Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS)
4-item clinical scar assessment tool evaluating vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and height. Total score 0–13; higher score = worse scar. Used to assess burn scars, surgical scars, and response to treatment (silicone gel, pressure garments, laser therapy).
Score interpretation
0 = normal skin; higher totals mean a more abnormal scar. There are no validated VSS severity cut-offs.
→ Treat by the scar's features, not a VSS threshold: sun protection, moisturiser and massage; silicone gel sheeting (12 hours/day for ≥3 months) for immature or hypertrophic scars; pressure garments for burn scars; refer to plastic surgery or dermatology for hypertrophic or keloid scars (intralesional corticosteroids, fractional laser); urgent surgical input if a contracture limits function. Re-score to track change.
Interpretation bands for the Vancouver Scar Scale. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Sullivan T et al. Rating the burn scar. J Burn Care Rehabil. 1990;11(3):256–260.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Triamcinolone Acetonide (Intralesional — Keloid/Scar) · Corticosteroid — Intralesional Scar Treatment
- 5-Fluorouracil (Intralesional — Keloid/Scar) · Antimetabolite — Intralesional Scar Treatment
- Silver Sulfadiazine 1% Cream · Topical antimicrobial / Burn wound dressing
- Mafenide Acetate 5% · Topical antibacterial (sulfonamide derivative) — deep burn wounds
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol — Topical Scar Management) · Topical Nutritional / Scar Management
- Silicone Gel / Sheeting (Scar Management) · Medical Device / Topical Scar Treatment
- Suspicious Pigmented Lesion — Melanoma Pathway · NICE NG14 2015 / BAD
- Cellulitis and Erysipelas · NICE NG141 2019 / CREST
- Psoriasis — Severity Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG153 2019 / BAD
- Atopic Eczema — Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG95 2023
- Urticaria and Angioedema · BSACI / EAACI Guidelines 2022
- Acne Vulgaris — Grading and Treatment · NICE NG198 2021 / BAD
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.