What special care does healed burn skin need when exposed to sunlight?
Healed burn wounds, grafts, and donor sites are very sensitive to direct sunlight. They can burn very quickly and also become very dry. After burn wounds have healed, you should avoid direct exposure to sunlight for at least six months. Following six months, it is okay to allow short exposures to sunlight. It is important to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply the sunscreen approximately 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Also, try to avoid direct exposure to the sun at its strongest period (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Reapply sunscreen often and try to stay out of direct sunlight. You can gradually increase your exposure to sunlight over a period of time.
