Facial Burns
Date issued: November 2024
For review: November 2026
Ref: C-601/DG/Plastic surgery/Facial Burns
PDF: Facial burns.pdf[pdf] 184KB
Step 1: Washing your face
1. It is essential that you always wash and dry your hands prior to starting to care for your facial burn.
2. Your injury may be tender, it is important to plan your pain relief around washing and moisturising
3. Use a mild non-perfumed soap to cleanse affected areas and gently remove dried cream and dead skin. You may do this in the shower.
4. Pat dry using a clean towel.
Men should shave daily if possible as hair follicles can harbour bacteria and can increase infection.
Step 2: Applying cream
Apply a thin layer of soft paraffin ointment to wet, unhealed burns. Repeat this treatment at least twice a day, but as many times as necessary.
Once burns are dry you no longer need to apply the soft paraffin to these areas. Instead apply a non-perfumed moisturiser, following steps 1 to 4 twice a day.
Your facial burn may appear red in appearance for some weeks after the injury.
If your burn is deeper, healing may be delayed and take longer than two weeks. The team should follow you up if this is the case.
Please note soft paraffin ointment is a flammable product; do not expose your face to naked flames and it should never be applied in the presence of flammable gases such as home oxygen. Please tell us if you smoke so we can give you an alternative treatment.
Facial Swelling
After sustaining a facial burn the body will respond with increased facial swelling to lips, cheeks and eyes. It tends to be worst at 48 hours but will settle down after this. To reduce swelling, it is important to position yourself in an upright position using pillows for support.
Eye Care
Facial swelling may affect the eyes and cause irritation or dryness. It is important to keep your eyes moist and clean. Eye drops may be necessary. Please contact the team if your eyes are gritting, drying or you have a new problem with your vision.
Ear Care
If you have burns to your ears, it is important to keep them clean and moist using steps 1 and 2. If you develop increasing pain and redness, this may be an early sign of infection and may need medical attention.
Pain Relief
Facial burns can be painful. Ensure you take regular pain relief. If you develop increasing pain this can be an early sign of infection and may need medical attention.
Care in the sun
Following a facial burn, it is important to protect the skin. Total sun block (UVB Factor 50 with 5-star UVA sun protection) needs to be applied as the burned skin is more susceptible to further damage including sunburn and altered pigment. Use a hat and reduce sun exposure. Precautions need to be taken for at least two years.
Facial Exercises
As your facial burns heal, they can become tight. It is important to do regular exercises to prevent this from happening. You may need to take pain relief before you attempt your exercises.
1. Opening your mouth
2. Pursing your lips
3. Smiling
4. Raise your eyebrows
5. Close your eyes tight shut
6. Frown and crease your forehead
Following your facial burn injury the aim is to promote healing and comfort, minimize the risk of infection, restore facial function and to minimize the risk of scarring.
If you have any concerns or difficulties with your facial care at home, then please contact the burns/plastics team on the numbers provided.
