Plastic Surgery and Burns
Superficial burns may take 7 to 14 days to heal and can often be managed on an Outpatient basis. Superficial facial burns are normally left uncovered from dressings and have Vaseline or ointments regularly applied to.
What to do
Do
- Wash hands with warm soapy water and dry with a clean towel
- Clean face with a mild, non-perfumed soap and lukewarm water
- Cean the burn regularly to remove crusts and residual ointments. Then re-apply Vaseline or ointment, 2 to 4 times daily
- Shower or bath as normal for the non-burnt skin
- Shave as normal (men) but taking care
- Apply a layer of Vaseline or ointment over the affected area and surrounding skin with a clean cotton bud, gauze or a clean hand
- Avoid getting any of these in your mouth or eyes
- Apply a non-perfumed moisturiser to the surrounding areas
- Stinging may occur when the Vaseline or ointment is first applied. If the stinging continues after 10 to 20 minutes, then please remove, stop using and seek medical advice.
Don’t
Do not smoke. Be careful near naked flames. Avoid direct sunlight.
Smoking and exposure to naked flames may result in ignition of the Vaseline or ointments. Which will cause further burning or risk to life. Direct sunlight may also cause further burning so be careful and keep covered.
Cleansing
It is important to wash the burn with mild soap and, or running clean water to remove any residue or crusting. This should be done regularly throughout the day and prior to applying further Vaseline or ointments. You can also use a clean flannel to assist with this.
Application of creams
These should be applied as instructed by the Clinician. Vaseline or prescribed ointments should be used to keep the burn moist and to avoid the burn from drying out. These willalso aid with quicker healing. Mild moisturiser such as e45 or similar can be applied to non-broken skin. Please cleanse prior to further applications.
Follow up
An appointment will be made for you to be reviewed on a regular basis. Facial burns can take at least 7 to 14 days to heal. Please continue to maintain good aftercare until healed.
Be aware of potential signs of infection
- Increased pain
- Increased swelling
- Feeling generally unwell
- A high temperature
If your temperature is 38°C above, body chills and localised redness
Aftercare
Once healed a non-perfumed hypoallergenic moisturiser should be used regularly to the affected area and surrounding skin. A high factor (Factor 50+) sun cream should be used daily and repeatedly for at least two summers.
Contact us
If you have any concerns or questions, then please contact the Plastics Dressing Clinic, Ward 35 or Paediatric Ward as soon as possible.
- Plastics Dressing Clinic – Telephone: 01642 835904
Monday to Friday – 08:00 until 16:30, Saturday and Sunday – 08:00 until 12:00 - (Adults) Ward 35 – Telephone: 01642 854535 (24 Hours)
- (Paediatrics) Ward 22 – Telephone: 01642 854522 (24 Hours)
- Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]