HOME CARE

INSTRUCTIONS
FOR BURNS
 HOME CARE
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR BURNS • Wash involved areas with mild soap. Avoid
perfumed soaps as they may cause irritation.
Make sure to gently wash involved area
thoroughly as excess buildup (i.e.: drainage or
dead skin) may result in skin breakdown.
SIGNS OF INFECTIONS
AFTER A BURN
• Observe the wound for any signs of infection. These
include: swelling, redness, foul odor, green or
yellow drainage from the wound, warmth at the site
of swelling and redness, fever. Please see a
physician if you notice any of these signs.
 • Mycitracin

• Vigilon

• Xeroform
APPLY • Silvadene: Cover with gauze and keep clean

DRESSINGS and dry. In the evening apply a layer of

Silvadene over your dressing; wrap with
gauze.
 APLLY DRESSINGS 

1 2 3 4 5
Thoroughly wash Run cool, not cold, Use a mild soap and Apply an antibiotic Wrap the affected
hands using water over the water to cleanse ointment if there is area loosely with
antibacterial soap wounded area to affected area  no opening of the sterile gauze to
reduce pain and skin avoid agitation
swelling
 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Avoid Avoid trauma to involved areas as this skin is sensitive and delicate.

Avoid Avoid exposure to sun, and to extreme hot and cold temperatures.

When outside, use a #15 or greater sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Apply 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply every 30
Use minutes if perspiring.

Keep Keep the involved area elevated as much as possible--this will relieve some discomfort and reduce the swelling to the affected area.

Talk Itching may be a problem; if present, talk with the doctor, who may prescribe a medication to help you.

Do not drive Do not drive until you are pain free.

 • Pain Medication may be prescribed.

• Take 30 to 45 minutes prior to dressing

PRESCRIPTIONS changes or scheduled appointment on the

RELATED TO Burn Unit.

BURN CARE • Antibiotics may be prescribed; take as

directed.
DIET

• Resume your usual diet.

• Eat a well-balanced diet.

If the following occurs contact a physician:

• Temperature over 38.0° C or 100.4° F.

• Signs of wound infection.

• Sudden onset of severe, unusual pain, nausea, vomiting.

• Bleeding from wound site.

 • Treatment overview

• Acute phase (Resuscitation, dressing changes, pain

control).
BURNS, MEDICO-
• Skin grafting (auto and homografting)
LEGAL
• Physical and occupational therapy
CONSIDERATION
• Psychological and psychiatric intervention
S
• Rehabilitation (in and out patient)

• Pressure garments, silicone, inserts, face masks

BURNS, MEDICO-LEGAL
CONSIDERATIONS
• Back to work issues • Child abuse and case examples

• Permanent and temporary disabilities • Elder abuse and case examples

• Common complaints • Product liability and case examples

• Sunlight exposure • Personal injury and case examples

• Support groups • Medical-malpractice and case

• Burn camps examples

THANK YOU!