Consequences of Old Burns
A burn is defined as damage to the tissues caused by thermal exposure, excessive sunlight, various forms of radiation, direct contact with flames, chemicals, electricity, or inhalation of smoke. Burns can lead to swelling, persistent marks, and sores, and may also result in shock, which can ultimately lead to death. Furthermore, burns can cause infections that compromise the skin’s barrier. Once the healing process is complete, scars may remain, typically appearing as thickened, discolored areas. This often occurs after the death of the damaged skin cells, prompting the body to produce a protein known as collagen to repair the affected skin. Consequently, burn scars can vary in size, depending on the extent of skin damage, and their visibility may be determined by the severity of the burns; some scars may fade over time, while others might remain permanently visible.
Methods for Removing Old Burn Scars
Natural Treatments
While there is no guaranteed method for the complete removal of scars and marks from burns, many of these marks fade and become less noticeable on their own over time. However, several natural remedies can help accelerate this lightening process, making the scars less prominent. Here are some effective natural treatments:
- Aloe Vera: To use this plant, peel away the dark green skin from the side of an aloe leaf and extract the light green gel. Apply this gel directly to the scars using a circular motion. After 30 minutes, rinse the gel off with cold water. It is advisable to perform this treatment twice a day.
- Vitamin E: Open a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil it contains to the scars. Multiple capsules may be needed for complete coverage. Massage the oil into the scarred area for about ten minutes, then wash it off with warm water after twenty minutes. This should be done at least three times a day.
- Honey: Apply a layer of honey on the burn scars before bedtime and cover the area with a bandage. Leave it covered overnight, and in the morning, remove the bandage and wash off the honey with warm water. This treatment should be carried out nightly.
- Coconut Oil: Heat a small amount of coconut oil until it becomes liquid. Massage this oil into the burn scar for about ten minutes and let it absorb for at least an hour. Repeat this process two to four times daily.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Combine 4 tablespoons of distilled water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Dip a cotton ball into this mixture and apply it to the burn marks, allowing it to dry naturally. This should be done every night before bed, followed by rinsing the area in the morning.
- Lavender Oil and Olive Oil: Mix three drops of lavender oil with three tablespoons of olive oil. Gently massage the mixture onto the affected area for five minutes, then let it sit for about thirty minutes before rinsing with warm water. It is recommended to repeat this at least three times a day.
- Lemon: Cut a piece of fresh lemon and gently rub it over the scars, squeezing the juice onto the area. Allow it to rest for ten minutes before rinsing with cold water. This treatment can be done daily around the same time.
Medical Treatments
Medical methods to address burn scars include:
- Application of silicone gel, which can reduce the appearance and stiffness of scars.
- Use of steroid injections.
- Laser therapy.
- Surgical intervention to remove the area affected by the burn.
Degrees of Burns
Burns are classified by their depth into the following categories:
- First-Degree Burns: These are superficial burns that cause localized inflammation of the skin, such as sunburn, which is classified as a first-degree burn. Symptoms include redness, minor swelling, and pain in the area. The skin feels very tender to the touch. Healing typically takes about 3-6 days, and the outer layer may peel within one to two days.
- Second-Degree Burns: Deeper than first-degree burns, these include pain, redness, and inflammation, along with blisters and sores on the skin.
- Third-Degree Burns: These are more severe, affecting all layers of the skin, destroying the tissues completely. As nerves and blood vessels are damaged, third-degree burns usually appear white, and may not be painful due to nerve damage. The skin may also turn black, brown, white, or yellow.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: Similar to third-degree burns, but damage extends to even deeper tissues, including tendons, joints, or bones.