Plastic Surgery and Burns Department
Washing
Newly healed skin will be more sensitive to extremes of temperature and a tepid bath or shower may be more comfortable in the early stages of healing. A mild non-perfumed soap will minimise sensitivities. The use of a bath emollient may minimise the potential for skin to become dry and scaly.
Moisturise
Itching is a common problem, especially in the first couple of months of healing. Occasionally it can be severe and result in an interference of sleep and even wound breakdown from scratching. Please do not scratch. Lukewarm showers, bath oils and moisturising may help with the itching. Sometimes medication like Antihistamines may be required and beneficial for this. Please check with your family doctor before taking these.
Sun exposure
Newly healed skin is sensitive to the sun. People should avoid unnecessary sun exposure as much as possible after a burn injury. If it’s not possible to keep burns covered with clothing, then a higher factor sun block (Factor 50) should be applied.
Skin pigmentation
With a burn injury, the pigment of the skin is lost. During the healing process the pigment may return. However, this can be unpredictable for any patient especially with different skin tones. If the Clinician looking after you is concerned, then you will be reviewed in our Specialist Clinic.
Burn support
- Dan’s Fund For Burns: www.dansfundforburns.org
- The Katie Piper Foundation: www.katiepiperfoundation.org.uk
- www.supportingchildrenwithburns.co.uk
Burns camps
The Grafters Club (Children): www.the graftersclub.org.uk
Psychological support
Please ask your Clinician if you would like some support and they can refer you to the appropriate team.
Contact numbers
- Plastic Dressing Clinic:
Telephone: 01642 835904
(Monday to Friday 08.00 to 16.30, Saturday and Sunday 08.00 to 12.00) - Ward 22 – Children:
Telephone: 01642 854522 (24 hours) - Ward 35 – Adult:
Telephone: 01642 854535 (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]