What are burn contractures?
Burn contractures are mature, thick scars formed after sustaining a second or third-degree burn. When left untreated, the tissue tightens and contracts, limiting mobility in the affected limb.
What issues do children with burn contractures face?
LIMITED MOBILITY
Depending on where the scar tissue is located, children may have difficulty dressing, eating, walking, or playing.
STIGMA
Children can experience discrimination because of their visible scarring, leading to poor self-confidence.
ISOLATION
When children are limited physically and excluded from community life, they lack opportunities for a hopeful, successful future.
How does surgery change a child’s life?
- Mobility can be restored as tight, painful scarring is released.
- Children can walk, play, regain independence, confidence–and hope!
- Completing school becomes possible, leading to stability and new opportunities.
