How to Prevent a Burn Scar

Burns are injuries cause by damage done to the layers of skin from heat, electricity or chemical reactions. A burn injury can range from a mild inconvenience to a severe medical emergency, depending on the location and size of it. Even a mild burn injury can develop complications, including scarring. To avoid a burn scar, you should perform first aid as soon as possible and protect the burn injury from irritation and further damage.

Things You'll Need

• Running water
• Clean cloth
• Burn cream
• Antibiotic ointment
• Sterile bandage
• Vitamin E or vitamin C as needed

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Instructions

• 1

  Perform first aid measures immediately on the burned area. Flush with cool water to remove any debris, foreign objects or burning substances. Pat dry with a clean cloth and avoid rubbing because it can cause irritation.

• 2

  Apply burn cream to the burn injury to decrease the risk of infection and speed the healing process. Antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, can also help increase the healing speed of the burn injury

• 3

  Wrap the burn injury loosely in a sterile gauze bandage to protect it from irritants and bacteria.

• 4

  Monitor the burn injury for signs of infection. An infected burn injury is more likely to develop a burn scar than a healthy one. If you notice that the burned area is oozing pus, develops red streaks or becomes more painful over time.