Procedures Procedure
Authors: Anne Mosebo, med. stud. and Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD
The bandage can most often stay untouched until the wound is to be inspected 10-12 days later. This will happen at the general practitioner, at the local hospital or at the outpatient burn clinic. The patient is advised to use pain relief treatment (Paracetamol 1 g and Ibuprofen 400 mg) before meeting for follow-up.
The dressing will often have to be changed within 3-5 days in larger burns due to the risk of infection.
An earlier inspection of the wound and change of the dressing is necessary if:
- The bandage is displaced
- The bandage is soaked or wet
- The bandage starts to smell really bad
- The patient develops a fever
Procedure
- Remove bandages
- Wash the wounds with water and neutral soap
- Check for signs of infection such as redness or pus
- Apply new dressings such as Jelonet or gaze on non-healing areas