Health Topics

• Kerlix" or gauze wrap
• Gauze pads and Adaptic" gauze
• Clean basin or tub
• Paper tape
• Antibacterial soap
• Antibiotic ointment

Wash the burned area twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. After bathing, apply a clean dressing as described below.

1. Wash your hands and work space with soap and water.
2. Assemble all supplies and place them within reach of your work space.
3. Carefully remove the old dressing, allowing any loose skin and drainage to pull away from the burn. If dressing is firmly stuck to the burn, it may be loosened with warm water. Promptly discard the old dressing.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water.
5. Spread antibiotic ointment on Adaptic" gauze over the burn site as demonstrated by your nurses and doctors before leaving the hospital.
6. Clean the burn area with soap using circular movements starting from the center and moving outward. Remove all loose skin and old ointment. Rinse completely.
7. Apply prepared dressing to the burn area. Wrap securely with Kerlix" or gauze wrap. Apply tape.

Note:

• The area that was burned should appear pink and may bleed slightly after cleaning.
• Call your physician if there is a fever greater then 101.
• Provide your child with emotional comfort measures after the dressing change. Depending on the child's age, a light cover, holding, patting or soothing talk may help to ease the discomfort.
• If the dressing falls off or the area becomes soiled before the next dressing change, repeat the dressing steps and apply a new dressing.
• More supplies can be obtained from your local drugstore if needed.

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids and to eat a high-calorie, high-protein diet. Skin tissue needs lots of calories to heal. 

Pain medication may be given for discomfort. Your child's doctor will instruct you on the dosage and type of medicine to be given. Give medication at least 30 minutes before changing the dressing. 

• If your child has a fever greater then 101.
• If your child has green or foul-smelling drainage from the wound.
• If redness of the skin around the burn extends past the edges of the burn.
• If your child has discoloration, coldness or swelling of the arm or leg.
• If your child is not eating or drinking in usual amounts.