Burn Wounds

About Burn Wounds

Burn wounds vary from superficial sunburns to deep injuries that destroy skin, fat, muscle and bone. Common causes include flame, scald, hot surfaces, chemicals and electricity. Early steps focus on stopping the burning process with cool running water, removing tight clothing, providing first aid and seeking specialist review without delay. Self-applied home remedies often slow rather than help healing.

On arrival, we assess depth, area and location of the burn. Superficial and partial-thickness burns usually heal within two to three weeks with cleansing, antimicrobial dressings and pain relief. Deeper partial and full-thickness burns require admission, careful fluid balance and timely debridement. Decisions on grafting are made within the first one to two weeks once depth becomes clear.

Skin grafting is the workhorse for deep burns. Healthy skin from the thigh or buttock is taken as a thin sheet, meshed if needed and applied to the prepared wound bed. Donor sites heal in one to two weeks. Grafts on joints, the face and hands receive special attention because cosmetic and functional outcomes matter most in these areas.

Beyond acute care, scar revision burn procedures address hypertrophic scars, keloids, contractures and pigmentation changes. Scar revision principles use Z-plasty, W-plasty, full-thickness grafts and flaps. Keloid treatment combines surgery with intralesional injections and pressure therapy. Cosmetic scar removal sessions including laser and fat grafting refine appearance over many months once scars have matured.

Children and patients with diabetes, heart disease or extensive burns require additional care. We optimise nutrition, control blood sugar, treat anaemia and coordinate with paediatricians or physicians as needed. Pressure garments, splints and physiotherapy are used to maintain joint movement and shape during healing. Family education is essential because home care strongly influences eventual outcomes.

Long-term follow-up continues for at least a year. Photographs document progress, and treatment is adjusted as scars mature. Many patients require a sequence of small procedures spread over time rather than a single large operation. Our team supports patients with clear written instructions, structured reviews and honest discussion of what each stage of burn wound treatment can realistically achieve.

What to expect

• Assessment of depth, area and location of the burn
• Cleansing, antimicrobial dressings and pain control for shallower burns
• Admission, fluid balance and debridement for deeper injuries
• Skin grafting from healthy donor sites where required
• Pressure garments, splints and physiotherapy during healing
• Long-term scar revision and cosmetic refinement

Recovery

• Donor sites typically heal within one to two weeks
• Grafted areas need protection from movement and pressure
• Pressure garments and silicone used during scar maturation
• Sun protection essential for at least a year after healing
• Periodic reviews and staged refinements over many months