Do I Really Need to Go to a Dermatology Clinic for Burn Scars? When Hospital Treatment is Necessary | [Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon]

Burns are common injuries that can happen to anyone in daily life, but if the damage extends deep into the skin, it can easily leave a scar. For those who have just suffered a burn, the first question that comes to mind is, "Do I need to go to the hospital for a burn of this severity?" To answer directly, if you have blisters, or if redness and pain persist for a long time, there's a possibility of damage extending to the dermal layer, so it's safer to check the condition early.

The causes of burns, such as hot water, curling irons, ramen broth, coffee, and electrical equipment, are always close at hand. Burns are often thought of as a winter problem, but they occur quite frequently in the summer as well.

Even if it seems to heal quickly on the surface, burns damage not only the outer layer of the skin but also the deeper tissues beneath. If the damage reaches the dermal layer, natural healing is difficult, and traces may remain in the form of discoloration or altered skin texture.

In the examination room, the recovery pattern varies greatly depending on the depth and course of the burn, even for the same type of burn. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be a burn that could lead to scarring, not just simple dermatitis, so we recommend checking your condition:

• If blisters have formed or the skin has peeled
• If redness persists for a long time
• If pain is accompanied and does not subside easily
• If the scar area becomes hard or sunken
• Conversely, if uneven, raised deformities are visible

If left untreated, the skin can harden, sink, or even develop raised deformities. If you see these signs, it is advisable to refer to Burn Scar Symptom Information and have your condition checked at a nearby hospital.

If left untreated, the skin texture in the scar area may change, and pigmentation may occur, leaving a dull and uneven appearance. The approach to managing redness and inflammation in the early stages is fundamentally different from dealing with already established scars.

Therefore, it is important to approach burn scars according to their condition from the initial stage. The appropriate method will be selected based on the depth and course of the scar.

If you have any questions about burn scars, please feel free to leave them via Burn Scar Treatment Chat Consultation Inquiry.

Burn scar treatment varies depending on the depth and condition of the scar. The approach differs for deep or old scars, scars with persistent redness, and cases with pigmentation.

For deep scars or chronic burn scars that have been present for a long time, a method of stimulating damaged tissue and inducing regeneration by irradiating high-power laser deeply for a short time is used. If the scar is bumpy or the skin texture is altered, it can help to re-texture the altered skin.

A representative technique used here is the Pinhole Technique. The Pinhole Technique involves creating microscopic holes in the skin in a regular pattern to induce collagen regeneration and tissue remodeling simultaneously. Instead of widely abrading the scar, it draws out the skin's inherent regenerative power with microscopic stimulation, and is known for its relatively fast recovery. You may also find it helpful to refer to Mild Pinhole Treatment Information.

If redness persists for a long time after a burn, a laser that acts on vascular lesions is suitable. It selectively acts on red scars to help even out skin tone.

Early and chronic scars have different goals. Let's summarize them in the table below.

In the early stages, the goal is to remove redness and alleviate inflammation before the scar sets in, while in chronic cases, the approach is to restore skin texture and reconstruct sunken tissue.

Even after burn scar treatment, the skin may appear dull and uneven due to pigmentation. In such cases, combining laser toning to even out melanin pigment can help restore a more uniform skin tone. If pigmentation is also a concern, you may refer to Epidermal Pigment Removal.

Burns are common but easily leave scars. If left untreated as a simple wound, it can lead to greater skin deformities, so early diagnosis and treatment is a wise choice. If a surgical approach is necessary, Surgical Scar Revision may be considered.

Accurately identifying the depth and course of the scar and choosing the appropriate method for the condition is the starting point for recovery.

If you are curious about the condition of your burn scar or which treatment is right for you, please feel free to inquire using the button below.

Chief Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School; Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital; President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First Published 2025-07-30 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

The course and treatment response of burn scars may vary individually, and accurate assessment of the condition and treatment direction should be confirmed through medical consultation.