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