Living with burn injuries

When can I get back into sports? Where can I ask financial questions? Can I use self-tanner or make-up? Read more about resuming your daily activities, support and other questions after burn injuries.

Frequently asked questions

As long as there are residual lesions present that are constantly under friction during sports, it is best not to resume sports just yet.

As soon as you can, a quick resumption of sport contributes to mental and physical recovery and helps to accept scars.

Once all residual lesions have healed. Moisturise the skin well after swimming.

Depending on the type of work you do, you can usually resume it as soon as the residual injuries have healed. Your processing of the accident and the rehabilitation time required afterwards will also help determine when you can resume work. The doctor and psychologist will guide you in this.

As soon as you can, a quick return to work will ensure mental and physical recovery, and help you accept scars.

Absolutely. It is normal for those around you to also have many questions about what has happened to you and how they can help with the mental and physical challenges you face. Yet, in our experience, family members and loved ones often feel left out, and do not talk easily about their own insecurities, worries and fears. For example, if they were present at the accident, they may also experience post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression symptoms.

The people close to our burn patients can also call on the psychosocial support within our team.

Discover the care team at the burn centre.

The medical costs of taking care of burn injuries can add up. If you have any questions about this, please contact our social worker. They will review your individual situation and possible solutions with you. Speak to one of the care providers as soon as possible if you have any concerns about this.

From the moment the burn injuries have closed, it is possible to have sexual intercourse again. You may still feel bothered or hesitant in this matter. Don't hesitate to discuss it at the aftercare consultation or contact us about it. A conversation with a sexologist may be of help.

With self-tanning, be wary of the result it produces. Make-up may be used once residual lesions have healed. Choose a known dermatologically-tested product free of irritants.

Camouflage is the ability to make scars less noticeable. By using special make-up, the colour of the skin and partly the bumpy aspect can be masked. A week or 14 days after the burn is fully healed, you may start camouflage.

Contact the burn surgeon or the burn centre's aftercare team.

Discover the team at the burn centre.

Last edit: 19 july 2024