What it is
Amniotic membrane is the thin inner layer of the sac that surrounds a baby during pregnancy. After a donated birth, the tissue can be collected, screened, processed and preserved by tissue banks for medical use.
Using amniotic membrane as a wound covering is an established use. In burn care, a clinician may place it over a wound as a temporary biological dressing. The goal of any dressing is to protect the area while the body does its own healing.
Not every amniotic product is the same. Sheets or membranes applied to a wound surface are different from injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly or exosome products. Those injectable products are generally not FDA-approved for burns, skin repair or 'regeneration,' and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products. Most processed amniotic products also contain no living stem cells.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Burns have long been managed according to their depth and size. Care often begins with cooling and cleaning the area, protecting it from infection, and managing pain. Minor burns are often cared for with simple dressings, while deeper or larger burns need professional attention.
Clinicians may use many kinds of dressings, including medicated ointments, non-stick bandages, and specialized wound products. For deeper burns, some people are evaluated for procedures such as removing damaged tissue or skin grafting, which a surgeon or burn specialist would decide on.
Biological and synthetic skin substitutes, including amniotic membrane, are one group of options clinicians may consider among many. Which approach fits depends on the burn, the person's overall health, and the clinician's judgment after an evaluation.
How the right doctor may help
A wound care or podiatry provider may help by examining the burn, asking about how it happened and your health history, and explaining what they see. For burns on the feet or in people with conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes or circulation concerns, a provider's close attention can matter. Some burns need referral to a burn center or surgeon, and a good provider will say so.
If amniotic membrane comes up, you can ask whether it may be appropriate for your situation at all, or whether other dressings are more suitable. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is right for you after an evaluation, and results can never be promised.
Helpful questions include: Is this product FDA-cleared, approved or regulated in another way, and for what use? Where does the tissue come from? What are the risks and alternatives? What is the total cost, and does my insurance cover it? Ask these before treatment, not after.
The whole-person view
Burns affect more than the skin. Pain, poor sleep, worry about scarring and the stress of recovery can influence one another, and body, mind and stress all shape how a person copes while healing. Looking at the whole person can make care feel more manageable.
Some people find body-based support helpful for tension and stress held in the body, such as the approaches listed through Somatic Experiences. Others find talk therapy useful for coping with a frightening injury, and Therapists.plus can help you find it. These are supportive options alongside medical care, not replacements for it.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Licensed professionals should guide all burn care; do not try to treat a significant burn on your own or rely on a web page to decide.
- Seek emergency care right away for large, deep, facial, hand, genital or chemical and electrical burns, or any burn with trouble breathing. For emergencies call 911.
- Amniotic membrane as a wound covering is an established use, but injectable amniotic or umbilical cord products for skin, pain or 'regeneration' are generally not FDA-approved for those uses.
- If a burn or its aftermath leaves you in emotional distress, you are not alone. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is amniotic membrane burn treatment?
Amniotic membrane burn treatment is the use of processed amniotic tissue as a biological covering over certain burn wounds. A clinician decides whether it fits a given burn. It is one of several wound-covering options and does not guarantee any result.
Is amniotic membrane approved for burns?
Amniotic membrane as a wound covering is an established use, but regulatory status can differ from product to product. Ask your provider about the specific product's FDA status and what it is cleared or regulated for. Injectable amniotic products are generally not FDA-approved for burns or skin repair.
Does amniotic membrane contain stem cells?
Most processed amniotic membrane products contain no living stem cells after processing. They should not be described as stem-cell treatments. Ask your provider exactly what the product contains and how it was prepared.
Can amniotic membrane regrow skin?
No one can promise that amniotic membrane will regrow skin or tissue. It is generally used as a protective covering while the body heals on its own. Your clinician can explain what it may and may not do in your case.
What kind of doctor uses amniotic membrane for burns?
Burn specialists, surgeons and wound care providers may use it, and podiatrists may use similar wound coverings for foot wounds. The right provider depends on the burn's size, depth and location. You can search licensed providers through Providers.plus.
What should I ask before getting amniotic membrane for a burn?
Ask about the product's FDA status, its tissue source, the risks, the alternatives and the total cost. Also check with your insurance before treatment. Asking these questions helps you make informed choices with your provider.
Educational resource. Amniotic Doctors shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.