Recovery
Healing continues after a burn wound has closed. During recovery, children may experience changes in their skin, develop scars and need support returning to normal activities. The burns team will provide advice and treatments to support recovery and achieve the best possible outcome
What Happens After the Burn Heals?
Skin Sensitivity
It is common for newly healed skin to feel sensitive following a burn injury.
Ways to help reduce sensitivity include:
- Regular massage
- Using different textures on the skin
- Returning to normal daily activities where possible
- Following advice provided by the burns team
These techniques help the skin become accustomed to everyday touch and movement.
Skin Care
Burned skin is often drier than normal because the skin's natural oil-producing glands may have been damaged by the injury.
Once the wound has healed:
- Apply a plain, non-perfumed moisturiser 3-4 times daily
- Massage moisturiser into the healed skin
- Wash the area daily using a mild soap to remove residual cream and prevent blocked pores.
Good skin care can help improve comfort and skin condition following a burn injury.
Sun Protection
Protecting healed skin and scars from sunlight is an important part of recovery.
Scar tissue is more vulnerable to sun damage than normal skin and may burn more easily.
Recommendations:
- Use SPF 50 sunscreen
- Protect scars from direct sunlight where possible
- Continue sun protection throughout the year, including winter months
Additional sun safety guidance should link to the existing CHI dermatology sun protection information.
Page contents
On this page you will find information about:
Scar Management
Understanding Scars
Burns that are deep, take longer to heal or require surgery are more likely to leave a scar.
Scars continue to change over time:
- Active scars may appear pink, red or purple
- Active scars can remain present for 18 months
- Mature scars become paler, softer and flatter
The goal of burn therapy is to support scars to become as soft, flat and pale as possible.
Scar Treatments
There are some treatments that can improve scar appearance, comfort and quality of life. Your Occupational Therapist will advise you on treatments for scar management to optimise the scar.
Problem Scars
Returning to Activities
Most children gradually return to normal activities during recovery.
The burns team will advise when activities can be resumed safely.