Burn dressing
burn dressing · burn wound care · burn treatment · changing a burn dressing
A nurse or doctor cleans the burned skin and puts on a special dressing. This helps the wound heal and protects it from infection.
For burns with blisters, burns on the face, hands, or feet, burns in children, and after first aid at an urgent care clinic.
⏱ Duration: one dressing change usually takes 15 to 30 minutes; it is repeated until the burn heals
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Pain relief. If the dressing change hurts, ask your doctor if you can take a painkiller beforehand.
- Clothing. Loose clothes that do not rub the burned area.
- At home. Do not put oil, creams, or home remedies on the burn. Use only what your doctor prescribed.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Products your doctor prescribed, if you were asked to bring them
- Loose clothes to change into
How it goes
- The old dressing is gently removed. If it is stuck, it is soaked first
- The wound is checked
- The skin is rinsed with a solution
- If needed, loose dead skin is removed
- A healing ointment or special dressing is put on
- You are told when to come for the next dressing
What you'll feel
- It may hurt, especially when the old dressing comes off
- Say if it hurts. They can pause or give a painkiller
- After the dressing, the burning usually eases
Afterwards
- Do not get the dressing wet or take it off yourself unless allowed
- Do not pop blisters at home
- Come for dressing changes on schedule
- Once healed, protect the skin from the sun
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A fever over 38°C (100.4°F) or chills
- The wound becomes very red or swollen, smells bad, or has pus
- A large burn, a burn on the face or groin, or a floppy child: call emergency services
Common questions
Can I pop a blister?
Not at home. The blister protects the wound. If needed, the doctor will treat it.
Will there be a scar?
Shallow burns usually heal without a scar. Deep ones may leave a mark. Your doctor will tell you how to care for it.