Unfortunately,
burn injuries often cause permanent scarring
on the victim. This is why these injuries
are often associated with severe emotional
injuries as well.
Scarring is an essential part of the natural
healing process following any injury to
our skin. The type and severity of the
scar depends on many factors, some of
which are unrelated to the injury and
involve our genetic predisposition. However,
the severity of the injury also plays
an important role in the severity of the
scar. Our skin is comprised of a thick
layer of skin, called the dermis, and
a thinner outer layer of skin, called
the epidermis. Damage to the outer layer
of skin is healed by rebuilding the tissue,
and in these instances, scarring is slight.
When we damage the thick layer of tissue
beneath the skin, healing becomes more
complicated. In these cases our bodies
lay down collagen fibers (a protein which
is naturally produced by the body) and
this usually results in a more severe
scar. Scarring has serious emotional implications
for the victim. Obviously as with any
disfiguring injury, scars impact the way
we look at ourselves, and the way other
perceive us as well. However, for burn
victims any scar leaves a permanent reminder
of the event that caused the injury.
A burn injury usually results in one
of the following types of scars: Keloid,
Hypertrophic and/or Contractures. Keloid
scars are an overgrowth of scar tissue.
The scar will grow beyond the site of
the injury. These scars are generally
red or pink and will become a dark tan
over time. Unfortunately, Keloid scars
do have a tendency to re-occur. Hypertrophic
scars are similar in appearance to Keloid
scars and, for this reason, the two are
often confused with each other. The distinguishing
characteristic is that unlike with Keloid
scars, Hypertrophic scars are limited
to the site of initial injury or incision.
A contracture scar is a permanent tightening
of skin that may affect the underlying
muscles and tendons that limit mobility
and possible damage or degeneration of
the nerves.
Contractures develop when normal elastic/pliable
skin becomes inelastic due to a serious
burn injury. Although physical therapy
may help relieve this condition, surgery
may be required. The surgery may involve
a skin flap, or a procedure called a Z-Plasty,
a common technique is plastic and reconstructive
surgery to improve the function and cosmetic
appearance of scars. A burn injury can
take up to two years for the scarring
to finally stabilize.
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