAA to develop a tailored treatment plan and achieve the best possible outcomes for your burn scars.
