Burn scars are caused by heat affecting the skin. That heat can come from an object, such as a hot oven, or from a hot liquid, a chemical, or UV radiation emitted by the sun and tanning beds. It's important to protect burns from further heat, including sunlight, until they are healed.
Heat can cause our skin cells to die, and as our bodies attempt to repair the damage, a scar can form.
Health professionals classify burns as first degree, second degree and third degree, with third degree burns being the most severe.
First-degree burns are those which have only damaged the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin).
Second degree burns occur when both the epidermis and the deeper skin layer, the dermis, are affected, often causing blistering and pain.
In a third degree burn, the skin changes colour, nerves may be damaged, and the underlying muscles and tendons may also be affected.
Scars form when the dermal (lowest) layer of the skin) becomes damaged. The body produces collagen to heal the skin, and this collagen build-up can cause scarring within the first few months. After six months, the scar shouldn't get any worse.
Scarring depends on the severity and location of the burn and your age, ethnicity and heredity. The longer a burn takes to heal, the more likely it is that scarring will occur.
Burn scars which only affect the skin's outer layer will eventually fade---usually in 14 to 21 days depending on the severity of the burn. Deeper, more severe burns can result in life-long scarring with a thick, leathery texture. Depending on the severity of the burn, the scar should fade, flatten and reach its final stage at 18 months.
There are three main types of burn scars: hypertrophic, keloid and contracture scars.
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars are often red or purple, and slightly raised. They may feel itchy and, because of their obvious appearance, make the individual feel self-conscious. They're most common around the joints and areas of the body where the most movement occurs.
Keloid scars are also raised, but they are thick and may appear 'bubbled' or lumpy. They tend to be shiny and larger than the original burn.
Contracture scars are more common when large areas of skin have been lost. These thick scars can tighten and skew the muscles, tendons and skin itself in the affected area.
A numbing cream will be applied to the skin. Then a microneedling device fitted with fine needles (around 0.5mm–1mm long) will be moved over the scars, creating miniscule punctures.
Afterwards, your skin may be a little inflamed or bruised. This should only last a few days, but during this period, it's best to avoid direct sunlight and strenuous exercise, giving your skin time to heal. Ensuring you're well-hydrated in the days before treatment can help to reduce these side-effects.
When the microneedling device punctures the skin, the healing process is kickstarted. As part of this, the skin begins to produce collagen and elastin to repair the wounds. Collagen is the skin's scaffolding protein, giving it structure, plumpness and firmness. Elastin gives the skin its ability to stretch and 'bounce back' into its resting position.
Raised scars already contain collagen, so microneedling isn't suitable. There are other treatments that can help, though, so ask the advice of a health professional or qualified cosmetic practitioner.
Microneedling works best on indented scars that it can 'fill' with collagen.
Microneedling is safe and effective for burn scars that are suitable for this treatment. However, it's not recommended if:
If you have rosacea, seek professional advice first. The suitability of microneedling for your condition may depend on the type of rosacea you have and what triggers it.
Microneedling treatments are usually given four to six weeks apart, and several sessions are usually required to see maximum benefits.
Continue to care for your burn scars as directed by your microneedling practitioner and health professionals—and look forward to seeing an improvement in the appearance of your scars after your first few microneedling sessions.
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