Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is a burn?
- A burn is the destruction of one or more layers of the skin due to heat, friction or chemical (rarely but possible, too cold, as in the prolonged application of an icepack)
- You would have had first aid treatment performed at home or in ED and you mayor may not have been asked to return for a review
- With superficial/partial thickness burns, blisters do not always develop immediately. If blisters develop 48-72 hours post burn and you do not have a dressing then please return to the ED for a health clinician to review
- If you have sustained a deeper or complex burn, you may have been referred to a local Burns Specialist Unit.
- It is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet to assist the body to heal
Burns Dressing
- It is important to keep the dressing in place for the time specified by your Clinician. Please keep clean and dry. Some leakage may occur which is normal; please return if this leakage is more than the size of a satsuma which may cause it to become saturated or if the dressing falls off
- Elevate the affected limb if your burn is either in your hand or lower leg whilst sitting and sleeping.
Pain Relief
Burns can be very painful in the first 24 hours. If required, please take over the counter (OTC) medication; for example, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (as per instructions). If you have been prescribed analgesia (pain relief) from ED, please
ensure you take as per instructions and do not take extra from OTC.
Scar Management
It is difficult to predict scarring of a burn as it varies depending on the first aid received, cause of the burn, depth of the burn, age of the patient, health, and compliance to treatment.
The following techniques can help improve the wound healing. These can be done at home daily once the wound is healing and the dressings are removed
- Apply Vitamin E based creams (for example E45 or Bio Oil) to the wound daily. This will help the skin to feel less tight and may also relieve a burns itch
- Scar massage-performing circular movements (not rubbing motions) on and around the scare area using deep firm movements 3-4 times a day for at least a few minutes per day using the Vit E based cream. Stop if this becomes painful
- Prior to sun exposure, apply High factor (50 plus) sun block generously for at least 12 months and wear protective clothing if appropriate.
Burn Review
Please return for a dressing change and wound review on the date and time provided by the Clinician.
Dressing changes may cause discomfort, so we advise that you take analgesia 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis/Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome and Sepsis are a rare but harmful bacterial infection affecting the whole body. If you have any of the following symptoms, please seek medical advice or return to the ED ASAP
- Raised temperature above 38 C
- Drowsy or confused
- Worsening pain which is uncontrolled by analgesia
- Vomiting and or diarrhoea
- Lack of appetite/not drinking
- Aching joints and feeling very unwell
- Offensive smelling wound even through the dressings
- Red line tracking towards the heart from the burn (lymphangitis)
For non-urgent medical advice; please call 111 or visit https:/
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.
About this information
Service:
Emergency department (ED)
Reference:
A/001
Approval date:
1 November 2024
Review date:
1 November 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.