#Second degree burn scars how to#

Exercises are very important to keep the scar area stretched and prevent a thick, hard, tight contracture. But they should be done several times a day.Įxercising. Do the special exercises given by your child's PT with your child faithfully. The types of exercises and how often to do them will be determined by the PT.

#Second degree burn scars how to#

A physical therapist (PT) will teach you and your child how to do ROM, so you can help in the healing process. Splints should be worn on top of the pressure garment.ĭoing range of motion exercises. Range of motion (ROM) exercises help keep the muscles and joints of the burned limbs flexible. Wearing a splint. Sometimes, after a child has been burned, they will need to wear a splint on the joint to keep it in a stretched position and to help prevent a contracture. But several things can be done to minimize scarring and reduce contractures. Most second- and third-degree burns do cause some degree of scarring. This will help prevent contractures and help your child become independent and confident. It's important that you let your child do things for themself regardless of how long it might take or how hard it might be. For example, your child may have trouble doing normal things like dressing, walking, eating, or playing-depending on where the scar contracture is located. If your child gets a contracture, they will not be able to move the scarred area normally. A contracture is a serious complication of a burn. It usually occurs when a burn occurs over a joint.

But there hasn't been a lot of research on how well these work.Ĭontractures occur when the burn scar matures, thickens, and tightens. Vitamin E ointments and honey may help decrease scarring from second-degree burns. As your child grows, they many need to have new, larger garments. Don't use bleach or put the pressure garment in the dryer because this will damage the garment. Hand wash the pressure garment, rinse, squeeze gently on a towel, and hang to dry. Your child should have at least 2 sets of pressure garments so one can be worn at all times while the other pair is being washed. These must be worn 23 hours per day (taken off only for bathing) for up to 2 years after the burn. Children with deeper burns need pressure garments, which are tight-fitting clothes to be worn over burned areas to reduce scarring. Wearing pressure garments can minimize scarring and help reduce pain.

Physical therapists will work with your child to prevent or reduce scarring. Most second- and third-degree burns cause some degree of scarring. Scars are thickened marks left after a burn has healed.