What should you know about a hyperpigmented burn scar?

Burns can injure deeper skin and trigger prolonged inflammation. During repair, pigment may become more visible, while new collagen can make the area firm, shiny, sunken, or raised. A flat dark mark is different from a contracted scar that restricts movement, even when both have similar colour.

The appearance depends on the burn depth, healing course, location, and individual skin response. A scar may continue to mature after the wound closes. New drainage, warmth, ulceration, or a sudden change is not explained by stable scar pigment and deserves assessment.

Protect the scar from ultraviolet exposure and avoid picking, friction, or unapproved lightening products. Moisturising and prescribed scar care may support comfort, but they do not replace an examination when movement, tightness, or persistent symptoms are present.

Depending on texture and function, options can include fractional laser treatment, scar revision surgery, or a skin graft. A fractional laser may target texture and remodelling; surgery or grafting may be considered when scar tissue is restricting function or cannot be improved with simpler care. Treatment plans are individual and may use staged care.

Arrange review if the scar becomes painful, itchy, increasingly raised, tight, or limiting movement. Seek prompt care for an open area, bleeding, foul-smelling drainage, spreading redness, or a rapidly changing nodule. A burn that has not closed should be managed as an active wound rather than a cosmetic mark.

Ask whether the scar is mainly pigment, texture, or contracture; whether movement is affected; which treatment matches its depth; and how many stages may be needed. Discuss sun protection, expected recovery, wound care, and signs that require an earlier appointment.