What should you know about sun burn scar?

After a sunburn, the skin may remain red, darker, or lighter than the surrounding area as inflammation settles. This is often a change in pigment rather than a scar, and it can gradually become less noticeable. A true scar is more likely when the burn was deep enough to damage the skin's deeper layers, especially if there were blisters, open areas, or delayed healing. Scar tissue may feel firm, raised, indented, tight, or itchy, and its colour may differ from nearby skin.

The appearance alone cannot confirm what type of mark you have. A dermatologist can examine its surface, flexibility, colour, and response over time, while also checking for another cause of a changing skin lesion.

While the burn is healing, keep the area cool, moisturised, and protected from further sunlight. Do not peel loose skin or break blisters, because this can prolong healing and raise the chance of infection or more noticeable marking. Once the skin has closed, use broad-spectrum sun protection and cover the area when outdoors; ultraviolet exposure can make colour differences linger. Avoid irritating products on tender or newly healed skin until it has recovered.

If a mature scar remains bothersome, treatment depends on whether it is raised, depressed, tight, or mainly a colour change. Options may include fractional laser treatment, scar revision surgery, or a skin graft for selected deeper defects. A specialist should assess the area before treatment, particularly if the skin is still changing.

Arrange medical assessment if the burn is extensive, severely painful, heavily blistered, or affecting the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a major joint. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, or worsening pain, which can signal infection. A mark also deserves review if it changes, bleeds, repeatedly crusts, becomes increasingly firm, or does not settle after the skin has healed.

Ask whether the area is post-inflammatory colour change or scar tissue, whether its location or movement affects treatment choices, and what sun protection is suitable for the healed skin. If a procedure is suggested, ask what improvement is realistic, how many appointments may be needed, and how the area will be cared for afterwards.