Postburn sequelae in the pediatric patient: Clinical presentations and treatment options

Each year, more and more children acquire burns that require serious medical attention. A vast number of these burns lead to permanent disfigurement and long-term disability. As health care providers, focus should not only be on the immediate treatment, but also on the long-term outcome of these burns and the required rehabilitation that these burn patients must go through. During the rehabilitation phase of the burn, focus should be placed on how to prevent and treat several sequelae that include hypertrophic scarring, keloids, contractures, heterotopic ossification, leukoderma, and pruritus. One must also use a multidisciplinary team approach to help reintegrate the patient back into their environment.