A burn is an injury to the skin caused by exposure to heat, flame, or chemicals.  There are different degrees of burns: 

• A superficial burn affects only the top layer of the skin. It may not need a dressing and will heal in about a week.
• A partial thickness burn affects the top layer of the skin and some of the underlying structures. This type of burn will need a dressing or to be kept covered and may take a few weeks to months to heal.
• A full thickness burn affects all the layers of the skin and can include the layers of muscle and fat underneath. With this type of burn, the skin is unable to regenerate by itself, resulting in the formation of scar tissue when it heals.

Features of a burn

• Skin tightness and scar formation
• Limitations to movement due to contractures
• Itchiness
• Blisters
• Raised areas of scarring       

Treatments for burns

• Laser treatment
• Pressure garments
• Skin grafts
• Z-plasties
• Physiotherapy  

• Notify the school nurse and relevant staff about the student's burn injury, including the severity and any necessary medical accommodations.
• Provide a flexible schedule, e.g. allowing a student to return to school for half a day and then slowly build to a full day. Help with care of the injury during school hours.
• The student may need help with stretching or putting on splints or pressure garments.
• Allow the student more time to take tests if they have trouble remembering, learning new things, or concentrating.
• Give the student access to the school nurse for support, e.g. creaming skin or taking medication.
• If the student misses school due to medical procedures, make sure to send work and liaise with the right people. If the student has had time off from school, put together a plan to support their return.