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Minor Burns  

This advice is to help you care for a minor burn injury.
The aim is to heal your burn as quickly as possible (10-14 days) without it becoming infected.

To care for your wound, it would help to follow these guidelines:

- Keep the dressing as clean and dry as possible.
- Elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Exercise frequently, especially if hands or fingers.

The burn will normally ooze fluid but if it soaks through the dressing please contact the Minor Injuries Unit at Builth Hospital for re-assessment and for the dressing to be changed.

- Take painkillers such as Paracetamol, Codeine or Ibuprofen regularly if required.
- Your burn has been dressed and this dressing should remain undisturbed as advised by the doctor/nurse.

You should attend your GP practice or return to the Builth Cottage Hospital earlier than requested if:

- You experience increasing pain and swelling.
- There is a red line running up your arm or leg.
- Feeling unwell or high temperature.
- You experience increasing discomfort after initial improvement.
- Fluid seeps through the dressing.
- The dressing becomes accidentally wet.

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