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Caring For Your Burn Care

Burn injuries can affect many layers of the skin, and recovery often involves ongoing wound care and, in some cases, surgery.

Learn about common types of burns, treatment options like skin grafts, and what to expect as your skin heals. 


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Understanding Your Burn Injury

The depth of a burn depends on how it happened, how long the skin was exposed, the temperature involved, and how thick the skin is in that area. 

Burn care teams assess two key aspects of a burn injury:

  • How much of the body is affected (measured as percent total body surface area) 

  • How deep the injury goes (measured in degrees)  

Types of Burns

First-degree burns

affect only the outer layer of skin. These are red, sore, and may peel—like a sunburn. They usually heal without medical treatment.

Second-degree burns

reach into the second layer of skin and may cause more significant pain, blisters, or fluid leakage. Some heal on their own; others may require surgery if deeper or slow to heal. 

Third-degree burns

and deeper injuries damage all skin layers and may affect muscle, fat, or bone. The skin may appear white, black, or leathery. Because nerve endings may be damaged, these burns are sometimes painless. Treatment often includes removing dead tissue and using skin grafts. 

It’s common to have a combination of burn depths across different areas. Talk with your burn care team about your injury and care plan. 

Wound Care During Recovery 

Your wound care plan is based on your injury and recovery goals. The main objectives: 

  • Support healing 

  • Reduce pain 

  • Help you stay mobile and active 

Daily care may include antibiotic ointments or creams, bandage changes, and gentle wound cleaning. Many patients experience pain or stress around dressing changes—talk with your team about pain control, timing, and coping techniques. Soaking dressings in water can make them easier to remove. Washing with mild soap and water helps keep the wound clean and prevents infection. 

Some dressings can stay in place for longer periods. Your provider may choose foam, honey, or silver dressings depending on your needs. These can make wound care easier and reduce anxiety, but may limit how often the wound is checked for healing or infection. 

Skin Graft Surgery

Skin grafts are used when burns are too deep to heal on their own. During this procedure, dead tissue is removed and replaced with healthy skin from another part of the body (a donor site). You’ll receive anesthesia during surgery, and the graft will be covered with a dressing while it heals. 

Types of Skin Grafts

Sheet grafts

A full, unperforated piece of skin—often used on the face, hands, or feet for cosmetic or functional reasons. These require more careful monitoring after surgery. 

Meshed grafts

Donor skin is stretched using a mesh pattern to cover a larger area. These leave a visible mesh-like appearance but use less donor skin and heal efficiently. 

Full-thickness grafts

Used in smaller areas, often during reconstructive surgeries later in recovery. These include both skin layers and shrink less over time. 

The donor site usually heals within a couple of weeks. Treat it like a minor burn—keep it clean, moisturized, and protected from friction or injury. 

Taking Care of Healing Skin

Once the skin has closed, ongoing care can make a difference in your comfort and recovery: 

Moisturizing 

Keep newly healed skin well-moisturized to reduce itching, improve comfort, and support movement. Choose unscented products and apply them multiple times a day. Creams (from tubes or jars) are thicker and last longer, while lotions (in bottles) are easier to apply but may need more frequent use. 

Moisturizing is also a good time to gently touch or massage your scars and do stretching exercises. Ask your provider for guidance. 

Blisters, Skin Tears, and Ulcers 

Healing skin is fragile. Tight clothing or accidental bumps can cause blisters or skin tears. 

  • Blisters: Use a sterile needle to gently drain. Cover with antibiotic ointment and a nonstick dressing. 

  • Skin tears: Apply pressure if bleeding, clean with soap and water, then use a clean dressing and ointment. 

  • Ulcers: Scar tissue in areas like the elbows or knees may crack during movement. Keep the area covered and moisturized. 

Allergic Reactions 

If your skin reacts to a product, stop using it for a few days. Gradually reintroduce one product at a time to identify the trigger. Let your provider know if symptoms persist or worsen. 

What You Can Do 

  • Ask questions and stay involved in decisions about your care 

  • Follow instructions for wound cleaning and dressing changes 

  • Keep skin clean, protected, and moisturized 

  • Avoid scratching, bumping, or rubbing healing areas 

  • Talk with your care team about pain management options 

  • Begin stretching or mobility exercises when recommended 

Related Resources

Find a Burn Center
Itchy Skin After Burn Injury
Sun Protection After Burn Injury

Disclaimer 

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk with your health care provider about the right care and recovery plan for your situation. 

Attribution 

Adapted from the MSKTC guide: Wound Care After Burn Injury, with contributions from medical experts and burn survivors.