What is the best way to treat a burn?
Diagnosis
If you see your doctor for burn treatment he or she will assess the severity of the burn by examining your skin. If your burn is more than 10% of your body surface area he or she may recommend that you be transferred to the center of the burn and it is very deep on the face feet or groin or Meets other criteria established by the American Burn Society.
Your doctor will check for other injuries and may order X-ray lab tests or other diagnostic procedures.
Treatment
Most minor burns can be treated at home. They usually heal within a few weeks.
For severe burns after proper first aid and wound assessment your treatment may involve medicated wound dressings and surgery. The goals of treatment are to control pain remove dead tissue prevent infection reduce the risk of scarring and restore function.
People with severe burns may need treatment at a specialized burn center. They may need skin grafts to cover large wounds. They may need emotional support and months of follow-up care such as physical therapy.
Medical treatment
After you have first aid for a severe burn your medical care may include medicines and products designed to promote healing.
Water based treatment. Your care team may use techniques such as ultrasonic mist therapy to clean and stimulate wound tissue.
fluids to prevent dehydration. You may need intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and organ failure.
Pain and anxiety medication. Healing a burn can be very painful. You may need morphine and anti-anxiety medication—especially when changing medications.
Burn creams and ointments. If you are not transferred to a burn center your care team may choose from a variety of topical products for wound healing such as bacitracin and silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene). These help prevent infection and prepare the wound for closure.
dressing. Your care team may also use a variety of special wound dressings to prepare the wound for healing. If you are transferred to a burn center your wound may only be covered with dry gauze.
Anti-infective drugs. If you develop an infection you may need intravenous antibiotics.
Tetanus shot. Your doctor may recommend that you get a tetanus shot after your burn.
Physical and occupational therapy
If the burn is extensive especially if it covers any joints you may need physical therapy. These can help stretch the skin and keep the joints flexible. Other types of exercise can improve muscle strength and coordination. It may be helpful if you have occupational therapy Difficulty performing normal daily activities.
Surgical and other procedures
You may need one or more of the following procedures:
Breathing assistance. If you get burns to your face or neck your throat may swell shut. If this seems likely your doctor may insert a tube under your windpipe (windpipe) to keep the supply of oxygen to your lungs.
feeding tube. People with extensive burns or malnutrition may need nutritional support. Your doctor may connect a feeding tube through your nose to your stomach.
Relieve blood flow around the wound. If a burn scab (eschar) completely surrounds the limb it tightens and cuts off blood circulation. An eschar that completely surrounds the chest can cause difficulty breathing. Your doctor may cut the eschar to relieve this pressure.
Skin graft. A skin graft is a surgical procedure in which a portion of your own healthy skin is used to replace scar tissue caused by a deep burn. Donor skin from deceased donors or pigs can be used as a temporary solution.
Plastic Surgery. Plastic surgery (reconstruction) can improve the appearance of burn scars and increase the mobility of the scar-affected joints.
Lifestyle and home remedies
To treat minor burns follow these steps:
Cool burns. Put the burn area under cold water (not cold water) or apply a cold damp compress until the pain is relieved. Do not use ice cubes. Placing ice directly on the burn can further damage the tissue.
Remove rings or other tight-fitting items. Try doing this quickly and gently before the burn area swells.
Do not break the blisters. Fluid-filled blisters prevent infection. If the blisters burst clean the area with water (mild soap is optional). Apply antibiotic ointment. But if a rash occurs stop using the ointment.
Apply lotion. Once the burn is completely cool apply a lotion such as one with aloe vera or a moisturizer. This helps prevent dryness and provides relief.
Bandage the burn. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage (not fluffy cotton). Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. Bandaging keeps the area out of the air reducing pain and protecting blistered skin.
Take pain medication. Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil Motrin IB others) naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol others) can help relieve pain.
Consider getting a tetanus shot. Make sure your tetanus booster is up to date. Doctors recommend that people get the tetanus vaccine at least every 10 years.
Whether your burn is minor or severe use sunscreen and moisturizer regularly once the wound has healed.
Coping and support
Dealing with a severe burn can be a challenge especially if it covers a large area of your body or is in places where others can easily see it such as your face or hands. Potential scarring leads to reduced mobility and possible surgeries that add to the burden.
Consider joining a support group of other people with severe burns and who know what you're going through. You may find comfort in sharing your experiences and struggles as well as meeting others who have faced similar challenges. Ask your doctor about information about support groups in your area or online.
Preparing for your appointment
Seek emergency medical attention for deep burns or burns involving the hands feet groin buttocks major joints or large areas of the body. Your emergency room doctor may recommend a dermatologist (dermatologist) a burn specialist or other specialist for an examination.
For other burns you may need to make an appointment with your GP. The following information can help you prepare.
List questions you would like to ask your doctor such as:
Do I need treatment for the burn?
What are my treatment options and what are the pros and cons of each?
What are the alternatives to the main method you suggest?
Can I wait and see if the burn will heal on its own?
Do I need a prescription or can I use over-the-counter medicines to treat my burns?
What results can I expect?
What skin care routine do you recommend while the burn is healing?
What kind of follow-up do I need if any?
What happens to my skin as it heals?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you some questions such as:
How did the burn occur?
Do you have other symptoms?
Do you have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes?
What home burn remedies have you used if any?
Have you noticed any change in the appearance of the burn?