What it is
Burn wound care is the ongoing attention given to skin that has been injured by heat, chemicals, electricity, friction or radiation. Burns are commonly described by depth, such as superficial, partial-thickness or full-thickness, and by how much of the body they cover. Depth and location can affect how a burn is looked after.
Because burned skin has lost some of its natural barrier, it can be more vulnerable to infection and to drying out. Wound care generally focuses on protecting the area, keeping it appropriately covered, and watching how it changes over time.
Burns can also leave scars, tightness or changes in skin color and texture as they heal. Learning about these possibilities ahead of time can help you know what questions to bring to a licensed provider.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Burn care has traditionally been guided by a clinician who first evaluates the cause, depth and size of the injury. More serious burns have often been managed in specialized burn centers, while smaller ones may be looked after in clinics or outpatient settings.
Common elements of burn wound care have included cleaning the area, removing damaged tissue when a clinician judges it necessary, applying dressings, and checking regularly for signs of infection. Some deeper burns have been treated with skin grafts, which a surgeon decides on after an evaluation.
Scar care has often involved a team approach, which may include therapists who focus on movement and flexibility, compression garments, and follow-up visits. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an FDA-cleared option for certain conditions, and a provider can explain whether it is relevant to a particular situation.
How the right wound care specialist may help
The right burn care specialist may help by evaluating your burn, explaining what type and depth it appears to be, and talking through the options that fit your situation. A visit generally includes a conversation about how the injury happened, your health history, and any medicines you take, followed by a look at the wound.
A specialist may also help you understand what signs of healing and of infection look like, and how scarring or tightness might be monitored. If hyperbaric oxygen therapy comes up, a licensed provider can explain whether it falls within FDA-cleared indications and whether it is appropriate for you. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is right after an evaluation.
Helpful questions to ask include: What caused my burn and how is it staged? What are my treatment options? How long might healing take? What should I watch for? What might scarring look like, and who can help with it? Is this covered by my insurance? Coverage can differ by plan and provider, so it is worth asking directly.
The whole-person view
Healing from a burn involves the whole person. Pain, sleep disruption, changes in appearance and a disrupted routine can all affect mood, and stress and worry can in turn affect how the body feels during recovery. Body, mind and stress influence one another.
Some people find extra support helpful alongside medical care. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support that some people explore when they are working through the physical impact of a stressful event, and Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy. These are complements to, not replacements for, care from your wound care team.
Somatic Experiences: trauma and emotional healing →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Seek medical care promptly if you notice spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, a foul odor, fever or chills, or if the wound seems to be rapidly worsening.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest ER for heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, signs of sepsis, or a deep or severely contaminated burn, such as from a serious accident or fire.
- Licensed professionals should guide your care; this page cannot tell you what is right for your burn. If you are struggling emotionally, call or text the 988 Lifeline.
- Ask a licensed provider about your wound's cause, staging, treatment options, expected healing time and insurance coverage.
Wound care specialists who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
What is burn wound care?
Burn wound care is the ongoing protection and monitoring of skin injured by heat, chemicals, electricity or other causes. It commonly includes evaluation by a clinician, cleaning, dressings and follow-up to watch for infection and healing. The specifics depend on the burn, so a licensed provider should guide it.
What are the signs of infection in a burn?
Signs that may suggest infection include spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, a foul odor, fever or chills. If you notice any of these, seek medical care promptly. If you have signs of sepsis or the wound is worsening rapidly, call 911 or go to the ER.
Will my burn scar?
It depends on factors such as how deep the burn is, where it is and how it heals, and a provider cannot promise a particular outcome. Some burns heal with little visible change, while others leave scars or tightness. A burn care specialist can talk with you about what to expect and what support may be available.
What kind of specialist helps with burn wound care?
Burn care specialists, including clinicians at burn centers, often help people recovering from burns. Wound care providers and, in some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy providers may also be part of a care team. Ask a licensed provider which type is appropriate for your situation.
Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy help a burn?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is FDA-cleared only for certain conditions, such as some diabetic foot ulcers, radiation tissue injury and certain infections. Whether it is relevant to a burn is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation. Ask your provider about it and about insurance coverage.
When should I see a doctor about a burn?
Have a licensed provider evaluate a burn whenever you are unsure about its depth or severity, or if it is not healing as expected. Seek care promptly for any sign of infection, and call 911 or go to the ER for heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, or a deep or severely contaminated burn.
Educational resource. WoundKare shares general information and connects people with independent wound care specialists. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.