Scars are some of the worst complications people suffer from burns. They can dramatically limit a person’s mobility and cause intense emotional distress when covering a face, the hands, or the arms.
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, we assist accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. Burn injury scars create unique problems, and our clients could qualify for considerable compensation. Speak with a Miami personal injury attorney today.
How Do Scars Form?
Burns kill skin cells. But the skin repairs itself with collagen, which is a protein that causes the skin to thicken, leading to a scar. Something similar happens when a person suffers a cut or abrasion which heals.
Scars vary in terms of size and thickness. However, there are common scars that burn victims experience:
- Keloid scars: hairless bumps that have a shiny appearance
- Contractures: scars which tighten the skin and underlying tissue and can be immobilizing when they cover joints
- Hypertrophic: purple or red scars that are raised
Not every burn will result in a scar. Superficial, first-degree burns will heal without scarring, but second- and third-degree burns tend to leave a scar behind. These deeper burns can also cause the skin to blister, which you should never pop on your own.
Can You Prevent Scars?
This is hard. There are some steps a person can take that will lessen their appearance. For example, you should keep the scar out of the sunlight. Sun causes scars to darken, which makes them more visible.
Also avoid using any topical ointment that has Vitamins A or E. These will also cause discoloration. Instead, treat a burn with an antibiotic ointment.
If a scar has formed, you should consider microneedling with a professional. This process uses tiny needles to induce cell turnover and reduce the scar’s discoloration and visibility. Though there are at-home microneedling kits, we recommend meeting with a professional who will be extra safe. The risk of infection is too high with at-home work.
Can You Recover from Scars?
Yes, though the recovery will depend on the complications. For example, your contractures could be limiting your movement. Physical therapy can help you regain your range of motion, but you might also benefit from surgery.
Emotional recovery can be much more difficult. Scars on the face could cause a person to stay at home and avoid socializing with friends or family. Many people suffer social anxiety that requires medication and therapy—sometimes with mixed results. No one should ever overlook the difficulty of recovering emotionally from a burn.
Our clients can receive compensation to cover medical treatment and mental health counseling. They should also qualify for compensation to cover their emotional distress. Contact us today to discuss your case by calling 305-371-2692.