Will a burn leave a scar?

In general, whether a burn leaves a scar depends on the depth of the burn, the care received, and individual physical constitution. Mild burns usually do not leave scars if properly cared for; however, deeper burns, improper wound care, or individuals with a predisposition to scarring may develop scars. The details are as follows:

If the burn affects only the epidermis, symptoms include redness, small unbroken blisters. Promptly rinsing the area under cool running water and applying burn ointment, while keeping the wound dry and clean, typically results in good healing. These superficial burns have strong regenerative capacity. As long as scratching is avoided and infection prevented, they usually heal without noticeable scarring—there may be temporary pigmentation that gradually fades over time.

When the burn extends into the dermis, symptoms such as skin breakdown, eschar (scab) formation, or repeated infections and frequent scratching after blister rupture may occur. During dermal tissue repair, excessive tissue growth is more likely. Individuals with a scarring tendency may even develop raised scars from minor burns due to abnormal fibrous tissue proliferation. Therefore, it's crucial to protect the integrity of the wound and prevent secondary injury.

Daily care should focus on keeping the wound clean and avoiding contact with water and friction. After healing, protect the area from sun exposure if pigmentation occurs, and apply silicone gel if signs of scar thickening appear. Diet should include adequate protein and vitamins, while avoiding spicy or irritating foods.