Acute burns
Information for patients, parents and their carers. When you have been seen by one of the team and can go home. Here is some advice to help you.
General advice
Unless we advise otherwise, keep all your child’s dressings dry and intact until their appointment. This means avoiding baths, as it is very hard to keep dressings dry when bathing children.
Protein is very good for wound healing—we suggest high protein drinks and a high protein diet where possible. Examples of protein include milky drinks, cheese, fish, eggs, yoghurt and meat.
Often children do not feel like eating when they have a burn injury—do not worry, just continue with fluids.
Pain
You can give them regular painkillers if you think they are in discomfort. This can be either paracetamol or ibuprofen, please follow the instructions on the side of the bottle. If you are coming back to have a dressing change we suggest you administer paracetamol an hour before you appointment.
Concerns
If your child exhibits any of the following signs/symptoms:
- Fever (above 38°C)
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Not drinking
- Not having wet nappies/not passing as much urine as normal
- ‘Not well’/‘not themselves’
You need to see a doctor immediately or return to your local accident and emergency department.
Scarring
It depends on the size, location and depth of the burn, as well as age and skin type. Minor burns which heal within two weeks are unlikely to cause long term scaring. Following deeper burn injuries, scar formation and maturation may take up to two years.
Scar massage
Healed wounds tend to be dry, tight and hard. This can limit movement and make the skin uncomfortable. Scar massage can help treat this. Non perfumed moisturiser should be applied at least three times daily to healed skin due to the damage to natural oil secreting glands. The cream should be massaged in with firm, deep, circular motions.
Sun exposure
Newly healed skin is sensitive to sun. People should avoid unnecessary sun exposure as much as possible after a burn injury. The burned area should be covered with clothing and a high protection factor sun block should be applied.
Washing
Once the wound is fully healed people can wash as normal although newly healed skin may be sensitive to extremes of temperature. A mild non-perfumed soap will minimise sensitivities. Ensure the skin has been adequately cleansed to avoid build-up of moisturising cream.
Itching
Itching is a common problem after healing. Occasionally it is severe and interferes with sleep and results in recurrent wound breakdown due to scratching. It is important to avoid scratching. Cooling the skin, applying non-perfumed cream or massaging can be helpful. Medication such as antihistamines may be needed for persistent disruptive itching.
If you are coming back to have a dressing changed or going to your GP please give your child paracetamol an hour before your appointment.