2nd-Degree Burn Scars: Tanghulu Burns, Burn Hospital vs. Dermatology Clinic – Where to Go?

Burns in daily life are more common than you might think. Many people are surprised when a slight touch from hot water, a curling iron, or an iron leaves a mark that doesn't disappear over time. The first question that comes to mind is usually one: "Should I go to a specialized burn hospital for this degree of burn, or a dermatology clinic?" To put it simply, for minor burns of 1st or 2nd degree, or light burns after laser procedures, it is reported that receiving treatment from a dermatologist at a nearby dermatology clinic is more beneficial for scar management.

The starting point for reducing burn scars is not the treatment room, but emergency first aid on the spot. If you've been burned by hot water, a pot, a curling iron, or an iron, the most important thing is to sufficiently cool the burn under running cold water. If the heat is not properly removed, the damage can progress to deeper layers, increasing the likelihood of 2nd-degree burn scars.

Recently, there has been an increase in cases of people burning themselves with hot sugar syrup while making tanghulu at home. Sugar burns require extra caution because the syrup is sticky and doesn't easily come off. The principle is the same here: first, cool the burn sufficiently under cold tap water or bottled water for at least 20 minutes. If tap water feels unsanitary, you can use cold bottled water for the same amount of time. Afterward, depending on the size and severity of the burn, visit a hospital for appropriate treatment.

Burns are broadly categorized into three stages based on the depth of damage. While often dismissed as minor, 1st and 2nd-degree burns sustained in daily life can leave marks, requiring prompt action and treatment.

For full-body burns or severe burns of 3rd degree or higher, you should, of course, go to a specialized burn hospital or emergency room. However, for minor burns sustained in daily life, it's easy to be confused about where to go, and this is where the choice diverges.

For minor 1st or 2nd-degree burns sustained in daily life, or light burns after radiofrequency laser treatment, receiving overly strong treatment at a specialized burn hospital or surgical clinic can actually worsen the scar. This is because excessive treatment relative to the extent of damage can make the marks more prominent during the recovery process.

Therefore, for side effects from laser procedures or 1st-2nd degree burn scars, it is recommended to receive treatment from a dermatologist at a nearby dermatology clinic. Even for the same burn, adjusting the treatment intensity according to the depth and area can help reduce marks.

If you're curious about how burn scars progress, reviewing the information on Causes and Progression of Burn Scars can be helpful. For any questions, feel free to inquire via Chat Consultation for Burn Scar Treatment.

Immediately after a burn, the key is to heal the wound as quickly as possible. In the clinic, we often see that how these initial few days are managed significantly impacts the appearance of the subsequent scar.

• Low-energy lasers help create a favorable healing environment for the damaged area.
• Moist dressings create an environment where regenerative cells can grow well.
• Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications are used concurrently to reduce secondary bacterial infection and pain.
• Avoid irritating the area or forcibly removing scabs.

The goal of this stage is to help the wound heal quickly and cleanly, without excessive irritation.

Management continues during the wound healing process. It's important to consistently use moist dressings to ensure 2nd-degree burn scars heal well. In some cases, regenerative injections or regenerative lasers that promote regeneration may be used concurrently.

Consistency is paramount during this period. Rather than stopping care after a few days of improvement, maintaining consistent care until the skin stabilizes helps reduce marks.

There are also many questions about cases where burn scars have already formed. Pinhole Technique is reported to be helpful for burn scars. If the scar area is too raised or, conversely, too sunken, injection treatment may be beneficial.

Since the treatment approach varies depending on the scar's appearance, it is advisable to directly assess the scar's condition before determining whether a treatment that refines the scar texture, such as Pinhole Alpha Laser, is suitable, or if Triamcinolone Scar Injection is more appropriate. If the scar is raised or thickened, Characteristics of Keloid Scars can also be a helpful reference.

Home care options include using silicone ointment or silicone tape. Consistent use can lead to some improvement in 2nd-degree burn scars. However, results may vary individually depending on the depth and type of scar, so it's necessary to confirm if the method is suitable for your scar.

If you're concerned about long-lasting marks, it's better to get an accurate assessment first rather than self-diagnosing. You can start lightly by inquiring via Chat Consultation if You're Concerned About Burn Scars.

Immediate action after a burn is the most crucial starting point for reducing scars. This involves sufficiently cooling the burn under running cold water and receiving treatment appropriate for the extent of the damage. For minor burns, treatment that focuses on skin texture rather than overly aggressive procedures can help reduce marks. It's important not to take them lightly, but also to find a balance that avoids worsening scars with excessively strong treatments.

You can find more detailed information about the 2nd-degree burn scar treatment introduced today in the accompanying video. After watching the video, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment.

Dr. Sang-Joo Lee, Chief Director (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School; Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital; President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Dr. Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First Published 2023-12-20 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

This article provides general information only. The appearance of burns and scars can vary individually, and accurate diagnosis and treatment should be determined through consultation with medical professionals.