Burn Dressing Changes
After a child has received and been treated for a burn, the burn dressings need to be changed at home. Below are general guidelines for caring for your child at home after he/she has experienced a burn.
Supplies Changing the burn dressing
Wash the burned area twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. After bathing, apply a clean dressing as described below.
Wash your hands and work space with soap and water.
Assemble all supplies and place them within reach of your work space.
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.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Spread antibiotic ointment on Adaptic" gauze over the burn site as demonstrated by your nurses and doctors before leaving the hospital.
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.
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.
A slight low-grade fever of less than 101.5°F (38.6°C) can be expected, especially after changing the dressing.
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.
Activity
In general, your child can resume all normal activities, unless otherwise directed by your child's doctor. Encourage normal movement of the burned body part.
Diet
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.
Medication
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.
Call your child's doctor
If your child has a persistent fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C).
If there is green or foul-smelling drainage from the wound.
If redness of the skin around the burn extends past the edges of the burn.
If there is discoloration, coldness or swelling of the arm or leg.
If your child is not eating or drinking in usual amounts.
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