Burns dressings

Burns require dressings to cover and protect the area and provide an optimal clean and moist environment for the development of granulation tissue (new skin formation). For the antimicrobial properties of the dressings to work most effectively, dressings need to be in direct contact with the area of skin that has been burnt. This means the burn area needs to be debrided and cleaned (including blisters de-roofed) before dressings are applied.

Medical and nursing staff will determine what dressing will go on a burn. With children, this typically involves the use of a combination of non-stick and silver impregnated (antimicrobial) dressings that are easily removed and applied and can remain on the child for up to a week.