Scar progression and maturity

Burn scars once healed will typically look worse before they look better. In a paediatric population, burn scars have been reported to reach their worst quality at 6 months post burn [1] with the overall scar quality significantly improved after 1 year (compared with 3 and 6 months post burn) [2].

Scar activity is clinically observed to progress over time leading to eventual scar maturation. Scar interventions are suitable for active scars as indicated by vascularity (colour) in the scar.

The rate of scar maturation differs between people. In children this may take up to 1-2 years depending on the burn depth, time to and mechanism of wound healing, scar interventions and underlying genetic factors contributing to scar progression.

Scar maturation is determined by:

• white/pale colour of scar due to decreased vascularity
• soft, pliable feel to scar due to realignment of fibroblasts and collagen fibres.