What should you know about a scar from a cigarette burn?

A hot cigarette can create a focused injury that heals with an indented or firm centre and a darker, lighter, or red-brown edge. It may itch, feel numb, or remain sensitive. A mark that is still open is a wound, not simply a mature scar, and infection or retained debris can delay healing.

The location matters: a scar over a knuckle, eyelid, lip, or another moving area can tighten and affect function. A clinician can assess depth, sensation, skin closure, and whether the appearance is changing.

Do not pick the crust, pierce a blister, or apply strong acids, bleaching products, or unprescribed creams. Once the surface is fully closed, use gentle cleansing, moisturiser if recommended, and sun protection to reduce irritation and colour contrast. Keep tobacco heat away from the skin while it heals.

For a stable scar, fractional laser treatment may help selected texture concerns. Scar revision surgery can reshape a troublesome contour, while a skin graft may be considered when the injury leaves inadequate coverage. Suitability depends on examination and the scar’s maturity.

Arrange prompt care if the wound is not closing, pain is increasing, redness is spreading, pus or fever develops, or the area becomes increasingly swollen or warm. Seek urgent assessment for an injury near the eye, severe loss of sensation, or a scar that restricts movement.

Has the injury fully healed? Is there tissue loss or reduced sensation? Should I use silicone or another dressing? Would laser, revision surgery, or grafting address the main concern, and when would it be safe to start?