Burn contractures
What are burn contractures?
Burn contractures are deformities resulting from severe burns. A contracture scar is a permanent tightening of the skin that may affect the underlying muscles and tendons and can cause reduced mobility or contractures of joints that limit mobility. Burn contractures are common in African countries where people cook, warm themselves or sleep by open fires.
What causes burn contractures?
Burn contractures develop when joints are bent or body parts touch each other during the healing process of the skin.
What cures burn contractures?
Plastic surgery helps to release contractures and scarring of skin around the joints. Skin transplantation is done where burns are severe. In other cases, where burns have destroyed fingers or thumbs, reconstructive surgery is done to return the use of the hand. In the majority of cases, physiotherapy exercises and/ or splinting is needed to regain the lost function.
What prevents burn contractures?
Severe burn contractures and keeping joints straight while the burn heals can prevent scarring of skin. The use of sterile cloth pads with Vaseline prevents the scarring together of skin between the fingers and toes. To prevent burns, small children should be kept away from open fires. It is recommended that matches and explosives are kept well out of reach of children.
