Pathophysiology of the Burn Scar

The document from January 1, 2018, examines the biological responses and healing processes of burn scars, comparing the healing of incisional wounds with primary closure to wounds that heal by secondary intention. It details the role of various cells and growth factors in the healing process and the potential for inducing hair follicle regeneration in burn scars. The document also explores the changes in collagen matrix formation, the impact of cytokines and growth factors, the biophysics of thermal injury, and factors that affect wound healing, such as nutrient deficiencies and blood supply. It discusses the standard treatment of early excision and grafting, the complications of wound infection, and the development of hypertrophic scars, which may regress over time or require surgical intervention. The document differentiates hypertrophic scars from keloids and concludes that hypertrophic scarring represents an abnormal regulation of wound healing, with ongoing research needed to develop effective treatments.