Objective: To examine the impact in young people on self esteem, behaviour, body image, peer relationships and family function, of using a new product to cover mature scars from burns.
Methods: 20 young people with a range of severity of burn and a variety of placement of burn scars were randomised to the Microskin use group or to waitlist. Assessments on a range of variables were taken on entry to the study and at 6 weeks after usage began.
Results: Remarkable improvements are reported in self-esteem, behaviours, body image, peer relationships and family function as well as social behaviour,
Conclusions and implications for discussion: This remarkable new product appears to be able to assist young people to come to terms with permanent mature scars from burns. Reductions in social anxiety, as well as surprising improvements in a range of internal psychological functioning, and family dynamics suggest that the product should be made more easily available, Further studies are planned to support the current evidence from the pilot study.
