How to: Burn Wound Care

If you just got Burned, it’s important to do first aid immediately. You can learn how to do this by reading our blog First Aid For Burn. After you’ve done the First aid, come back here to learn how to take care of the burn wound until it heal

Before treating the wound, it’s crucial to know which degree of burn you have. You can find this information in our blog First Aid For Burn.

Table of contents

1. First-Degree Care
2. Second-Degree Care
3. Third-Degree Care

In this blog, we’ll explore burn care for various degrees, offering step-by-step guidance from initial inflammation to final healing stages. We’ll cover home care tips for different burn types, but remember, severe burns may need medical attention. We’ll also advise on when to seek professional help versus managing burns at home.

First-Degree Care

Initial Inflammatory Stage (Day 1–3):

1. Gently clean the burned area with mild soap and water twice daily to remove debris and prevent infection.
2. Apply a thin layer of moisturizing ointment or aloe vera gel 2–3 times a day to soothe the skin and promote healing.
3. Change the dressing once or twice daily, depending on the amount of discharge and discomfort. For clean wounds, like minor burns, changing the dressing once daily may suffice. However, for dirty wounds, more frequent changes may be needed.

During the initial inflammatory stage (Day 1–3), which starts within 24 to 72 hours after getting a first-degree burn, your body reacts strongly. The burn area becomes red, swollen, and tender. Pain and discomfort are common but usually lessen within a few days as your body begins to repair the damage by removing debris and making new cells.

Proliferative Stage (Day 3–7):

1. Continue cleaning the burn area twice daily with mild soap and water, ensuring thorough rinsing and gentle drying.
2. Apply moisturizing ointment or aloe vera gel 2–3 times a day to keep the skin hydrated and reduce itching.
3. Change the dressing once a day or as needed to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection, adjusting based on the wound’s condition.

Moving to the proliferative stage (Day 3–7), the wound starts healing actively. Special cells move to the wound and make collagen, which helps build new tissue. This may cause itching as new skin cells form underneath. At the same time, the edges of the wound start to come together, slowly closing it up. Avoid scratching the healing burn, as it may lead to further irritation and delay the healing process.

Remodeling Stage (Day 7–14):

1. Clean the burn area once daily with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh scrubbing.
2. Apply silicone gel or sheeting to minimize scarring and promote healing.
3. Change the dressing every 1–2 days or as needed, monitoring for signs of infection.

In the remodeling stage (Day 7–14), the newly formed tissue gets stronger. Collagen fibers line up neatly, making the healing tissue tougher. Although the burn area might still look a bit different, it’s getting better. Itching and slight discomfort may continue as the skin finishes healing.

Approximate Time of Recovery:

• In general, first-degree burn wounds typically heal within 7 to 14 days with proper care and treatment.
• However, individual healing times may vary depending on factors such as the size and severity of the burn, the individual’s overall health, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions.
• It’s essential to continue monitoring the burn wound for signs of infection or complications and to seek medical attention if needed to ensure proper healing and prevent potential complications.

Second-Degree Care

For second-degree burns, especially on sensitive areas like the face, hands, or genitals, seeking medical attention is crucial. If the burn is deep, causes severe pain, shows signs of infection, or if you have underlying health conditions, consult a healthcare professional promptly. They’ll assess the severity, provide treatment, and offer guidance for optimal healing.

Initial Response (Days 1–3):

1. Clean the burned area gently with mild soap and water twice a day to remove debris and prevent infection.
2. Apply a thin layer of moisturizing ointment or aloe vera gel 2–3 times a day to soothe the skin and promote healing.
3. Change the dressing once or twice daily, depending on the amount of discharge and discomfort. For clean wounds, like minor burns, changing the dressing once daily may be sufficient. However, for dirty wounds, more frequent changes may be necessary.

During the initial response phase (Days 1–3), which occurs within 24 to 72 hours after sustaining the burn, the affected area may exhibit signs of inflammation, such as swelling, redness, and tenderness. Pain and discomfort are common during this stage but typically improve as the body begins to repair the damage.

Granulation (Days 4–21):

1. Continue cleaning the burn area twice daily with mild soap and water, ensuring thorough rinsing and gentle drying.
2. Apply moisturizing ointment or aloe vera gel 2–3 times a day to keep the skin hydrated and reduce itching.
3. Change the dressing once a day or as needed to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection, adjusting based on the wound’s condition.

During the granulation phase (Days 4–21), the wound begins to rebuild tissue through a process called granulation. New blood vessels form, and specialized cells produce collagen, a protein essential for skin strength and support. The wound may appear pink or red as it fills in with new tissue, and discomfort gradually diminishes as nerve endings heal.

Reepithelialization (Days 14–28):

1. Clean the burn area once daily with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh scrubbing.
2. Apply silicone gel or sheeting to minimize scarring and promote healing.
3. Change the dressing every 1–2 days or as needed, monitoring for signs of infection.

During the reepithelialization stage (Days 14–28), the outer layer of the skin begins to regenerate. Epithelial cells migrate from the edges of the wound and cover the granulation tissue, forming a new protective layer of skin. As healing progresses, the risk of infection decreases, and the skin becomes less sensitive.

Maturation (Weeks to Months):

The final stage of healing involves the maturation of the new skin tissue. Collagen fibers reorganize and strengthen, gradually reducing the appearance of scarring. While the wound may appear fully healed on the surface, it continues to undergo remodeling beneath the skin for several weeks to months.

Full Recovery (Varies):

• The time it takes for a second-degree burn to fully heal varies depending on factors such as the size and depth of the burn, the individual’s overall health, and the effectiveness of wound care.
• In general, smaller second-degree burns may heal within 2 to 3 weeks, while larger or more severe burns may take several weeks to months to heal completely.

During the healing process, it’s essential to continue proper wound care, including keeping the burn area clean, applying prescribed medications or dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection or complications. If you have any concerns or if the burn does not show signs of improvement, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

Third-Degree Care

Initial Response:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Third-degree burns are severe and require immediate medical attention. Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
2. Do Not Attempt Self-Treatment: Refrain from attempting to clean or treat the burn at home. Medical professionals are trained to handle third-degree burns safely and effectively.
3. Protect the Burned Area: Cover the burned area with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing to prevent infection and minimize further damage.

During the initial response phase, immediate medical intervention is crucial. Third-degree burns penetrate deep layers of skin and can cause extensive tissue damage, requiring specialized medical care.

Medical Treatment:

1. Debridement: Medical professionals will likely perform debridement, a procedure to remove dead tissue and debris from the burn site.
2. Skin Grafting: In severe cases, skin grafting may be necessary to cover the wound and promote healing.
3. Pain Management: Medical staff will provide pain management to alleviate discomfort associated with the burn injury.

During medical treatment, healthcare providers focus on stabilizing the patient, preventing infection, and promoting wound healing. Rehabilitation and long-term care may be necessary depending on the severity of the burn injury.

Post-Treatment Care:

1. Follow Medical Recommendations: Adhere to medical recommendations provided by healthcare professionals for wound care, medication, and follow-up appointments.
2. Monitor for Signs of Complications: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the wound. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if complications arise.
3. Emotional Support: Seek emotional support from loved ones, support groups, or mental health professionals to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of recovering from a severe burn injury.

Recovery and Rehabilitation:

• The recovery period for third-degree burns can be lengthy and may involve physical therapy to regain mobility and function in the affected area.
• Scarring is common with third-degree burns, and patients may require additional treatments such as scar management therapy to minimize scarring and improve appearance.
• Psychological support may also be necessary as severe burns can have long-lasting emotional effects on individuals.

Long-Term Care:

• Follow-up appointments with healthcare professionals are essential to monitor healing progress and address any complications that may arise.
• Continued scar management and rehabilitation may be necessary to optimize outcomes and quality of life for the patient.

Approximate Recovery Time:

• Recovery from third-degree burns can vary widely depending on the size and severity of the burn, as well as individual factors such as overall health and age.
• In general, it may take several weeks to months for a third-degree burn to heal completely, and extensive rehabilitation may be required during this time.

Please note that these are general guidelines, and individual cases may vary. It’s crucial to follow the advice and treatment plan provided by healthcare professionals for the best possible outcome.

Special Content
Some tips to help speed up the healing process for burn wounds:

1. Keep the Burn Clean: Clean the burn area gently with mild soap and water to prevent infection and remove debris.
2. Apply Moisturizing Ointments: Apply a thin layer of moisturizing ointment or aloe vera gel to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing.
3. Change Dressings Regularly: Change dressings once or twice daily, depending on the amount of discharge and discomfort, to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection.
4. Avoid Scratching: Resist the urge to scratch the healing burn, as it may lead to further irritation and delay the healing process.
5. Protect from Sun Exposure: Protect the healing burn from direct sunlight to prevent further damage and promote proper healing.
6. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to support overall healing and skin regeneration.
7. Follow Medical Recommendations: Adhere to any medical recommendations provided by healthcare professionals for optimal wound care and treatment.
8. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can impair the body’s ability to heal effectively.
9. Manage Pain Appropriately: Use pain medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals to manage discomfort associated with the burn injury.
10. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the wound, and seek medical attention if needed.

By following these tips and maintaining proper wound care, you can help facilitate the healing process and promote optimal recovery from burn injuries.

We hope you get well soon!

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