How often should burn dressings typically be changed?

Changing burn dressings every 1 to 3 days or as needed is the best practice to promote healing and prevent infection. This frequency allows healthcare providers to assess the burn site for any signs of infection, healing progress, or complications effectively. It also provides an opportunity to clean the wound and apply fresh dressings, which can keep the area moist and protected, crucial for optimal healing.

The requirement to change dressings "every day without exception" might lead to unnecessary trauma to the healing skin and can increase the risk of infection, as frequent handling may disrupt the healing process. Changing dressings "only when they become visible" could result in inadequate monitoring of the burn for infection or other issues, potentially leading to worsening conditions. Finally, changing dressings once a week may not provide sufficient care, particularly in the initial stages of burn healing, when monitoring and care are paramount.