Post-Burn Discharge Advice for Patient with Healed 25% 2nd and 3rd Degree Burns
Patients with healed burn wounds should apply skin emollient regularly to the affected areas, wear pressure garments during the day and night, monitor for skin fissuring requiring sterile dressing, and expect erythema and itching as part of the normal healing process.
Skin Care Recommendations
Emollient Application
- Apply skin emollients regularly to the healed burn areas to maintain skin hydration and integrity 1
- Use a greasy emollient consisting of 50% white soft paraffin with 50% liquid paraffin over the epidermis 1
- Apply a thin layer of emollient at least twice daily to prevent skin dryness and fissuring 1
- Ensure the skin is clean before applying emollients
Pressure Garment Use
- Wear pressure garments continuously (both day and night) to:
- Reduce hypertrophic scarring
- Improve functional outcomes
- Minimize contracture formation
- Promote proper skin remodeling
Managing Common Post-Burn Symptoms
Erythema and Itching
- Expect the burned area to be erythematous (red) and itchy during the healing process 1
- Use antihistamines as prescribed to manage itching
- Apply cool compresses if itching becomes severe
- Avoid scratching the area to prevent skin damage
Skin Fissuring
- If skin fissuring (cracking) occurs:
- Clean the area gently with warm water or saline
- Apply sterile dressing to the affected area
- Contact your doctor for further guidance 1
- Continue using emollients on intact skin
Monitoring for Complications
Signs Requiring Medical Attention
- Increasing pain, redness, swelling beyond expected healing
- Unusual discharge or drainage from the healed areas
- Fever or systemic symptoms
- New areas of skin breakdown
- Contractures limiting range of motion
Infection Prevention
- Keep the healed areas clean using gentle cleansers
- Avoid harsh soaps that can dry the skin
- Maintain good hand hygiene before touching the healed areas
- Do not immerse healing burns in standing water until cleared by your doctor
Rehabilitation Recommendations
Range of Motion Exercises
- Perform prescribed range of motion exercises regularly to prevent contractures
- Follow specific exercise regimen provided by your physical therapist
- Gradually increase activity as tolerated
Nutritional Support
- Continue high-protein, high-calorie diet to support wound healing
- Maintain adequate hydration
- Consider vitamin and mineral supplements as recommended by your healthcare provider
Environmental Considerations
- Protect healed burn areas from sun exposure using clothing and sunscreen
- Maintain ambient temperature between 25°C and 28°C when possible 1
- Avoid extreme temperature changes that could stress healing skin
Follow-up Care
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Bring pressure garments to appointments for proper fit assessment
- Report any new symptoms or concerns promptly
The comprehensive post-burn care approach focuses on maintaining skin integrity, preventing complications, and optimizing functional outcomes. While the burned areas have healed, the recovery process continues for months to years, requiring diligent skin care and rehabilitation efforts.