Rolls of gauze and bandages

 

Burn survivors can become frustrated that they still have issues with scarring after their initial burn injury has healed. Hypertrophic burn scars (raised scars in the area of the original burn) are the most common complication of a burn injury and can limit a survivor’s ability to function as well as affect their body image. It is difficult to predict who will develop scarring. Research shows that less severe burns that heal in less than 14 days generally have no scarring. More severe burns heal in 14 to 21 days and put you at a risk of scarring. Burns that take more than 21 days to heal are at very high risk for scarring and may require skin grafting.

Why do scars form?

Scarring is related to age, ethnicity, and the depth and location of the burn. Scars form when the dermal or lower layer of the skin has been damaged. The body forms a protein called collagen to help heal the damaged skin. Normally the collagen fibers are laid down in a very organized manner, but in hypertrophic scars these fibers are created in a very disorganized manner, which gives the new skin/scar a different texture and appearance. Scar healing can take a long time. Scarring usually develops within the first few months after the burn, peaks around 6 months and will resolve or “mature” in 12-18 months. As scars mature they fade in color, become flatter, softer and generally less sensitive.

What are hypertrophic burn scars?

Hypertrophic scars:

  • Stay within the area of the original burn injury.
  • Develop within the first few months after the injury.
  • Often have a deep red to purple color and are raised above the surface of the skin.
  • Can be warm to the touch, hypersensitive, and itchy.
  • Are more prominent and noticable around joints where skin tension and movement are high.

Common problems with hypertrophic scars

  • Scars across joints can cause a decrease in your ability to move. These are called contractures.
  • People with visible scars may feel self-conscious and avoid social situations. This can lead to isolation, depression and lower quality of life.
  • Scars can be dry and result in cracking or breakdowns in the skin.
  • Scars are more sensitive to sun and chemicals.

Contractures

Contractures can affect your ability to move and take care of yourself. If your contractures involve your legs, you may have difficulty squatting, sitting, walking, or climbing stairs. If your contractures involve your trunk and arms, you may have difficulty with grooming, eating, dressing and bathing as well as working with your hands. Some contractures are unavoidable, but many can be prevented with active involvement in your rehabilitation program. Here are a few reminders:

  • Stretching should be performed a minimum of 5-6 times per day. To make stretching easier, first moisturize your scars with a moisturizer recommended by your doctor.
  • Your therapist may make a cast or splint to help position your scar in a stretched position. It is important that you wear the cast or splint as prescribed and tell your therapist if it becomes painful or causes skin irritation.
  • Do as much for yourself as possible such as getting dressed and self-grooming. It may take longer than you are used to, but movement and activity will improve your ability to move and take care of yourself.

Itching

Burns can damage or destroy the oil glands that normally keep skin from getting too dry. Partial thickness burns have few oil glands and full thickness burns or skin grafts have no oil glands. The lack of oil glands leads to dry skin. The chaotic organization of collagen in the healed skin may trap nerve endings, which also contributes to itching.

Many patients experience intense itching after their burn. Studies have shown that the larger the burn, the more likely that itching will be a problem.

Ask your doctor for recommendations on what moisturizer is best for you. Moisturizers with high water content, such as those that come in a bottle generally soak into the skin faster and will need to be applied more frequently. Moisturizers that come in a tube or jar are generally thicker and have less water, so they need to be applied less frequently. Be sure to avoid products that you may be allergic to, such as perfumed lotions.

  • Moisturizers can be applied to all healed areas frequently throughout the day.
  • Moisturizers should be applied in thin layers and massaged in gently while the scars are more fragile. As your scars mature, you can begin to add more pressure to help your scars loosen so that they are not so stiff.
  • Hot showers remove the natural oils from the skin. Therefore it is essential to re-moisturize well after showers. Bathing may feel good but also removes the natural oils. Adding baby oil to the water may alleviate some of this effect.

The approaches for itching are varied. Keep skin moist is the starting point. Also massage or pressing down firmly on the scars may help. Scratching increases inflammation and will make itching worse. Elastinet garments or custom pressure garments may also help with itching.

Medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin (which are commonly used for nerve pain) have been shown to be the first line medication for itching. Antihistamines may also be helpful. Talk to your doctor about what medication is right for you. You should never use mineral oil, Vaseline or antibiotic ointments to moisturize your skin. These can lead to allergic reactions and skin breakdown. Do not use antibiotic ointment to lubricate after the wound is healed.

Sun exposure

You should avoid exposing your healing scars to sunlight. Scars that are discolored and have not matured burn easily. If you go out in the sun, we recommend:

  • Planning activities in the early morning or late evening when the sun is the least intense.
  • Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or wear protective clothing to minimize the exposure of your skin.
  • Reapply your sunscreen every couple of hours that you are outside.

Treatment of hypertrophic scars

You will need to work closely with your doctor and therapy team to make sure your scars heal as completely as possible. A strong commitment is required from you and your family member to follow through with the treatment plan to ensure the best scar result.

No single treatment is ideal for treating scars. For many years, custom pressure garments were thought to be the best treatment for hypertrophic scars. Custom fit pressure garments may be useful for decreasing postburn itch and scar formation.

  • If you and your medical team decide to use custom pressure garments, they should be worn 23 out of 24 hours/day. Even though the use of pressure garments may not improve your scar, they can decrease itching and protect the skin from injury. Some burn survivors also feel that the pressure garments look better than the scars themselves.
  • Silicone gel sheets are pieces of thin, flexible medical grade silicone that are placed over the scars and may decrease itching and dryness. They are generally durable and comfortable to wear. They can be worn alone or underneath pressure garments, splints, or casts. Some people find they are sensitive to silicone, so check your skin frequently for irritation or rashes.
  • Your therapist may recommend custom-made inserts to be worn under gloves, compression bandages or custom garments to increase pressure on the scar and improve healing. These inserts can be made from a variety of substances, ranging from soft foam to a rubber consistency.
  • Massage can help soften and desensitize the scar. When combined with stretching, massage can make the scar looser, softer, and more comfortable. Talk to your therapist to learn about specific massage techniques.
  • Surgical treatment including laser treatment may be an option if scarring prevents you from performing certain activities. It is important to stay in contact with your treating burn physician for evaluation.

What can you do?

  • Be actively involved in your recovery by asking questions and participating in decision-making about your care. Take a list of questions or concerns to your medical appointments for your health care provider to address.
  • Always keep your skin clean and well moisturized.
  • Keep up your exercise program as recommended by your doctor.
  • Massage your scars with lotion to keep them moist, make them less sensitive and make your stretching easier. This may also prevent skin breakdown.
  • It is important to follow your providers' instructions for using pressure garments, inserts, splints or silicone gel sheets. If they do not fit properly or if they cause problems such as pressure or skin breakdown, let your health care provider know right away.

The healing process can often seem long and frustrating for a burn survivor and his or her family. If you have concerns or questions about your healing process or treatments, contact your health care providers.

Additional resources for garments and scar products: For more information regarding compression garments, wound care and scar management products, please contact your doctor or therapist so that they can make recommendations based on your specific needs.

References

Anzarus, A., Olson, J., Singy, P., Rose, B., Tredget, E. (2009). The effectiveness of pressure garment therapy for the prevention of abnormal scarring after burn injury: a meta-analysis. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 62.77-84.

Durani, P., McGrouther, D.A., Ferguson, M.W.J. (2009) Current scales for assessing human scarring: A review. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 62.713-720.

Edwards, Jacky. (2005) The use of silicone gel in hypertrophic scar management. Journal of Community Nursing, 19.12.18-20.

Esselman, Peter C. (2007) Burn Rehabilitation: An Overview. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 88.2. S3-S6

Gabriel, Vincent. (2011). Hypertrophic Scar. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 22,301-310.

Urioste, S., Arndt, K., Dover, J. (1999). Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars: Review and Treatment Strategies. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 18.2.159- 171.

Williams, F., Knapp,D., Wallen, M. (1998). Comparison of the characteristics and features of pressure garments used in the management of burn scars. Burns, 329-335.

Authorship

Wound Care and Scar Management after Burn Injury was developed by Sandra Hall, PT, Karen Kowalske, MD, and Radha Holavanahalli, PhD, in collaboration with the University of Washington Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center.

Factsheet Update

Scar Management After Burn Injury was reviewed and updated by Sandra Hall, PT; Karen Kowalske, MD; and Radha Holavanahalli, PhD. The review and update is supported by the American Institutes for Research Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. The review and update was supported by the American Institutes for Research Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center.

 

Source: Our health information content is based on research evidence and/or professional consensus and has been reviewed and approved by an edito¬rial team of experts from the Burn Injury Model Systems.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should consult your health care provider regarding speci?c medical concerns or treatment. This publication was produced by the Burn Model Systems in collaboration with the University of Washington Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center with funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research in the U.S. Department of Education, grant no. H133A060070. It was updated under the American Institutes for Research Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, with funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DP0082). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this fact sheet do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

Copyright © 2016 Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). May be reproduced and distributed freely with appropriate attribution. Prior permission must be obtained for inclusion in fee-based materials.