Keep your dressing clean and dry.
Try and raise the burn if it is on an arm or leg, this should be horizontal or above the level of your heart to reduce any swelling.
Good hygiene practice is essential once dressings are removed to avoid infection, daily cleaning of the area and regular hand hygiene are such examples of this.
Once the dressing is removed, keep the burn area as clean and dry as possible, to avoid infection
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You may have been prescribed an alternative pain killer, please refer to specific advice for that tablet if this is the case.
Most burns take 2-3 weeks to heal, but can sometimes take up to 6 weeks.
Itching in the first week or so is completely normal and is usually a sign that the skin is healing. Your pain should not be worsening. If it is seek medical advice from your practice nurse at your GP surgery.
A burn which has healed can still be fragile if damaged again, so protect the area well. Sunburn can affect a burnt area more than the surrounding skin for up to 2 years afterwards. So avoid direct sunlight and use a good quality high UVA and UVB rated sun protection.
Redness, foul smell, discharging pus or feeling unwell in yourself are signs of infection. If you have any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
If you have any ongoing concerns or queries about your burn you should contact NHS 111 or your local GP. If your concern is urgent or an emergency, attend your local emergency department.
