How to Rid of Burn Scars Caused by a Heating Pad

Simple steps to reduce the appearance of scars left from minor burns.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Quality lotion
• An exfoliation pad, like a loufa, or fine foot stone.
• Patience

1. The obvious first step is: quit using heating pads. First of all they are terrible on skin because they usually get too hot. They can be dangerous if misused or used beyond their intended service life(most are). Correct the source of your pain instead of masking it with heat. If you are using heat to increase circulation as recommended by a physician, use it sparingly, and only as directed.
2. The discoloration, and dermal deformation caused by heating pads is the skins defensive reaction to an insult(heat). The darkening is the collection of melanin. The deformation is the thickening, and hardening of collagen, and connective tissues. The only way to get rid of them is for natural healing to occur. You need to promote circulation, nutrition, and stop further damage for this to occur.
3. Keep the area moisturize with a high quality vitamin E lotion. Use it copiously if you have naturally dry skin.
4. Use a mild exfoliant daily on the area to promote circulation, and remove dead skin. Remember to moisturize afterwards.
5. Massage is an excellent way to promote circulation, and over all well being, which accelerates all forms of healing.
6. Stress, and lack of sleep delay healing. Eat well, sleep well, and play well. Not just to reduce cosmetic disturbances, but to be healthy, and happy in every aspect of life.
7. Have patience, you didn't do all that damage overnight, and it will take much longer to heal than it did for the damage to occur. If the appearance is too disturbing, or after several months of taking proper care of the area has not reduced the appearance enough for you to be comfortable with, only then consider more drastic options with your dermatologist such as dermabrasion, or laser resurfacing, These procedures are expensive and not without risk, and should not be viewed as a quick, easy fix.

Tips & Warnings

• Never fall asleep on a heating pad.
• Throw the appliance away when the plastic inner cover becomes hard, or brittle.
• If you find yourself using one daily for chronic pain, consult a pain specialist, and correct the underlying problem, don't use a heating pad daily.