Characterization of Dyschromic Hypertrophic Scar

Currently, there are limited prevention or treatments available for dyschromia in burn hypertrophic scars (HTSs). The limited available techniques involve transferring melanocytes from unaffected areas to the scar to adjust pigment. These techniques involve the creation of a donor site and do not utilize the cells that may already be present in scars. This study aims to confirm melanocyte presence in regions of hypo- and hyper- pigmented HTS. If melanocytes can be found in regions of hypopigmentation, these scars may be able to be treated in the future by pigmentation stimulators without the need for surgery. Additionally, if pigmentation specific molecules of interest can be found to be up-regulated in hyperpigmented scar, these may be able to be altered by a pharmacotherapy.