Home care for face burns
Key points below
What supplies will I need?
- Clean washcloths. These are used to soak the burn wound and to wipe off old ointment.
- Warm tap water. Used to soak the burn wound.
- Antibiotic ointment. This will help the wound heal and prevent infection.
How do I clean my child’s face?
Comb your child’s hair back and use a barrette or band to keep your child’s hair away from the face. The barrette or band should not be in contact with the burn.
- Gather supplies.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Moisten the washcloth with the tap water.
- Check the wound for signs of infection:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bad smelling or green-colored drainage
- Put the moist washcloth on the burn wounds. Leave it on your child’s face for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, use the washcloth to gently wipe off the old ointment and wound drainage. As you wash the wound, you may notice a thin, jelly-like layer come off of the wound. This is old ointment and some wound drainage. This needs to come off for the wound to heal well. It is normal.
- Use your finger to spread a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the wound. This prevents a scab from forming.
- The burn must be kept moist. If the burn dries out between facial soaks, apply another thin layer of ointment.
Where do I get supplies for cleaning my child’s face?
Antibiotic ointment can be purchased at a pharmacy. Bring any prescribed creams or medicines used to your child's follow up appointment.
What else can I do to help my child heal?
- Good nutrition will help your child’s burns heal.
- Have your child eat a healthy diet. Choose foods that are high in protein and calories.
- Limit the amount of “junk” food your child eats. Avoid candy, chips and soda even though these foods often have higher calorie content.
- Look at our Nutrition for the Child with Burns Teaching Sheet #1963.