When a burn scar may develop

When a burn scar may develop

Introduction

This guide provides clear first aid and prevention advice for people in Canada about burns and their care. It focuses on practical steps you can take safely at home to reduce harm and promote healing. This information is not a full medical training manual but aims to help you understand when a burn scar may develop and how to respond appropriately.

Burns can vary in severity, and knowing how to act quickly and safely is important. Proper first aid can reduce the risk of complications, including scarring. However, some burns may still result in scars despite careful care.

In this section, you will learn:

• What to do immediately after a burn injury at home
• What actions to avoid to prevent worsening the injury
• When to seek urgent medical care or call 911

Always remember, if a burn is large, deep, or affects the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if the person has difficulty breathing, severe pain, or signs of infection, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Key facts about when a burn scar may develop

• When a burn scar may develop depends on the depth and severity of the burn. Deeper burns are more likely to leave scars.
• Minor burns that affect only the top layer of skin usually heal without scarring if properly cared for at home.
• Keep the burn clean and covered with a sterile, non-stick dressing to reduce infection risk and support healing.
• Avoid breaking blisters or applying home remedies like butter or ice directly on the burn, as these can worsen damage or cause infection.
• Use cool (not cold) water to gently cool the burn for 10 to 20 minutes soon after injury to reduce pain and swelling.
• Seek urgent medical care or go to the emergency department if the burn is large, deep, on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if there are signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.
• Call 911 immediately if the person has difficulty breathing, the burn is electrical or chemical, or if they show signs of shock like fainting or confusion.

See also: [burn severity classification]

Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Burns can range from mild to severe. Knowing the symptoms helps you decide what to do next. Mild burns usually cause redness, minor pain, and slight swelling. These can often be treated safely at home.

Moderate burns may cause blistering, more intense pain, and deeper skin damage. These burns need careful attention and may require a visit to urgent care or a healthcare provider.

Severe burns involve deep tissue damage, large blisters, white or charred skin, or severe pain. These burns are medical emergencies. Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately.

Red flags that suggest an emergency

• Burns covering a large area of the body or the face, hands, feet, or genitals
• Difficulty breathing or signs of smoke inhalation
• Burns that cause numbness or loss of sensation
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, pus, or fever
• Severe pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief

When a burn scar may develop depends on the depth and severity of the burn. Deeper burns are more likely to leave scars. Early care and avoiding infection can reduce scarring risks.

Always avoid breaking blisters or applying home remedies like butter or ice directly on burns. These actions can worsen the injury. If you are unsure about the severity, seek medical advice promptly.

See also: [signs of burn infection]

Immediate first aid steps when a burn scar may develop

When a burn scar may develop, it is important to act quickly and safely. The first goal is to reduce pain and prevent further injury while waiting for professional help if needed.

What you can do at home

• Remove the person from the source of the burn to stop further damage.
• Cool the burn gently with cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. This helps reduce heat and swelling.
• Cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth to protect it from infection.
• Keep the person comfortable and calm. Offer water if they are alert and not vomiting.

What to avoid

• Do not apply ice, butter, oils, or ointments to the burn. These can worsen the injury.
• Do not break any blisters that form, as this increases infection risk.
• Avoid tight bandages or wrapping the burn too tightly.

When to seek urgent care or call 911

• Call 911 immediately if the burn is large, deep, or involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints.
• Seek emergency care if the person has difficulty breathing, shows signs of shock, or if the burn was caused by chemicals or electricity.
• Go to urgent care if the burn is moderate and does not improve with home care, or if you are unsure about the severity.

See also: [first aid for burns]

What NOT to do when a burn scar may develop

It is important to avoid actions that can worsen the injury or delay healing. Some common mistakes and unsafe practices can increase the risk of complications.

Avoid these actions at home:

• Do not apply ice or very cold water directly to the burn. This can cause further tissue damage.
• Do not break blisters or peel off loose skin. This increases the risk of infection and scarring.
• Do not use butter, oils, toothpaste, or other home remedies on the burn. These substances can trap heat and cause infection.
• Do not expose the burn to direct sunlight. UV rays can worsen scarring and delay healing.
• Do not cover the burn with tight or fluffy dressings that can irritate the skin or cause pressure.

When to seek urgent care or call 911:

• If the burn is larger than the palm of your hand or involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints, seek medical care immediately.
• If you notice signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever, see a healthcare provider promptly.
• If the person has difficulty breathing, shows signs of shock, or the burn is deep and painful, call 911 or local emergency services right away.

Following these guidelines helps reduce the risk of complications and supports proper healing when a burn scar may develop.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or visit urgent care can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment. Burns can vary in severity, and some may lead to a burn scar if not treated correctly. It is important to act promptly and safely.

Call 911 immediately if:

• The burn covers a large area of the body, especially the face, hands, feet, groin, or major joints.
• The person has trouble breathing or shows signs of smoke inhalation.
• The burn is deep, with white, charred, or leathery skin.
• There is severe pain that does not improve with basic first aid.
• The person is unconscious, confused, or has other serious symptoms.

Go to the emergency department or urgent care if:

• The burn is moderate in size and depth but does not meet the criteria for calling 911.
• The burn is on sensitive areas like the face or joints but does not cause breathing problems.
• Signs of infection develop, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.
• You are concerned about when a burn scar may develop and want professional advice.

Visit a walk-in clinic or family doctor if:

• The burn is minor, small, and superficial (only the top layer of skin).
• There is no severe pain, breathing difficulty, or signs of infection.
• You need guidance on wound care or scar prevention after initial first aid.

Always avoid applying creams, oils, or ice directly to the burn. Keep the area clean and covered with a sterile, non-stick dressing until you get medical advice. When in doubt, seek professional care promptly to reduce the risk of complications and scarring.

Ongoing care and follow-up

After the initial treatment of a burn, careful ongoing care is important to support healing and prevent complications. Monitor the burn site daily for changes in colour, swelling, or pain. Keep the area clean and dry, and follow any wound care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Self-care at home

• Gently wash the burn with mild soap and water once or twice a day.
• Apply a clean, non-stick dressing as advised to protect the area.
• Avoid picking at scabs or peeling skin to reduce the risk of infection and scarring.
• Use over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if needed and if safe for you.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support skin repair.

What to avoid

• Do not apply ice, butter, ointments, or home remedies that are not recommended by a healthcare professional.
• Avoid exposing the burn to direct sunlight, as this can worsen scarring.
• Do not break blisters, as this increases infection risk.

When to seek medical follow-up

Book a follow-up appointment with your doctor if the burn is healing slowly, shows signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus, or worsening pain), or if you notice changes in sensation around the area.

Watch carefully for delayed warning signs. When a burn scar may develop, you might see thickened, raised, or discoloured skin weeks after the injury. Your healthcare provider can advise on treatments to reduce scarring.

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you experience severe pain, spreading redness, fever, difficulty breathing, or any sudden worsening of symptoms.

See also: [burn scar treatment options]

Prevention tips

Preventing burns and minimizing the risk of complications, including when a burn scar may develop, starts with simple, practical steps. These strategies apply at home, work, school, and in the community.

Safe habits to reduce burn risk

• Keep hot liquids and foods out of reach of children.
• Use pot holders and oven mitts when handling hot items.
• Test bath water temperature before use to avoid scalds.
• Install smoke alarms and check batteries regularly.
• Wear protective clothing and gloves when working with heat or chemicals.
• Keep flammable materials away from open flames or heat sources.

Environmental changes to improve safety

• Set water heater temperature to 49°C (120°F) or lower to prevent scalds.
• Use stove knob covers or guards if children are present.
• Ensure clear, clutter-free walkways to avoid accidents near heat sources.
• Store matches and lighters in locked cabinets out of children’s reach.

When to seek urgent care

If a burn is large, deep, or affects the face, hands, feet, or genitals, call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately. Also seek urgent care if the burn causes severe pain, blisters, or signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.

Following these prevention tips helps reduce the chance of burns and the need for medical treatment. Early care and protection can also lower the risk of scarring and other complications.

FAQs

When a burn scar may develop

A burn scar may develop if the burn damages deeper layers of the skin. This often happens with second-degree burns that blister or third-degree burns that destroy skin tissue. Healing time and burn severity affect scar formation.

Can I treat a minor burn at home?

Yes, for minor burns without broken skin, cool the area with running water for 10 to 20 minutes. Avoid ice or very cold water. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing. Do not apply creams, oils, or butter.

When should I avoid home treatment and seek urgent care?

• If the burn is larger than the palm of your hand
• If the burn is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints
• If the burn is deep, white, charred, or numb
• If there are signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, or pus
• If the person has difficulty breathing or shows signs of shock

In these cases, call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately.

How can I reduce the risk of scarring?

Keep the burn clean and moist with appropriate dressings. Avoid picking at blisters or peeling skin. Protect the healing skin from sun exposure by covering it or using sunscreen once healed.

Is it normal for a burn to itch during healing?

Yes, itching is common as the skin heals. Avoid scratching to prevent infection and further damage. Gently pat or tap the area if itching is bothersome.

Summary

When a burn scar may develop, it is important to care for the burn properly from the start. Minor burns can often be treated safely at home by cooling the area with cool water, keeping it clean, and covering it with a sterile dressing. Avoid breaking blisters or applying creams without advice from a healthcare professional.

Watch for signs that need urgent medical attention, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or signs of infection like pus or fever. Burns that are large, deep, or involve the face, hands, feet, or genitals require prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Always call 911 or your local emergency number if the burn causes difficulty breathing, if the person is unconscious, or if the burn is electrical or chemical in nature. Early medical care can help reduce the risk of serious complications and improve healing.

Remember, when a burn scar may develop, timely and appropriate care is key. Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you are unsure about the severity of the burn or if symptoms worsen. Your safety and health come first.

• Health Canada
• Mayo Clinic – Burns
• World Health Organization – Burns
• Canadian Red Cross – Burns

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.