What should you know about deep burn scar?

Burn injury can damage several skin layers, and the repair process may produce a scar that is raised, depressed, shiny, darker, lighter, or firm. Scar tissue can itch, feel tender, or contract as it matures. A scar crossing a joint, eyelid, mouth, neck, or hand deserves attention because tightness may restrict movement or affect function. Ongoing change does not automatically mean the burn is still active, but a new ulcer, bleeding area, or rapidly changing nodule needs review.

Protect healed scarred skin from sun, keep it moisturised, and follow any dressing, pressure, massage, or stretching plan provided by your burn or dermatology team. Do not apply strong acids or unprescribed steroid products to a fragile scar. Once the wound is fully closed, options may include fractional laser treatment to improve texture, scar revision surgery to reshape selected scar tissue, or a skin graft when coverage and function require it. Suitability depends on scar maturity, location, depth, and your general health.

Seek urgent medical care for a new burn, an open wound, spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, or rapidly worsening pain. Arrange specialist review when a healed scar tightens across a joint, limits movement, repeatedly cracks, or interferes with eating, seeing, dressing, or daily tasks. A scar that develops a persistent sore or changes quickly also needs assessment.

Ask whether the scar is fully healed, how to maintain movement, whether laser or surgery is appropriate, what recovery involves, and which changes should be reported without delay.