top of page

Burn Injury

Guidelines to help you care for the burn at home:

  • Drink plenty of fluids

  • Activity as tolerated or as directed by your doctor

  • Dress as normally as possible

  • Wash all new clothes before wearing if they will contact the burn area

  • White or light colored cotton clothing is best

  • If possible, do not wear clothes over the burn area

  • Itching is a normal occurrence as the skin heals. Try to prevent scratching. Apply Eucerin Cream or Vaseline to healed areas to lessen the itching and tight feeling.

  • Avoid direct sunlight for one year to any burned area, as burned areas will reburn easily and scar more. Always use sunscreen, especially on a previously burned area.

Care of the wound:

  • Clean wound daily using a mild soap

  • Use a clean washcloth and towel each time

  • Pat dry, do not rub

  • Use a clean table knife or Q-tip to carefully spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the burn. Cover with gauze; wrap as instructed.

Problems to report:

  • Increased pain or swelling

  • Redness

  • Temperature of 101 or higher

  • Yellow or green drainage from the wound

  • Irritated areas in the healed region of the burn

  • Contractures-this is a tightening of the skin in the area over a joint

bottom of page