Understanding Burn Scar Colour Changes

Burn scars go through numerous colour changes as they heal, often appearing red, pink, brown, tan, or even grey at different stages. These shifts are not random; rather, they reflect complex interactions between the damaged skin, underlying tissue, and environmental elements like air, moisture, light, and temperature. Here’s a breakdown of the main factors behind these changes:

Oxidation and the Healing Process

Exposing a burn to air causes oxidation, leading to colour shifts in the healing skin. Initially, inflammation and increased blood flow make burns look red or pink. As scar tissue forms, the colour may shift to brown, tan, or even grey as the skin closes and remodels.

Melanin Production

Post-burn, the skin may overproduce or underproduce melanin, the pigment that determines skin colour. Sun exposure can worsen pigmentation by increasing melanin in the affected areas, while regions that lack melanin appear lighter or have hypopigmentation.

Exposure to Moisture

Healing burns in a moist environment—through wound dressings or ointments—can keep the skin pink or red due to retained hydration. As the burn dries out, it may take on a darker or different hue as scar tissue settles.

Changes in Blood Flow

Burn injuries disrupt normal blood circulation. As blood vessels heal, they may contribute to colour changes. Reduced blood flow can make the area paler, while inflammation or healing can increase redness due to blood vessel dilation.

Temperature Sensitivity

Burns are often sensitive to temperature, with colder temperatures making the area appear paler or slightly bluish as blood vessels constrict. Warmer temperatures can bring redness due to vessel dilation in the affected skin.

Understanding these factors can guide effective aftercare, helping to avoid unnecessary exposure to elements that might worsen the appearance of burn scars. Using a balanced approach in skincare and medical treatments can support the scar as it matures, minimizing discoloration and enhancing skin texture.

Comprehensive Burn Scar Care: Recommended Skincare and Treatment Approaches

Skincare Solutions for Post-Burn Healing

Once a burn wound has closed, effective skincare is essential for optimal healing. Clinical-grade products can accelerate recovery and protect the newly formed skin from environmental damage. Among the most effective products for post-burn care are:

    •         IS Clinical Super Serum: A powerful antioxidant serum that promotes healing and reduces the appearance of scar tissue. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in calming the skin and minimizing discoloration.

    •         Sheald Recovery Balm: Formulated specifically for compromised skin, this balm provides deep hydration and soothing to aid in scar healing. Its protective barrier locks in moisture, which is essential for preventing scar contraction.

    •         Extreme Protect SPF: Sun protection is critical in burn scar aftercare to prevent hyperpigmentation. This broad-spectrum SPF guards against UV damage, minimizing further discoloration and maintaining even skin tone.

This toddler in South Africa had a hot coffee fall on them, the burns scars were treated with Sheald Recovery Balm multiple times a day.

 Advanced Treatment Options

Once the wound is closed and stabilized, clinical treatments can be introduced to further improve texture and tone. Recommended treatments include:

    •         LED Light Therapy: Ideal for early-stage healing, LED therapy reduces inflammation, promotes cellular repair, and stimulates collagen production for smoother skin.

    •         Laser Genesis: This laser treatment helps in improving skin texture, targeting redness, and minimizing the appearance of scar tissue. It’s gentle and suitable for sensitive, post-burn skin.

    •         BBL HERO (Broadband Light Therapy): A versatile treatment that targets pigment irregularities and redness, enhancing the overall skin tone.

As the scar matures and redness subsides, Inkless Tattooing can be introduced to remodel the texture further, offering a smoother and more even surface. For individuals looking to address pigmentation issues, Pigment Camouflage Tattooing can be used to blend the scar with the surrounding skin tone. This comprehensive approach provides patients with customized care at every stage of recovery, helping restore both physical appearance and confidence.

Healite LED treating a new wound