Burns - aftercare factsheet
Introduction
A burn is considered healed when the skin has closed and no longer needs dressings.
Even after healing, the skin is still fragile and continues changing over many months.
Newly healed skin often looks bright pink or red at first. This is due to increased blood flow during healing and will usually fade over time.
Healed burn skin may:
- change colour from pink or red to pale or purple over many months
- feel dry, tight or itchy
- peel as new skin layers strengthen
- develop small pimples due to damaged sweat glands or hair follicles.
Friction on new skin can cause blisters or small open areas. If this happens, call the Burns Clinic for advice.
Management
Scarring
Whether a burn will scar depends on how long it took to heal and your child’s skin type.
In general:
- burns that heal within 2 weeks are unlikely to scar
- burns that heal in 2-3 weeks may scar and need watching
- burns that take longer than 3 weeks to heal or need skin grafts, will scar
Burn scars can affect how the skin looks and moves. Early treatment helps lower long-term problems.
If scarring is likely, your child may be followed up by a burns physiotherapist to start scar management.
Moisturising healed skin
Healed burn skin dries out easily and needs regular moisturising.
You should:
- use a plain, non-perfumed moisturiser (for example, Sorbolene with Glycerine)
- use a small amount and massage it in until fully absorbed
- moisturise at least 5 times a day
Regular moisturising helps lower dryness, itching, and skin breakdown.
Itching
Itching is common, even after the skin has healed.
To help take care of an itch:
- moisturise more often
- keep your child’s fingernails short
- dress your child in soft cotton clothing
Try to avoid scratching, as this can damage fragile skin.
Sun protection
Healed burn skin is much more sensitive to sun damage.
You should:
- use SPF 30+ sunscreen whenever your child is outdoors
- dress your child in protective clothing
- make sure your child wears a hat if the burn was on the face or head
Sun protection is important for at least 12 months after healing.
Bathing and washing
You should bathe your child in plain water over the healed burn area.
For the first 3 months:
- avoid soaps, oils, and bubble bath on the healed skin
- shampoo hair at the end of the bath, as shampoo contains oils
These products can irritate healing skin and slow recovery.
School, childcare and sport
Children should go back to normal activities once the burn has healed.
There is no medical reason for your child to stay home from school or childcare. Wearing dressings or bandages does not affect physical development.
Once healed, your child can swim in:
- chlorinated pools
- salt water
Rinse the skin after swimming and put on moisturiser to prevent dryness.
