Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit
You have been treated for a minor burn or scald.
If you need to return for treatment, you will be advised of this.
Burns to the body, arms or legs
Burns in these areas are treated with special dressings, these help to reduce the chance of infection.
You should:
- Keep the dressing clean and dry
- Take painkillers such as Paracetamol if necessary
- Stronger painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Codeine may be needed
- Keep the burnt area elevated as much as possible
- Keep moving any joints near the burn to help reduce stiffness.
Burns to the hands and feet
- The general advice for these burns is the same as for burns to the body, arms or legs
- It is very important to keep these areas moving to reduce stiffness and also elevate to reduce swelling and pain.
Burns to the face
Burns to the face are usually left open. You may be given a cream to apply to keep the skin moist while it heals. Petroleum Jelly (such as Vaseline) can also be used for this. You should apply it three to four times a day until the burn has healed.
You should also:
- Wash your face with water daily or before applying further ointments
- Do not use perfumed soap
- Do not smoke whilst using Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly.
What to look out for
You should contact the department if any of the following occur:
Your dressing gets wet or falls off
You feel ill, have a high temperature or develop a rash
The burn becomes swollen
The burn becomes more painful
The area of redness around the wound gets bigger
Aftercare
Although the skin may appear discoloured for several months, your burn should be healed within about two weeks. Contact the department if the burn has not healed after this time.
The healed skin will probably be sensitive to sunlight for several months after a burn. You should always cover up the area where possible, and use a HIGH factor sunblock for at least two summers.
Use of moisturisers and massage will help improve your burn over time.
Useful numbers
- Plastics Dressing Clinic: 01642 835904
Open Monday to Friday 8am to 4.45pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 12pm - Ward 35: 01642 834535
Out of hours – Adult - Ward 22: 01642 854522
Out of hours – Children
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]