Skin burns

General
1

@HowicuredAI is there any way for skin with large burn scars to return to its original appearance?

2

@HowicuredAI is there any way for skin with large burn scars to return to its original appearance?

3

Briefly: unfortunately, with large burn scars the skin almost never returns 100% to its “original” appearance and structure. However, it can often be significantly improved – smoothed, softened, lightened, with reduced contractures and pain/itching.

Below is what follows from books and from conventional medicine.

1. What the “books” behind the forum say (natural approach)

In several books on which this forum is based, burns and scars are treated as:

  • an effect of general “toxicity / acidosis” of the body, which hinders healing and skin regeneration
  • a problem that can be partially reversed by:
    • cleansing the body (fasts, raw diet, herbs)
    • improving circulation and tissue nourishment
    • supporting the skin from the inside (liver, intestines) and from the outside (compresses, ointments)

Example topics from the books:

  1. “Nature’s Pharmacy: Evidence-Based Alternatives to Drugs – Balch / in.”

    • Discusses burns and skin healing.
    • Emphasizes the role of:
      • vitamin C, E, zinc, amino acids (proline, lysine) in collagen rebuilding
      • aloe vera, calendula, honey as agents that accelerate healing and reduce scarring
    • Points out that with major burns medical care is always necessary, and natural remedies are an addition.

  2. Books on detoxification / raw diet (e.g. “Raw Eating – Arshavir Ter‑Hovannessian”, “The Detox Miracle Sourcebook – Robert Morse”)

    • Claim that:
      • cleansing (fasts, raw plant‑based diet, herbs for liver and kidneys) improves skin quality and healing
      • the skin is a “mirror” of the intestines and liver – the cleaner the body, the better the regeneration
    • Describe cases of improvement in various skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, scars), but do not promise complete disappearance of large burn scars – rather:
      • smoothing
      • lightening
      • better elasticity

  3. “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine – Burns”

    • For burns and scars lists:
      • aloe vera, honey, calendula, St. John’s wort as remedies supporting healing
      • scar massage with oils (e.g. rosehip oil, vitamin E)
    • Notes that with hypertrophic / keloid scars natural methods have limited effectiveness and often need to be combined with conventional medicine.

Summary from the “books”:

  • It is possible to improve the appearance and function of a scar (color, softness, elasticity).
  • There is no honest natural method that guarantees a 1:1 return of the skin to its pre‑burn state, especially in deep and extensive burns.

2. What conventional medicine says

For large burn scars a combination of methods is used:

  1. Physiotherapy and early care (very important!)

    • systematic massaging of the scar (after the wound has fully healed)
    • pressure (special pressure garments) – reduces scar hypertrophy
    • moisturizing (ointments, creams) – improves elasticity

  2. Topical treatment

    • silicone gels and sheets – standard for hypertrophic scars
    • corticosteroid ointments (short‑term) for very active, red, itchy scars

  3. Procedures

    • fractional laser – smooths the surface, evens out color
    • microneedling – stimulates collagen remodeling
    • steroid injections – for keloids / hypertrophic scars
    • plastic / reconstructive surgery – for very large scars, contractures, deformities

  4. Realistic expectations

    • The goal is to:
      • reduce the visibility of the scar
      • improve mobility (if there are contractures)
      • reduce pain / itching
    • Even after the best procedures the skin is usually not identical to how it was before the injury.

3. What you can realistically do (in short)

This is not medical advice, but a general outline of options:

  1. Absolutely see a dermatologist / plastic surgeon

    • preferably one with experience in burn scars
    • ask specifically about:
      • silicone sheets/gels
      • laser / microneedling
      • whether surgery makes sense in your case

  2. At home / natural methods (as an addition, not instead of a doctor):

    • gentle, daily scar massage (after full healing) with:
      • rosehip oil, jojoba oil, calendula oil
      • vitamin E can be added (if there is no allergic reaction)
    • taking care of the whole body:
      • a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, healthy fats (omega‑3)
      • avoiding smoking, excess sugar – these worsen healing
    • sun protection (SPF 50 on the scar) – the sun strongly fixes discoloration

  3. Mindset

    • with large scars the goal is “maximum improvement”, not “magically turning back time”
    • the earlier after the burn you start sensible scar therapy, the better the results (but even old scars can sometimes be improved).

If you want, in the next post you can write:

  • where exactly the scars are,
  • how long ago the burn occurred,
  • whether there have already been any procedures / ointments.

Then I can describe more specifically which options (from the above) are usually considered in similar situations.

4

@HowicuredAI and what can be done with a scar a few years after a burn?

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With scars a few years after a burn, you can still do something, but the goal is improvement, not “erasing” the scar. I’ll sum up what follows from books, the forum, and conventional medicine.

1. What the books from the forum say

In the “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 3rd Edition – Burns”, post‑burn scars are described as follows:

  • after deeper burns, healing is slow and scars are typical and can limit movement
  • natural methods are an addition to medical treatment, especially in extensive burns
  • as support (also for older scars) they mention:
    • aloe (Aloe vera) – gel on the skin, soothes, supports regeneration
    • calendula (Calendula officinalis) – ointments/compresses, speeds healing, softens tissues
    • St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) – oil/ointment for neuralgia and nerve damage in the skin
    • vitamin E oils, rosehip oil – scar massage, improves elasticity
    • internal support: protein, vitamins A, C, E, zinc, omega‑3 fatty acids – important for collagen and regeneration

From books on detox and raw diet (e.g. “The Detox Miracle Sourcebook – Robert Morse”, “Raw Eating – Arshavir Ter‑Hovannessian”) it follows that:

  • improving diet, cleansing the body, working on the intestines and liver can:
    • improve the general condition of the skin
    • partially smooth and lighten old lesions
  • but the authors do not promise the disappearance of large, old post‑burn scars – rather:
    • better softness
    • slightly better colour
    • less itching / discomfort

Summary from the books:

  • with scars that are several years old you can still work on:
    • elasticity
    • colour
    • thickenings / “nodules”
  • but a full return to the skin from before the injury is unlikely, especially with deep burns.

2. What conventional medicine says about old scars

Even after a few years, the following are still used:

  1. Massage and care

    • daily, fairly intensive scar massage (after complete healing, which in your case has already happened)
    • using:
      • a neutral moisturising cream
      • oil (e.g. rosehip, jojoba, calendula, vitamin E – if it doesn’t cause allergy)
    • goal: softening, breaking adhesions, improving blood supply

  2. Silicone (gels / sheets)

    • even with older hypertrophic/keloid scars, silicone gels and sheets can:
      • flatten the scar
      • reduce redness and itching
    • this requires months of regular use (several hours a day).

  3. Procedural / aesthetic treatments
    Depending on the type of scar (flat, hypertrophic, keloid, contracture):

    • fractional laser (CO₂, Er:YAG)
      • smooths the surface, evens out colour
      • usually a series of treatments (e.g. 3–6+), gradual effects
    • microneedling (microneedling, dermapen)
      • stimulates collagen remodelling
      • can improve the structure and elasticity of even old scars
    • steroid injections (e.g. triamcinolone)
      • for hypertrophic / keloid scars – flatten, reduce hardness and itching
    • plastic / reconstructive surgery
      • for very large, deforming scars or contractures
      • sometimes the old scar is excised and the skin is “rearranged”, sometimes with a skin graft

  4. Realistic effects after years

    • you can:
      • flatten and soften the scar
      • improve range of motion (if there are contractures)
      • reduce pain / itching
      • improve colour (less red / dark)
    • but “skin like new” after several years – practically no.

3. What you can do now (practically)

This is not medical advice, but a typical plan that is considered:

  1. Visit a scar specialist

    • dermatologist or plastic surgeon experienced in post‑burn scars
    • it’s worth asking specifically:
      • is your scar: flat, hypertrophic, keloid, with contracture?
      • does it make sense to use:
        • silicone (gel/sheets)
        • fractional laser
        • microneedling
        • steroid injections
        • surgical procedure

  2. At home / natural (as support)

    • daily scar massage (a few minutes, 1–2× a day) with:
      • rosehip / calendula / jojoba oil
      • optionally a vitamin E capsule squeezed into the oil (test on a small area of skin)
    • diet and supplementation supporting the skin (according to the “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine – Burns”):
      • protein (amino acids for collagen)
      • vitamin C, E, zinc, omega‑3 (from food or supplements – preferably after consultation)
    • sun protection:
      • SPF 50 on the scar all year round, because the sun fixes discolouration and worsens the appearance

If you want, write:

  • where the scar is (face, hand, joint, etc.),
  • roughly how big it is,
  • whether it is raised/hard or rather flat,
  • whether anything has already been done (ointments, procedures).

On this basis I can write more “for your specific case” which of the above methods are usually the most reasonable.

6

@HowicuredAI deep burn of 60% of the body (from the front – face, arms, legs) caused by the explosion of a bio-fireplace at home

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With such an extensive, deep burn (60% of the front of the body, face, hands, legs), we’re talking about a very serious injury, so the possibilities and goals are a bit different than with a small pinpoint scar. I’ll base this on what I found in the books from the forum and in conventional medicine.

What I’m writing does not replace a consultation with a doctor / plastic surgeon, but it can help you organize the topic.

1. What follows from the books from the forum

a) Encyclopedias and the “natural” approach

The “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 3rd Edition – Burns” emphasizes for severe burns:

  • for deep burns and skin grafts:
    • scars are extensive, often hypertrophic, and can cause contractures and limited movement
    • natural methods are only a complement to specialist treatment
  • as long‑term support (also for old scars):
    • aloe (Aloe vera) – soothing, moisturizing gel, but with such a large area rather locally, not over the whole body at once
    • calendula (Calendula) – ointments/oils that soften, improve healing and elasticity
    • vitamin E oils, rosehip oil – scar massage, improving elasticity, partial evening of color
    • St. John’s wort (Hypericum) – for nerve pain, skin hypersensitivity
    • internally: protein, vitamins A, C, E, zinc, omega‑3 fatty acids – important for collagen remodeling and skin regeneration

Conclusions from this book:

  • with such extensive scars there is no question of “reversing” everything, but:
    • you can improve elasticity, color, reduce thickening,
    • reduce itching, pain, hypersensitivity.

b) “Detox / raw food / regeneration” books

From titles such as:

  • “The Detox Miracle Sourcebook – Robert Morse”
  • “Raw Eating – Arshavir Ter‑Hovannessian”
  • other books on cleansing and regeneration

a common theme emerges:

  • improving the diet (lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, limiting processed food, sugar, trans fats) + working on the intestines and liver:
    • improves the general condition of the skin,
    • can partially smooth, lighten and soften old scars,
  • the authors describe cases of skin improvement after serious illnesses, but:
    • they do not promise the disappearance of extensive post‑burn scars,
    • rather: better comfort, less stiffness, better appearance “overall”.

Summary from the books:

  • with 60% of body surface:
    • realistic goal: improving quality of life (mobility, comfort, appearance), not “new skin”.
    • diet, herbs, oils, massages – as long‑term support.

2. What conventional medicine says about such extensive, old scars

With 3rd‑degree burns and skin grafts, after years one usually considers:

1) Rehabilitation and physiotherapy (crucial at 60%)

  • daily stretching and exercises:
    • to prevent and reduce contractures (especially at joints: elbows, knees, shoulders, neck)
  • burn‑specialized physiotherapist:
    • shows specific exercises, positioning, sometimes orthoses/splints
  • this is often the most important element – because it determines whether you will have a fuller range of motion.

2) Skin care and massage

  • with such a large area:
    • the skin is usually thin, dry, not very elastic, easily cracked
  • it is recommended:
    • daily moisturizing/oiling (emollient creams, oils – e.g. jojoba, rosehip, calendula, sometimes with added urea)
    • scar massage:
      • circular, pressing movements, “rolling” the skin between the fingers
      • 1–2× a day, for several to a dozen minutes on key areas (joints, face, the hardest areas)

3) Silicone (gels / sheets)

  • for hypertrophic, hard, raised scars:
    • silicone gels and sheets can:
      • flatten scars,
      • reduce redness and itching.
  • with 60% of the body:
    • rather locally – e.g. on the most problematic areas (face, neck, joint flexures),
    • this requires months of regular use.

4) Specialist procedures

Depending on what specific areas look like:

  • fractional laser (CO₂, Er:YAG):
    • improves texture, smooths, partially evens out color,
    • usually a series of treatments, gradual effects.
  • microneedling (microneedling, dermapen):
    • stimulates collagen remodeling,
    • can improve elasticity and appearance even of old scars.
  • steroid injections:
    • for very hard, raised scars (keloids, hypertrophic scars),
    • flatten them, reduce pain and itching.
  • plastic / reconstructive surgery:
    • for large contractures, deformities, functional problems (e.g. eyelids, lips, fingers),
    • sometimes parts of the scar are excised, grafts or skin flaps are done.

5) Sun protection

  • with burns of the face and front of the body:
    • SPF 50 on exposed areas all year round,
    • because the sun:
      • fixes discoloration,
      • can worsen the appearance of scars,
      • increases the risk of skin cancers on damaged areas.

3. What you can realistically do – in points

  1. Specialist consultation

    • ideally: plastic / burn surgeon + dermatologist + physiotherapist.
    • questions:
      • where are the biggest problems: movement, pain, appearance?
      • which areas qualify for:
        • laser,
        • microneedling,
        • intralesional steroids,
        • possible reconstructive procedures?

  2. Daily care (at home)

    • 1–2× a day:
      • moisturizing/oiling (emollient + possibly rosehip / calendula oil),
      • scar massage (especially around joints, on the face – more gently).
    • for the face:
      • very important UV protection.

  3. Support “from the inside” (according to the “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine – Burns”)

    • take care of:
      • adequate protein intake (tissue regeneration),
      • vitamin C, E, A, zinc, omega‑3 – from diet, and supplements preferably after consultation.
    • if the scars are very dry, cracking:
      • pay attention to hydration and fats in the diet (omega‑3, good vegetable oils).

  4. Lifestyle / “detox” from books like Morse, Raw Eating

    • if you feel close to this approach:
      • more fresh fruits and vegetables,
      • less processed food, sugar, alcohol, frying,
      • gut support (fiber, fermented products if you tolerate them).
    • goal: improving the overall condition of the skin and body, not a “magic disappearance” of scars.

4. Realistic expectations with 60% deep burns

Based on the books and medicine:

  • possible:
    • improved range of motion (with good rehabilitation),
    • softening and partial flattening of scars,
    • reduced itching, pain, hypersensitivity,
    • partial evening of color, smoothing of texture.
  • unlikely:
    • return of the skin to its pre‑accident state,
    • complete “erasure” of scars over such a large area.

If you want, you can specify:

  • how many years have passed since the burn,
  • whether your biggest problem is:
    • movement (contractures),
    • pain / itching,
    • appearance (e.g. face),
  • whether any procedures have already been done (laser, surgery, steroids).

On this basis I can write more specifically which methods usually give the most in a situation similar to yours.

The above information comes from:

  • “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 3rd Edition – Burns”
  • “The Detox Miracle Sourcebook – Robert Morse”
  • “Raw Eating – Arshavir Ter‑Hovannessian”
    and from current conventional medical guidelines on the treatment of post‑burn scars.
8

@HowicuredAI and is it somehow possible to clone your own skin and use it for a transplant?

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Yes, in a sense you can “clone” your own skin – but it’s not a simple, one‑off procedure. It’s a set of different techniques, some of which are standard, and some still experimental.

I’ll base this on:

  • “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 3rd Edition – Burns”
  • current descriptions of skin graft methods in conventional medicine
    (books from detox/raw food forums practically don’t cover this topic).

1. What is already standard (used in burn units)

  1. Classic autologous skin grafts (autografts)

    • Your healthy skin is taken from other areas (e.g. back, buttocks, thighs),
    • often in the form of a mesh graft – a net that can be “stretched” to cover a larger area,
    • this is not cloning, just “moving” skin from one place to another.

  2. Tissue expansion

    • a balloon is implanted under healthy skin and gradually filled with fluid,
    • the skin above it stretches and after a few weeks/months:
      • it can be used as additional material for grafting,
    • this is also not cloning, but a mechanical way of “producing” more of your own skin.

2. What is closer to “cloning” – culturing your own skin cells

Here we get to what you’re asking about:

  1. Cultured keratinocytes (cultured epithelial autografts, CEA)

    • from a small piece of your healthy skin, epidermal cells are taken,
    • in the lab they are multiplied on special substrates,
    • after 2–3 weeks, thin “sheets” of epidermis are obtained that can be grafted onto wounds.
    • advantages:
      • from a small biopsy you can cover a very large area (important in 60% burns),
    • disadvantages:
      • these grafts are very delicate, easily damaged,
      • they heal more slowly, complications are more common,
      • cosmetic and functional results are often worse than with classic grafts,
      • availability: only in specialized centers, expensive.

  2. Cultured cells + “scaffold” (bioengineered skin)

    • in some centers they combine:
      • your skin cells (keratinocytes, fibroblasts),
      • with a synthetic or biological “skeleton” (collagen, other materials),
    • the goal is to create something closer to full‑thickness skin (epidermis + part of dermis),
    • this is more advanced tissue engineering, still largely:
      • in clinical trials,
      • with limited availability,
      • at high cost.

3. Full “skin cloning” – like in the movies?

  • In the sense of: “grow in the lab a thick, fully functional, elastic 1:1 skin and just put it on the body” – as of today this is not routine clinical practice.
  • There is research on:
    • 3D printing of skin from a patient’s own cells,
    • more complex “skins” with blood vessels,
  • but this is still mainly research projects, not standard treatment available to an everyday patient.

4. What this means in practice for someone with 60% burns

  1. Yes – your own skin cells can be used to “multiply” material for grafts, but:

    • this requires:
      • access to a specialized burn/reconstructive center,
      • time (cell culture takes weeks),
      • high costs (often not fully reimbursed, depends on country/system).

  2. Even with these methods:

    • you do not get “normal” skin like before the accident,
    • the goals are:
      • wound closure,
      • improvement of function (movement, protection, fewer wounds/abrasions),
      • partial improvement of appearance,
    • later, you usually still need:
      • reconstructive procedures,
      • laser therapy, microneedling, physiotherapy, massage.

If you want, you can write:

  • which country you’re in,
  • how long it’s been since the burn,
  • whether any grafts/reconstructions have already been done.

On that basis I can suggest which specific techniques and centers to ask your doctors about (e.g. whether cultured autologous cell grafts are available in your health system).