How to Get Rid of Brown Burn Scars

Burn scars usually manifest as puffy keloids or hypertrophic scars, and sometimes tight contractures, which can all be a reddish-brown in color. Burn scars are very noticeable, and you may be embarrassed if you have a widespread scar that is darker than the rest of your skin. Whether your burn scar is a round and puffy keloid, or a tightened and dark contracture, you can talk to your doctor about various treatment options to help get rid of your brown scar.

Ask your doctor about the possibility of trying compressing garments. Compression garments, worn 23 to 24 hours each day, press down on the burn scar so that it has less of a chance of becoming large and puffy, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. While the brown color of the scar will still be visible, the burn scar will remain flat so it's easier to hide with clothing or makeup, or easier to treat with other removal methods.

How to Flatten Keloid Scars

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Apply silicone sheets to your burn on a daily basis, or as recommended by your doctor. Silicone sheets are also worn throughout most of the day, and they stop the development of a burn scar. This is especially important for brown keloids, which can sometimes develop months after a trauma. You can purchase silicone sheets through your doctor.

Wear sunscreen over your scars and protect your skin by wearing hats, long sleeved clothing or any other method for keeping your scar covered. MedlinePlus points out that a burn scar or keloid will become darker when exposed to sun, making your brown scar even more noticeable 1. A thick layer of sunscreen or clothing protection will help to keep the scar lighter until you're able to talk with your doctor about possible removal.

How to Get Rid of Dark Scarring

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Talk to your doctor about corticosteroid injections to help shrink the size and appearance and dull the color of your scar. Corticosteroid injections are done monthly, and can show a significant improvement in the appearance of your scar, notes the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center 2. Cryosurgery, or freezing the scar, can also work for especially puffy or growth-like brown scars that manifest after a bad burn.

Discuss scar revision surgery with a qualified plastic surgeon.. BurnSurgery.org notes that while scar revision is best for smaller scars, it can be an effective way to get rid of a brown burn scar 3. Unfortunately, the surgery itself can cause keloids, so it's important to talk with a plastic surgeon to assess your risk factor before you go ahead with the surgery. Your scar will be cut away and grafted with healthy skin from elsewhere on your body; you'll still have scarring, but it won't be the dark brown scarring of a burn.