What should I do immediately after a burn?

Cool the burn under clean running tap water for about 20 minutes (not ice), remove rings and tight clothing, cover with a clean cloth, and seek medical care. Do not apply toothpaste, oil or butter.

Can an old burn scar be treated years later?

Yes. Contracture release and scar reconstruction can be done long after the injury, once the scar has matured.

Dr. Mahbubur RahmanPlastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Book now

Burn Care & Reconstruction

Burn Treatment & Burn Reconstruction

পোড়া রোগীর চিকিৎসা ও পুনর্গঠন

Care for all types of burns — fire, hot water, electrical and chemical — and the scars, contractures and disability that can follow.

01556-304153 Book a consultation

Medical review in progress — patient information, not a substitute for a consultation.

Overview

Burns injure the skin and the tissue beneath it. Superficial burns usually heal with dressings; deeper burns may need removal of dead tissue and skin grafting so that the wound closes and infection is prevented. After healing, burn scars can thicken and tighten — across the neck, armpit, elbow, hand or face — limiting movement and changing appearance.

Treatment of all types of burns and burn-related disability is a core part of Dr. Masum’s practice, from early wound care to later reconstruction such as contracture release with grafts or flaps.

What it addresses

Fresh burns from fire, hot liquids, gas, electricity or chemicals
Deep burns that need skin grafting
Burn contractures that limit movement of the neck, hand or joints
Thick, itchy or raised burn scars
Burn deformities of the face and hands

Who may be a candidate

Children and adults with burns of any size, especially of the face, hands, feet or genitals
Anyone with an electrical burn — injury can be deeper than it looks
People whose healed burns now restrict movement or cause discomfort

Treatment options

01Wound cleaning and specialised dressings
02Removal of dead tissue (debridement)
03Split- or full-thickness skin grafting
04Contracture release with grafts or local flaps
05Scar management: pressure garments, silicone, and physiotherapy guidance

Benefits & limitations

Faster wound closure lowers the risk of infection
Releasing contractures can restore movement and function
Reconstruction improves appearance but cannot make skin exactly as it was before the burn
Several stages over months may be needed for extensive burns

Every patient is different. Results vary and no outcome can be guaranteed; your surgeon will discuss what is realistic for you.

Consultation & assessment

At Central Hospital, Dhanmondi, Dr. Masum takes a full history, examines the area of concern and — only with your permission — takes clinical photographs for your file. He explains which options suit you, including non-surgical ones where they are appropriate, together with the expected recovery, possible risks and the cost, so that you can decide without pressure.

Please bring previous prescriptions, investigation reports and a list of the medicines you take.

Preparing for surgery

1Tell the surgeon about diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease and any allergies.
2Mention blood thinners, aspirin or herbal supplements — some may need to be paused only on medical advice.
3Stop smoking well before surgery; it slows wound healing.
4Follow the fasting and medicine instructions you are given for the day of surgery.
5Arrange for a family member to accompany you and help at home for the first days.

The procedure

Fresh burns are assessed for depth and extent. Wounds are cleaned and dressed; deep areas may be grafted with thin skin taken from another part of the body. For contractures, the tight scar is released under anaesthesia and the gap is covered with a graft or a flap of nearby tissue.

Recovery & aftercare

Grafted areas are protected for the first days while the graft takes. Regular dressings, splints for hands and joints, pressure garments and moisturising help scars mature. Burn scars keep changing for 12–18 months, so follow-up visits matter.