Adult Burns
Date issued: February 2025
For review: February 2027
Ref: C-609/DG/Plastic Surgery/Adult Burns
PFD: Adult Burns.pdf [pdf] 173KB
About Your Burn
Most burn wounds do not require surgery, they will heal on their own using specialist dressings or creams. Healing times can vary from a few days to weeks to sometimes months. This can depend on the depth of the burn, age of the patient, the patient’s nutrition, smoking status, alcohol intake and general health.
Once the burn wound is dry it is considered to be healed. Initially, it may look red, pink or purple. This can be due to the lack of pigmentation in the affected area. Over the next few weeks and months this will slowly fade, and the area will gradually become more of your natural skin colour. Depending on how long your burn has taken to heal, you may have some long-term pigmentation changes. This may take up to 2 years. Once healed, your burn wound will still need care and attention. Ways to help the skin settle are discussed later in this leaflet.
We aim to promote healing and prevent infection.
Signs of an infection are
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Localised swelling.
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Increased redness.
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Increased pain.
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Excessive smell.
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Temperature or feel unwell in yourself.
If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact us or attend your closest hospital Emergency Department (ED).
Dressings
The nurse will assess your burn and decide on the best dressing option for you. It is important to follow their instructions and keep your dressing clean and dry.
Initially your burn may be very wet and therefore strike-through (soaked) or staining on the dressing is normal.
Scarring and moisturising
If your burn heals within 2 weeks, it is unlikely to scar. Healed burns can become dry, itchy and flaky. Moisturising twice daily is necessary as sometimes the oil and sweat glands have become damaged from the burn. We recommend you moisturise your scar once or twice daily for up to a year after the injury. Use a non-perfumed moisturiser that is oil enriched (Cetraben®, Aveeno®, etc.) This will help lock-in moisture and keep your scar hydrated and supple. Also, massage your scar with deep pressure in a circular motion.
Daily scar massage will help to
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Prevent abnormal scarring by promoting tissue collagen reorganisation.
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Address hypersensitivity through regular touch.
If your burns are itchy, you may find keeping the moisturiser in the fridge soothing. You can also take antihistamines to help with the itch.
Physiotherapy and Exercises
As the wound heals the skin may contract leading to reduced movement (scar contractures) particularly if it is over or near a joint. Regular exercises are important to prevent this from happening. It is better to prevent a contracture from occurring, however sometimes this is unavoidable despite your best efforts. Ensure you tell your practitioner if you think there is a problem.
Sun care advice
Exposure to sunlight is harmful to skin. After a burn injury this skin becomes even more vulnerable to the effects of the sun. Exposure to the sun can cause hyperpigmentation (discolouration) to your scars. For the first 2 years after the burn injury, you should cover the area or use factor 50 sun cream.
Further Resources
Below is a list of resources you may find helpful for further support with your burn injury.
Changing Faces | Visible Difference and Disfigurement Charity
