Complete Guide to Post-Burn Care and Recovery

A. Daily Wound Care Routine

Step 1: Preparation

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and      water before touching the burn.
• Gather supplies: clean towels, prescribed      ointment, gauze, tape.
• Find a clean, well-lit area for dressing changes.

Step 2: Cleaning the Burn

• Remove old dressing carefully -      soak with saline if stuck.
• Gently clean the burn with saline      or lukewarm water
• Pat dry with a clean towel - do not rub.
• Inspect the wound for signs of healing or infection.

Step 3: Apply Treatment

• Apply prescribed ointment (such as silver      sulfadiazine/Mebo/Bactroban(mupirocin) in a thin layer.
• Cover with bactigrass, Then gauze pad.
• Secure with bandage wrap or medical      tape.
• Change dressing daily or twice daily      if heavily draining.

Step 3: After healing

· To avoid drying and cracking, moisturize use a non-perfumed water-based cream, like CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion/Aquaphor/Cetaphil moisturizer healing ointment/Aloe Pura/ Vaseline Aloe.

· Apply a thin layer twice a day

· Coconut oil may also be used.

B. Pain Management

Medications

• Take prescribed pain medications as directed.
• Maxigesic 650 mg every 6 hourly Ibuprofen 400mg every 8 hours OR Paracetamol 1000mg every 6 hours
• Do not exceed recommended doses.
• Take with food to prevent stomach upset.
• Take Pantop 40 mg once a day, 1      hour before a meal, if      advised.

Non-medication pain relief

• Cool compress for 10-15      minutes (not ice directly on skin)
• Elevation of burned limbs      above heart level when possible
• Loose, soft clothing to avoid friction.

C. Antibiotics as advised.

• Augmentin/others as adv

D. Supportive as advised.

• B complex
• Vitamin C
• Serodase (serratiopeptidase) 

What to Expect During Healing

First Week

• Pain may increase initially, then gradually decrease.
• Some swelling and redness around the burn is normal.
• Clear or light-yellow drainage is expected.
• Itching may begin as healing starts.

Second Week

• New pink skin may appear at edges.
• Decreased pain and drainage.
• Continued itching - avoid scratching.
• Some peeling of surrounding      skin is normal.

Weeks 2-4

• Gradual closure of the wound
• New skin may be pink or red - this will      fade over time.
• Reduced dressing changes as healing      progresses

Activity Guidelines

What You CAN Do

• Light activities as tolerated.
• Gentle range of motion exercises to      prevent stiffness
• Normal bathing - keep burn      area dry or follow specific instructions.
• Return to work/school when      comfortable, avoiding activities that may injure the healing burn.

What to AVOID

• Direct sunlight on the healing      burn for at least 6 months
• Tight clothing or jewellery      over the burn area
• Swimming or soaking the burn in      water until fully healed.
• Picking or scratching at the healing      burn
• Applying ice directly to the      burn

Nutrition for Healing

Eat plenty of:

• Protein: Lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, nuts
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits,      berries, leafy greens
• Zinc: Meat, dairy, whole grains
• Stay hydrated: 8-10 glasses      of water daily.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact Doctor IMMEDIATELY if you notice:

• Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)
• Increasing redness that spreads      beyond the burn area.
• Red streaks extending from      the burn.
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge
• Increased pain after initial      improvement
• Signs of poor circulation: Blue or very      pale skin, numbness

Schedule a Follow-up Visit if:

• No improvement after 48-72      hours
• Wound appears deeper than initially thought.
• Difficulty moving joints near the      burn.
• Concerns about healing or appearance

Follow-Up Care Schedule

Required Appointments

• 2-3 days after initial treatment/as advised.
• 1 week for wound assessment
• 2 weeks to monitor healing progress.
• As needed based on  healing rate.

Scar Prevention and Management

During Healing

• Keep the wound moist with prescribed      ointments.
• Avoid sun exposure - use SPF 30+,      preferably 50+ sunscreen once healed.
• Gentle massage once wound is      closed (after 2-3 weeks)

After Healing

• Continue sun protection for 12-18 months.
• Use moisturizers daily on healed      skin.
• Consider silicone gel sheets /scar treatment      as adv by Dr.
• Physical therapy if movement is limited.

Special Considerations

For Burns on Hands/Feet

• Extra attention to keeping      fingers/toes moving.
• Elevate when resting to reduce swelling.
• Wear loose socks/gloves if recommended.

For Burns on Joints

• Gentle stretching exercises as instructed.
• Avoid prolonged immobilization.
• Follow physical therapy recommendations.

For Children

• Supervise all wound care.
• Use distraction techniques during dressing      changes.
• Monitor for signs they can't communicate.
• Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching.

Remember

• Healing takes time - most burns      <10% heal within 2-4 weeks.
• Follow instructions carefully for best outcomes.
• Don't hesitate to discuss/call with questions      or concerns.
• Take photos of the healing      process if requested.
• Keep all follow-up appointments even if feeling      better.

Important: These instructions are for burns less than 10% TBSA without complications. Always follow your specific healthcare provider's instructions, which may differ based on your individual situation.