What should you know about an iron burn scar?

A healed burn may remain pink, brown, lighter than nearby skin, shiny, firm, or uneven. A raised scar can itch or feel tender; a tight scar across a joint may restrict movement. Colour and texture can continue changing during maturation, so a new mark should be assessed before cosmetic treatment. Pain, warmth, drainage, or an open area suggests that healing is incomplete or another problem is present.

Protect healed skin from sun, moisturise when the surface is closed, and avoid picking or repeatedly rubbing it. Gentle movement may help when the scar crosses a joint, but stop if it causes pain. A clinician can assess whether scar care, [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/), [Scar Revision Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/scar-revision-surgery/), or a [Skin Graft](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-graft/) is appropriate. Procedures are chosen after the scar's depth, stability, colour, and effect on function are considered.

Arrange prompt review if the scar becomes increasingly painful, red, warm, swollen, wet, or foul-smelling, or if it reopens. Seek urgent help when tightening limits movement, swallowing, breathing, or vision, or when a new burn is deep, extensive, numb, or located over a major joint.

Is this scar fully healed? Is it raised, recessed, tight, or mainly a colour change? Which treatment matches its stage and location? What healing time and aftercare should I expect?