How to Decrease the Chances of Burn Scars

Everyone experiences minor first degree burns occasionally and the scars that follow them. As burns heal, skin regenerates on the traumatized area, but it may develop discoloration. By treating the burn quickly and effectively, you can decrease the likelihood of severe scarring. You can further reduce scarring by following first aid measures with routine topical treatments. Touch the traumatized skin gently when applying creams or ointments, and do not touch the skin at all at any other time.

Things You'll Need

• Cold compress (cloth-wrapped ice or ice pack)
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Topical antibacterial cream
• Aloe plant or pure aloe lotion
• Bandages
• Silicone-based topical cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Hold the burned area under cool running water for 5-10 minutes immediately after you receive a burn.

• 2

  Hold a cold compress against the burn to minimize pain. Do not apply ice directly to your skin.

• 3

  Take one ibuprofen or acetaminophen tablet with water to minimize swelling and pain.

• 4

  Rub a piece of aloe plant or pure aloe lotion on the burned area to soothe pain and promote healing.

• 5

  Apply a topical cream to the traumatized skin, after the initial pain has decreased. Apply a cream with pain killing and antibacterial properties. Topical creams with these properties minimize scarring.

• 6

  Cover the area with a bandage.

• 7

  Remove the bandage to check the skin three or four times a day. Apply more aloe or silicone-based cream to the burn, as needed.

• 8

  Drink six to eight glasses of water per day, to keep skin adequately hydrated.

• 9

  Stop wearing bandages after one or two days, when pain has subsided and a new layer of skin has formed over the burn. Exposure to air will encourage skin regeneration and minimize scarring.