Burn Wound aftercare

Keep the burn area clean. You may apply nothing, honey, or aloe to the burn. Cover with a sterile non-stick (Telfa) gauze. If you are dressing fingers or toes, wrap them so they are separated. Change dressing daily.

Before daily dressing change, soak area in warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt to 1 liter water) to loosen stuck bandages and soak off crusting areas. You can either rest the burned area in a tub, or soak a washcloth and apply it to the burned area. You may add 2 tablespoons of bleach to the water to protect against infection.

Do not break blisters. Fluid-filled blisters protect against infection. If blisters break, wash the area with mild soap and water, then apply honey or an antibiotic ointment.

Prop burned area higher than the rest of the body, if possible.

A tetanus booster shot is recommended for anyone who has not had one in the last 8-10 years. See your healthcare worker.

Burns may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color than the surrounding skin. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old— doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes.

Anesthetic creams or sprays are not recommended as they can provoke allergic reactions and may delay healing. Never put grease, lotions, or herbs other than aloe on a burn.

Follow-up with your regular healthcare worker.

Seek medical attention if any signs of infection develop:

  • Increased redness, pain, swelling or warmth.
  • Red streaking of the surrounding skin.
  • Pus draining from area (It's not pus if it has been less than a day.)
  • Tender lumps or swelling in your armpit, groin, or neck.
  • Foul odor from the area.
  • Generalized chills or fever over 37.5C (99.6°F).
  • No healing in 6 days.
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