Burns occur when there is injury to the skin caused by contact with heat, fire, chemicals or electricity. Your child has a clean dressing on the burn to protect it and prevent infection. The first time the dressing is changed, it should be changed by a doctor or nurse.

If the dressing falls off before this change, replace it with a clean, dry bandage. Your child may have received a tetanus booster in the Emergency Department or Clinic. If so, notify your regular doctor to update your child's records.

How Do I Change the Dressing at Home?

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Remove the old bandage. If it sticks, you can soak it for a few minutes in warm (not hot) water.
• Wash the burn with warm, soapy water.
• Rinse and pat dry with a clean towel.
• With a sterile tongue depressor or with very clean hands, apply the antibiotic cream to the burn area in a thin layer. Do not put a dirty tongue depressor or dirty hands back in the container of antibiotic cream.
• Carefully rewrap the burn with a sterile bandage as directed by your doctor.
• Keep your child from scratching or touching the burn area.

Signs of Infection:

• Foul Smell
• Increasing redness or red streaks around the burn
• Swelling
• Pain
• Yellow pus or discharge
• Fever