Reducing a Flat, Dark Scar from Iron Burn

Question

Hello, I have a flat, old (4 months) burn scar from an iron that I am desperately wanting to reduce. It is very smooth compared to the surrounding skin, not raised at all but very dark and unsightly on my arm. I have tried Mederma with no satisfaction and just bought ScarAway silicone sheets to try. I don't know what else to try if the sheets don't work and really, really want the scar to improve! Also, the picture makes it seem lighter than it actually is in real life...

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It sound like you have suffered a burn injury.  The area is still very young.  It will take up to a year or so the pigmentation to possibly improve.  I would recommend sunscreen to prevent further darkening of the area. Laser therapy may improve the area once the area is very mature.

	Dr. ES

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would begin treatment with two topical creams, Melarase AM in the morning, followed by Melarase PM in the evening, rubbed on the scar.  The darkening will gradually fade with the use of the creams. Another option for non-pigmented scars is the Plato's Medicinals Scar Serum. Surgery90210

Maritza Perez, MD · Answer

What you have is dark pigmentations the result of previous inflammation caused by the trauma.  Application of silicone sheath is the first step in the right direction.  Total coverage from the sun during the next 3-6 months so that it will not get darker. Use of bleaching creams Tri-luma every night.  And maybe genesis laser treatment for improvement of texture and color.

Boris Zaks, MD · Answer

Fading creams like Triluma combined with light chemical peels would speed up the healing

Brent Spencer, MD · Answer

What your picture appears to be is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  There may be a slight scar in the middle, but the blurriness of the picture makes it hard for me to determing.  Most of the time, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation clears on its own, although it may take 6-12 months.  I agree that sunscreen use is essential to prevent it from darkening anymore.  You could talk to your dermatologists about hydroquinone creams; sometimes they can help expedite the process of fading (although you're still looking at several months either way).

Reducing a Flat, Dark Scar from Iron Burn

Answers (6)

Answer: Fading creams and chemical peels would work best

Answer: Fading creams and chemical peels would work best

Answer: Not a scar, just post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Answer: Not a scar, just post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Reducing a Flat, Dark Scar from Iron Burn

Answers (6)

Answer: Fading creams and chemical peels would work best

Answer: Fading creams and chemical peels would work best

Answer: Not a scar, just post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Answer: Not a scar, just post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.