Treatment for Burn Scars
Third and fourth degree burns are the most critical types of burns that a person can experience. Because of this, recuperation time is more extensive as are the scars. The following text will outline the definition of each degree and the long term treatment that the patient will have to withstand once the injury has healed.
What characterizes a Third Degree Burn?
A third degree burn ravages all layers of the skin. The epidermis, dermis and hypodermis are destroyed, causing charring of skin or a translucent white color, with coagulated vessels visible just below the skin surface. Redness, swelling, peeling skin and shock are additional symptoms. Because of the extent of the damage, these burns are usually painless. The pain is commonly derived from the second degree burns that accompany the more severe burns.
It is absolutely necessary to use skin grafting in this type of burn, because no skin cells are left to reproduce themselves. Prolonged exposure to flames, steam or scalding liquids and chemical or electrical injury are all ways in which a person can get third degree burns.
Healing from third-degree burns is very slow due the skin tissue and structures being destroyed. Third-degree burns usually result in a great deal of scarring and scar removal through surgery is the only option.
What characterizes a Fourth Degree Burn?
A fourth degree burn is a burn that extends deeply into the subcutaneous tissue, completely destroying the skin, subcutaneous fat, and underlying tendons, and sometimes involving muscle, fascia, or bone. High voltage electrical shock or prolonged exposure to flames can result in fourth degree burns.
It is the most grave kind of burn and is often fatal. This type of burn can cause disfigurement and loss of function in the affected area. Fourth degree burns that include limbs can lead to a deadly condition, called compartment syndrome that threatens the viability of the limb.
If a patient suffers from compartment syndrome, it is possible that the patient will have to undergo surgery to remove the fascia or dead tissue and relieve the pressure on the injured area. This type of burn can also lead to a condition called complement cascade that can increase tissue damage. This condition can result in blood clots that can case deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolism.
For this reason, speedy medical attention is very important. Treatment includes maintaining the patient hydrated, removing charred and damaged tissue, preventing infection, and grafting skin to replace the burned skin. Physical therapy is usually necessary to restore the function of the affected area.
Scar Treatment for Severe Burns
Scars remain hot and lifted for several following the incident. In the case of 3rd and 4th degree burns, recuperation time is commonly takes years. The scars resulting from such damage are usually quite severe.
Plastic surgery is used for scar removal in some cases. There are also many biological creams used to help "dissolve" scar tissue making them more flexible and hydrated.
Burn scar treatment can be a non invasive treatment used to deal with the scar tissue resulting from some grave burns. Bioskincare is a natural scar treatment that helps promote scar exfoliation and dissolve scar tissue. Come by our website to check out Bioskincare cream and other products for your skin care needs.
Published February 22nd, 2009