If you have a burn that requires you to be a patient with the UofL Health – Outpatient Burn Clinic, here are some tips to properly care for your burn at home.
It is important to follow the dressing change instructions the Outpatient Burn Clinic team gives you. Clean your burns with each dressing change.
Dressing Change
Follow dressing change instructions as given by burn clinic team.
How do I Clean My Burns?
- To clean your burns, use a mild soap, such as baby soap, until your wounds have healed. You may use clean water if soaps are irritating. To clean wounds let water run over or pat the area. Use a clean washcloth for each wound. Shower or take a sponge bath only.
- Do not take a tub bath. Submerging your body in water while you have open wounds can spread bacteria from other areas of the body into your open wounds.
- Clean your burns/wounds with each dressing change.
How do I Prevent Infection?
- To prevent infection, clean wounds daily or as directed by your nurse or provider.
- Apply dressings as instructed. Keep open wounds covered until healed.
- Wash your hands before and after dressing changes.
- If you have pets, minimize your exposure to them until you are healed.
- Avoid contact with others who are sick or have infections.
- Do not swim in pools, lakes or other bodies of water until burns have healed.
- Check with your provider before returning to work.
What are the Signs of Infection?
Open burns/wounds are at a higher risk for infection. Infection can delay wound healing, increase scarring and lead to other potential complications. Please contact your Primary Care Provider or go to an emergency room if you experience any of the following:
- Increased pain that was once controlled.
- Foul odor of wounds.
- Increased wound drainage.
- Formation of pustules (small circular sore with yellow/white center) on or around the burn/wound.
- Redness and swelling around the burn/wound.
- Opening of wounds that had already healed or wounds that are not healing.
- Oral temperature of 100.5 F or greater.
Will There Be Changes in My Skin?
Once healed, your skin will continue to “remodel” and change over the next two years. Depending on the depth of your burn injury and your personal genetics, you may experience scarring, pigment changes, tightening of the skin, chronic pain and itching and sensitivity where you were burned. Skin that has been injured by a burn is weaker and may tear or blister more easily. Be kind to your skin and keep it protected. Talk to your provider if you have questions or concerns.
How do I Care for My Burn in the Sun?
For the first two years after your burns/wounds have healed, your skin will be very sensitive to the sun and can easily burn. In some people, hypersensitivity to the sun may be permanent.
- Minimize sun exposure
- Keep your skin covered with long sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats.
- Wear 50 SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently per instructions on SPF container (at least every 2 hours if not more frequently).
How do I Control My Pain?
Burn injuries are painful. Your provider may have prescribed medication to treat your pain. To get the maximum benefit take your pain medication 30 to 60 minutes prior to dressing change, including burn clinic appointment. Take medications as prescribed by your provider. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking pain medication. Many pain medications contain Tylenol. Speak with your provider before adding Tylenol or Ibuprofen to your pain regimen.
How do I Prevent Swelling?
Elevation and compression can help decrease swelling and pain.
- Head and Neck Burns – Elevate your head with pillows or in recliner when sleeping.
- Hand or Arm Burns – Use pillows to raise above the level of the heart. ACE wraps or compression sleeves may also help decrease swelling (use if instructed by burn clinic team).
- Foot or Leg Burns – When sitting or in bed use pillows to lift legs. ACE wraps or compression sleeves may also decrease swelling (use if instructed by burn clinic team)
Should I Stretch and Move My Skin?
While your burn wounds are healing and for two years after your wounds have healed, stretching the injured skin is crucial. Your skin will tighten as it heals. You must exercise and stretch your burns to not lose function.
- Use your burned hand, arm or leg.
- Your therapist may give you range of motion (ROM) exercises to do at home. Please do these as instructed.
- If your burned skin is not stretched and exercised regularly, the tightness may lead to loss of function. Additional surgery may be required to correct these problems.
Smoking/Nicotine Use
If you smoke or use nicotine, we highly recommend stopping. It will delay healing of burns.
Diet
Good nutrition is required for proper wound healing. A high protein, high calorie diet is recommended. Take daily vitamins. Drink at least 8, 8 ounces of water a day. Some common protein rich foods are: Meat (beef, chicken, pork, fish), eggs, soy, dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt) and peanut butter.
Support Resources
Experiencing a burn related injury can be very emotionally stressful. Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop. Please do not be afraid to discuss your feelings with your provider, nurse, or burn social worker. We have multiple resources to aid in your recovery.
Important Contact Numbers
