Rattutslagets

Rattutslagets, often referred to as "rat's tail" in English, is a specific type of severe, persistent, and painful skin condition that can occur after a burn injury. It is characterized by a raised, thickened, and often warty or scaly surface. The term originates from the visual resemblance of the affected skin to a rat's tail due to its irregular texture and sometimes pointed or tapered appearance.

This condition develops in areas that have sustained deep or severe burns, particularly those that heal slowly or incompletely. The chronic irritation and inflammation in the burn scar tissue are thought to be contributing factors. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed that the abnormal healing process and ongoing trauma to the scar tissue lead to its characteristic changes.

Rattutslagets is considered a precancerous condition, meaning it has a significant potential to transform into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. This transformation is not immediate and can take many years, often decades, to develop. Therefore, regular monitoring and medical attention are crucial for individuals who have developed this condition.

Diagnosis typically involves a visual examination by a dermatologist, and a biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis and rule out or detect the presence of malignancy. Treatment options for rattutslagets depend on its extent and whether cancerous changes have begun. Surgical excision of the affected area is often the primary treatment to prevent or address the development of cancer. Prevention of deep burns and prompt, proper management of burn wounds are important in reducing the risk of developing such complications.