INSTRUCTIONS:

Bath

• Cleanse bathtub prior to and after your use
• Use a clean towel and washcloth every day
• Wash involved areas with Ivory or Safeguard soap (avoid perfumed soaps as they may cause skin irritation).
• Make sure to wash any build-up from involved areas as excess build-up may result in breakdown of good skin.

Signs of Infection

• Observe for signs of infection which are 1) swelling, 2) redness, 3) odor, 4) green/yellow drainage, 5) fever, 6) warmness at site of swelling/redness. If these signs are noted, please contact the Burn Unit right away.

Donor

• Examine involved areas for the formation of blisters.
  1) Open the blisters and allow them to drain.
  2) Apply Mycitracin ointment till healed.

Itiching

• Itching can be a problem. We recommend Benadryl, which can be purchased at any drug store. Take as directed on package.
• It is important to keep all healed areas well lubricated with a lotion. This includes grafted healed burns and donor site areas.
• The lotion will prevent breakdown of skin and will also relieve itching that is caused by dry skin.
• We recommend a nonperfumed, hypoallergenic lotion, such as Lubriderm.

Exposure to Sun/Cold

• Avoid exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures (this includes exposure to sun).
• It will be necessary to use a sun-screen when out in the sun, as well as wearing protective clothing, i.e., long-sleeved shirt, cap, and pants.
• A sunblock of #15 or greater is recommended; reapply after swimming.
• Involved areas are more susceptible to frostbite, so wear layered clothing in winter.
• Avoid trauma to involved areas as this skin is very delicate and fragile.

DIET:

• Nutrition: If you are diabetic, resume your usual diabetic diet.
  Eat a well-balanced diet, three meals a day--high in protein and calories, with at least one good source of Vitamin C a day.

IF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:

1. Persistent temperature over 38.0° C or 100° F.
2. Signs of infection at incision, graft or donor site.
3. Sudden onset of severe, unusual pain, nausea, vomiting.
4. Bleeding from incision or graft.

CONTACT:

The Burn Treatment Center
University of Iowa
(319) 356-3218
DAY OR NIGHT