How long after the burn scab falls off can you take a shower?

Generally, whether one can take a shower after a burn scab has fallen off depends on the healing condition of the newly formed skin. Showering is permissible when the new skin is intact and without redness or exudate; however, if there is skin damage, exudation, or sensitivity with redness, showering should be postponed until complete healing occurs. The details are as follows:

If the new skin exposed after the scab falls off appears light pink, smooth, and intact, without wounds, exudate, or severe itching, this indicates that the wound has largely healed and normal showering can resume. However, water temperature should be maintained between 37–40°C to avoid thermal irritation, shower duration should be limited to under 10 minutes, scrubbing tools such as loofahs should not be used on the affected area, and a soft towel should be used gently to pat the skin dry.

If the new skin shows signs of damage, exudate, noticeable redness and swelling, stinging pain, or rash after the scab falls off, the skin barrier has not yet recovered, and showering may lead to infection. In such cases, continue protecting the wound with sterile gauze and disinfect daily with iodophor solution. Wait until the damaged areas have fully healed and inflammation has subsided before resuming showers.

In daily care, proper attention should be given to the new skin. After showering, apply a gentle moisturizer to maintain hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. When going outdoors, ensure adequate sun protection to prevent ultraviolet radiation from causing hyperpigmentation.