Common questions about burn wound healing (1990)

Key points below


Why does a healing burn itch?

This is a normal part of healing. It is caused by new nerve growth or dry skin. Scar tissue does not have the oil glands that are found in healthy skin so it itches. Itching is often worse at night.

How can I keep my child from scratching?

How should I care for my child’s skin?

The new skin is fragile.

To help with healing, have your child eat a diet high in protein and calories.

Will the area be normal again?

Skin color. Melanin gives our skin its color. It is found in the top layer of skin. This layer is lost when a burn occurs. The deeper the burn, the longer it takes for the skin color to return. It may take more than a year for the skin color to return and look more like the rest of the skin. Very deep burns may never regain full color.

Scars. It normally takes burn scars 1 to 2 years to mature, or become flatter and softer. Lotion and massage will help soften the scars. The scars may get lighter, but will never go away.

Feeling. The injured nerves need time to re-grow. It may take 1 to 2 years before normal feeling returns. Very deep burns may never have normal feeling again.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any concerns or if your child has special health care needs not covered by this information.