Burns in Children: What to Do After the Hospital Visit?

By Ilana Lawrence – Paediatric Nurse Consultant, Mum of Two, Founder of The Sick Sense

When your child has sustained a burn, the immediate moments after the injury are critical. But what happens next — when the bandages come off and you’re sent home — can feel just as overwhelming. Parents often leave hospital feeling unsure about how to care for a healing burn, what foods support recovery, and how to protect the skin long-term.

At The Sick Sense, I don’t just teach you what to do in the moment. I focus on equipping you with practical knowledge to support your child’s recovery, build your confidence, and help you trust your instincts.

Here’s what you need to know about at-home burn care and healing.

After the Burn: What Happens at Home Matters

Once the hospital treatment is done — whether it was a small scald or a more complex burn — the road to healing continues at home. Skin healing is a gradual process, and the way we care for it plays a big role in minimising complications like infection, scarring, and long-term sensitivity.

1. Keep the Burn Site Clean

Even after dressings come off, a burn remains fragile. Keep the area clean and follow the instructions provided by your treating team. If you’ve been told to wash the wound or apply creams, do so gently and consistently. Avoid using products not recommended by your care team — especially anything scented, exfoliating, or containing alcohol.

2. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise

Moisturising the area with a bland, fragrance-free cream (like sorbolene or paraffin-based creams) is key. This keeps the skin supple and prevents cracking. Massage gently in circular motions two to three times a day, or as advised.

Healing From the Inside Out: Why Food Matters

Burns increase the body’s metabolic demand. This means your child’s body is working hard to repair damaged tissue — and it needs the right fuel to do that.

Support healing with:

• High-Protein Foods: Lean meats, eggs, fish, tofu, legumes and beans. Protein helps rebuild tissue and supports immune function.

• Dairy and Calcium-Rich Foods: Milk, cheese, yoghurt. These not only support tissue healing but also help meet the increased calcium needs during recovery.

• Energy-Rich Snacks: Healing burns takes energy. Wholegrain bread, avocado, pasta, rice, and healthy fats provide this fuel.

• Fluids: Good hydration supports skin elasticity and helps the body flush out waste. Offer water regularly throughout the day.

• Fruits and Veggies: Vitamin-rich foods (especially those with Vitamin C like berries and citrus) support skin healing.

Burn recovery isn’t a time for strict diets — it’s a time for nourishment. If your child’s appetite is reduced, consider offering small, frequent meals or enriched snacks like smoothies with yoghurt and fruit.

Sun Safety: Protecting Fragile New Skin

This is something many parents aren’t told clearly enough — healed burns are extremely sensitive to the sun, often for months or even years.

That new skin doesn’t have its full barrier or pigmentation yet. Exposing it to UV can cause permanent pigment changes, damage, or even worsen scarring.

Here’s what to do:

• Cover healed burn areas with clothing where possible (e.g. long sleeves or rash shirts at the beach).

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) if the area must be exposed. Reapply regularly.

• Avoid peak sun hours when UV is highest, particularly in the middle of the day.

• Keep an eye on changes. If the healed area becomes darker, redder, or irritated in the sun, shield it and seek advice from your care team or GP.

  
  

Signs to Watch For at Home

Even with the best care, sometimes burns can take a turn. Here’s what to keep an eye on once you’re home:

• Increased redness or swelling around the burn

• A wound that becomes hot, painful or smelly

• Fever or signs your child is unwell

• Blisters forming on previously healed skin

• Any sudden change in the wound’s appearance

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to have the wound reviewed early — especially in children, where infections can escalate quickly.

The Sick Sense Takeaway

Burns can be stressful and confronting, especially when you're navigating dressing changes, pain, and healing. But knowledge is powerful — and so is preparation. That’s exactly what I focus on in my workshops: giving parents real-world skills and confidence.

From emergency first aid (yes, we cover burns in detail) to understanding the healing process, I teach you how to respond when things go wrong, and what to do long after you leave the hospital.

Burn care doesn’t stop at the ED door — and you don’t have to manage it alone.

Disclaimer:This information is general and educational in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical advice or treatment. If you’re concerned about your child’s burn or recovery, always consult your healthcare provider or local hospital.