How to Remove, or Reduce Scald Burns?

At 17 months old, I scalded my chest with boiling water. The chest had areas of first, second, and third degree burning. After the scald I was in and out of hospital for a few months, and received two skin grafts on the area. The doctor advised my parents that the area would be light sensitive, and to regularly rub vitamin E cream on the affected area, but as I was very young I don't know how frequently this occurred.

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chest burn options

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by LindaK92 in Melbourne, 07

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Options for old scars

We are glad that you are considering options inasmuch as technology has improved by leaps and bounds to address these scars. We routinely use the pulsed dye laser to fade out the redness of new and old scars. Oftentimes, this will then lead to improvement with texture as well whether lasers are used alone or in combinations with other modalities. You may want to research the use of Sciton ProFractional laser which has been demonstrating good outcomes with burn scars. ... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

4 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

Scar Removal

Do not worry about the Vitamin E. Hopefully your parents forgot the Vitamin E as studies show it is not as effective as once thought, and in some cases make things worse. Find a large burn center and consult with a BCD or BCAPS who specialize in burn therapy and they will have the most to offer you.

How to Remove, or Reduce Scald Burns?

In addition to the good advice already given by Dr. Kaplan, sometimes old, split thickness skin grafts can be excised to normal skin leaving a thinner scar. if the skin is tight sometimes placing a tissue expander will create the new skin necessary for removal of the scars. I can't really tell from your photo but a visit to your plastic surgeon will help you choose the right option. good luck

Fractional lasers for burn scars

There has been tremendous advancement in this field of treating burn scars. For instance, the American Department of Defense has actually given grants to study and treat burn scars now with fractionated lasers. I have personally treated a patient with a burn scar from a hot pot of coffee with incredible results in addition to some other burn scars. There are two types of lasers that could be of help, nonablative or ablative fractionated lasers. The success of... more