Burns and scars are frustrating skin problems that can damage our skin and sometimes undermine our confidence. Burns are skin or tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or the sun. Severe burns that take time to heal can result in significant Scarring for the individual. Scars form when damage occurs in the dermal or lower layer of the skin, which can be healed by collagen over time. Today, we will discuss effective strategies to treat and minimize burns and scars on the skin.
Different types of burn scars
Burns scars can be classified into three types, which are given below:
Hypertrophic: These types of scars appear red or purple, which can cause itchiness in the skin.
Keloid: Keloid scars are a type of burn scar that can form shiny or hairless bumps in the skin.
Contracture: A type of scar that tightens the skin after the second or third degree of burns.
Strategies to treat burn
Burn scars can be treated and minimized by the following methods which are given below:
Immediate First Aid
1. Cool the Burn: If you're affected by a burn, cool the affected area with lukewarm water for 10-20 minutes immediately after the burn.
2. Remove Constrictive Items: It is recommended that jewelry or clothes be stripped from the affected area.
3. Cover the Burn: Cover the affected region with a dry, clean cloth or sterile bandage to protect it from infection.
Seek Medical Attention
It is recommended that individuals seek immediate doctor help to treat severe burns. Your healthcare professional can provide appropriate treatment based on the severity of the burns, which will help to reduce further infection or damage to the skin.
Skin grafting
If the burn is intense, your doctor may advise you to do a skin graft (autografting) to treat the burning area in the patient.
Wound Care
The wound should be cleaned twice daily with a clean cloth or a mild diluted chlorhexidine solution to prevent infection in the affected area. It is recommended that the bandages or dressing be changed daily.
Pain Management
Your doctor will provide you with an anti-inflammatory or opioid medication during the treatment to manage and treat the burns on the skin.
How to minimize Scarring
1. Avoid sun exposure:
Avoid direct sun exposure after experiencing a skin burn. UV exposure on newly healing or skin-grafted burn areas can exacerbate the condition and lead to long-term skin damage or even cancer. If you need to go outside, wear protective clothing or apply sunscreen to shield the affected area.
2. Derma medication:
Your doctor can provide you with cream or ointments after the treatment to reduce the scar caused by the burns. Cicatrix cream 30ml treats burn scars in patients by inducing the collagen and elastin production, which are essential for wound healing and reduction. It also contains ingredients that help to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from infection.
3. Massage Therapy:
Massage can help relieve burn scar tissue and improve skin elasticity. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor about the specific massage technique to relieve the scar after the treatments.
4. Nutrition:
Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help promote fast healing and skin regeneration.
5. Emotional Support:
Dealing with the burns and the scars needs emotional support, which can be achieved with the health of the family or palliative care.
Conclusion
The treatment of burns and scar minimization depends on various factors, such as immediate rescue efforts, proper medical treatments, and preventing further damage to the skin. It's important to remember that patients affected by burns and scars require both medical and emotional support to overcome the damage inflicted on their skin and heart.