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Care of facial burns
Please inform the treating medical and nursing staff if you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex) or have had a recent exposure. You may require medication to prevent a reoccurrence.
Taking care of your burn
- Wash your face four times a day using a baby wash or non-perfumed soap.
- Gently remove any loose skin or crusting with a clean face washer.
- The shower is ideal for this.
- If possible, men should try to shave daily to reduce the risk of infection.
- Use a razor and paraffin ointment or Sorbolene cream.
- Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a thin smear of cream to the burn areas as directed by the burn doctor or nurse.
- Reapply cream after cleansing the area or if the skin appears dry.
If your burn becomes more painful or if you are worried about the swelling, phone the Burns Unit (24 hours per day) on 6166 8565 for a review by the nurse.
Points to remember
- Pressure on the ears may reduce blood supply and wipe off the cream. This can cause the skin to dry and crack, leading to infection.
- Facial burns can become swollen. Sleeping in a semi-upright position using two to three pillows will help to prevent or reduce any swelling.
Throughout the day you may need to apply extra cream to special areas, for example:
- Your ears, if the cream dries.
- Your lips, after eating or drinking.
Important
If your burn becomes more painful, or if you are worried about swelling, please call the Burns Unit on 6166 8565 for a review by the nurse (available 24 hours).
When the burn has healed
- When your burns have healed, the area continues to be very susceptible to sun damage for 12 months.
- It is important that you protect yourself from the sun at all times.
- Please wear a hat and 30+ SPF sunscreen when outside.
- Moisturise and massage the healed areas four times a day.
- Use a non-perfumed cream such as Sorbolene.
Further care
You can print this page and fill it out to give to your patient for further care (tick where appropriate).
|
Care/treatment |
Tick all that apply |
|---|---|
| Apply paraffin cream* 4 times a day to burns on the face and whenever dry. | |
| Apply Chlorsig ointment 4 times a day to eye area. | |
| Apply Chlorsig ointment 4 times a day to ears. | |
| Apply Chlorsig ointment 4 times a day to nose. | |
| Apply lanolin as required to lips. |
Keep away from fire when using paraffin-based products
- Skin products containing paraffin-based products (for example, soft white paraffin) that come in contact with dressings and clothing are easily ignited with a naked flame or cigarette. Keep away from fire when using these products.
- Clothing and bedding should be changed regularly, preferably daily, if the paraffin has soaked into the material.
- Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you normally smoke. They can also offer you help and advice to stop smoking.
Contact details
Burns Outpatient Clinic
The Burns Outpatient Clinic is open from Monday to Friday.
Phone: (03) 6166 0098
Fax: 6173 0202
Wellington Clinics
Level 12
42 Argyle Street
Hobart TAS 7000
Tasmanian Burns Unit
The Tasmanian Burns Unit is available on weekends, public holidays and after hours.
Phone: (03) 6166 8565 (this service is available 24 hours for advice)
Fax: 6173 0202
Royal Hobart Hospital
K Block, Level 9
48 Liverpool Street
Hobart TAS 7000
Learn more about parking and access at the Royal Hobart Hospital
