Quantifying collagen type in mature burn scars: a novel approach using histology and digital image analysis

Using Herovici staining and digital image analysis, we have studied the collagen subtype and fiber orientation in mature burn scars. These techniques have shown mature burn scars to have increased type I/type III collagen ratios compared with normal skin. Additionally, the collagen orientation of burn scars has been shown to be thickened, tightly packed, and lacking the "basket weave" appearance of normal skin specimens. These techniques allow the differentiation of type I collagen from type III collagen, the assessment of collagen orientation, and the analysis of scar architecture in terms of epidermis and papillary/reticular dermis contribution. These findings are important clinically because collagen subtype and fiber orientation may predict future scar activity. Any attempt to modify the scarring process can be directly measured and compared using this easily reproducible technique.