Post-Burn Discharge Care Recommendations
For a patient with healed 25% second and third-degree burns being discharged home, you should advise them to apply skin emollient regularly and inform them that the burned area may be erythematous and itchy during the healing process. 1
Skin Care After Burn Healing
Moisturization and Skin Protection
- Apply emollients (moisturizers) regularly to the healed burn areas to maintain skin hydration and prevent dryness 1
- Use a thin layer of moisturizer containing 50% white soft paraffin with 50% liquid paraffin as recommended for post-burn skin care 1
- Apply the emollient at least twice daily to maintain skin hydration and integrity 1
- Ensure complete coverage of all previously burned areas, as healed burn skin is more prone to dryness and cracking
Managing Common Post-Burn Symptoms
- Inform the patient that healed burn areas may appear red (erythematous) and feel itchy for months after the injury - this is a normal part of the healing process 1
- If skin fissuring (cracking) occurs, apply sterile dressing to the area and report to your doctor for assessment 1
- Monitor for signs of infection including increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or fever, which require prompt medical attention 1
Pressure Garment Use
- Pressure garments may be recommended for certain burn locations to minimize scarring and improve cosmetic outcomes
- If prescribed, pressure garments should be worn according to the specific instructions from your burn care team
- Typically, pressure garments need to be worn for most of the day (20-23 hours) rather than just during the day with removal at night 1
Rehabilitation Considerations
- Begin and maintain recommended range of motion exercises to prevent contractures 1
- Consider massage therapy to soften scar tissue and improve circulation in the healed burn areas 1
- Protect healed burn skin from sun exposure for at least one year, as it is more susceptible to UV damage
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Signs of infection (increased pain, redness, warmth, swelling, discharge)
- New skin breakdown or wound development
- Significant increase in itching or pain
- Development of contractures or decreased mobility in burned areas
- Any concerning changes in the appearance of the burn scars
The quality of life after burn injury depends significantly on proper post-discharge care. Following these recommendations will help minimize complications and promote optimal healing of the burn wounds 2.