Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some fluid may soak through the outer layer, this is normal. if this dressing continues to get wet with fluid (ooze) the dressing may need to be changed earlier.

The burns team will check the dressing after a few days. The dressing needs to stay dry during this time.

At each appointment the burns team will chose the most appropriate treatment based on their assessment this will be explained to you each time.

Contact the PATCH clinic who can provide advice. This may include attending for an appointment earlier than planned, attending you GP for wound care or advice on what to obtain from the pharmacy to cover the wound at home.

You can give you child pain relief such as paracetamol and/ibuprofen at home. If the pain is not relieved by analgesia you can contact the PATCH clinic for advice

It can be difficult to tell at the initial assessment whether there will be scar or not. Scars can depend on healing times and depth of the burn.

It is also difficult to say how long a burn will take to heal. Each time the dressing is change and the burn is assessed you will get more information on how the burn is healing. Different factors effect wound healing such as burn depth, nutrition and hydration, remaining well during the healing process.

Some dressings can smell when the dressing comes in contact with the ooze from the wound. The nursing team will give you more information on this depending on the type of dressing

You know your child best. If you have any concerns about them or their burn you can contact the PATCH clinic or if you have serious concerns attend your GP or local emergency department.

Signs and symptoms of infection include:

• temperature
• redness around or spreading from the burn
• swelling
• unresolved pain after giving pain relief
• significant ooze from the wound