A burn scar is a common consequence of moderate to severe burns. While some scarring is often unavoidable, there are proven ways to reduce the visibility of burn scars, improve skin comfort, and support healing. This guide explores the best burn scar treatment options, prevention strategies, and how to care for healed burn scars.
Yes, but not always. Whether or not a burn leaves a scar depends on its severity, depth, and how it’s treated.
Superficial burns (first degree burns, affecting only the top layer of skin) usually heal within a week and rarely result in scarring. However, second-degree burns and third-degree burns damage multiple layers and are much more likely to leave lasting marks.
Other risk factors that increase the likelihood of visible or abnormal scarring include:
Proper wound care, sun protection, and early skin hydration after closure can significantly reduce the risk and severity of burn scars.
Want practical advice from skin experts? Download our free Scar Guide and learn how to care for scars effectively — from wound closure to long-term results.
A burn scar develops when deep skin damage is repaired by fibrous scar tissue instead of normal skin. This scar tissue lacks oil glands, is less elastic, and often feels tight, dry, or itchy.
As the body heals a burn, it produces collagen to rebuild the skin. When this collagen is produced in excess or in an unstructured way, it leads to visible scarring. Common characteristics of burn scars include:
The risk and severity of burn scar formation are closely linked to the depth of the injury and how well the skin is supported during healing.
Burn scars can vary in appearance and behaviour:
For dry, red, itchy or painful scars, hydration with a medical cream is recommended. It restores moisture, softens the skin, and supports recovery of the skin barrier.
If the scar is raised or excessive (hypertrophic or keloid), silicone therapy may be introduced to flatten and normalise the scar. In many cases, scar cream and silicone can be used together: ALHYDRAN hydrates the skin, while silicone provides strong occlusion. Always apply hydration first before applying silicone sheets or gel for best results.
There’s no miracle cure to erase a scar, but the right treatment can make a major difference.
ALHYDRAN is a medical cream trusted by burn centres and hospitals across Europe. It is clinically proven to:
By improving the skin barrier and reducing discomfort, this scar cream helps scars become less visible over time and more comfortable to live with.
An accident with kerosene caused serious burns, leaving me with tight, uncomfortable scars. Thanks to ALHYDRAN, my skin is now supple again and the severe itching has completely disappeared.
ALHYDRAN is a great product. I'm using it after an ugly burn on my hand. The visual result is fantastic! Never thought it would be that good. Thanks.
Recently I had a serious accident, now I have 1st and 2nd degree burns on my chest and stomach. After applying ALHYDRAN I felt a strong relief of the itching, pain and dryness of my bandaged skin. Within a few days my skin became smoother and the scars faded.
Medical creams that hydrate, soothe and protect scarred skin.
While you can’t completely prevent a burn from leaving a scar, early intervention makes a big difference. Here’s what to do:
Use a hydrating scar cream to reduce water loss and support skin repair. Timely care helps wounds close faster and minimises triggers for abnormal scar development.
Burn scars may not vanish completely, but you can greatly improve their appearance and feel.
Start using a medical scar cream as soon as the wound has closed. Apply it consistently (ideally twice a day) to hydrate and protect the healing skin. For raised scars, consider combining it with silicone therapy.
Other helpful measures include:
With consistent care, most burn scars will fade and soften over time.
Even after the wound has closed, the work isn’t done. Healed burn scars often continue to feel dry, tight, itchy or uncomfortable. Especially during changes in temperature or humidity.
This is because scar tissue is not the same as normal skin. It lacks:
As a result, scarred skin:
Because of these differences, burn scars require ongoing care. Not just in the early stages of healing, but for months or even years.
To keep the scar soft, comfortable, and protected:
A consistent routine supports long-term skin quality and reduces complaints such as tightness, flaking or itch.
A burn scar can affect more than just your skin—it can impact your comfort, mobility, and confidence. But with the right treatment, you can support healing, reduce symptoms, and improve the long-term outcome of your scar.
ALHYDRAN is a scientifically backed medical cream that hydrates, protects, and soothes healing skin. Used by professionals across Europe, it offers reliable support for burn scars—whether they are new or long healed.
Ready to start your burn scar treatment? Discover ALHYDRAN here
