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How do you treat a minor burn wound?
How to treat a first-degree, minor burn
- Cool the burn. Immediately immerse the burn in cool tap water or apply cold, wet compresses.
- Apply petroleum jelly two to three times daily.
- Cover the burn with a nonstick, sterile bandage.
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication.
- Protect the area from the sun.
What is Wound Care Management for a burn patient?
Wash the area gently and thoroughly with mild soap and water. Use a small amount of antibiotic ointment and a nonstick dressing and allow the wound to heal. If the surrounding area becomes red and warm, you might have an infection. Contact your health care provider for further evaluation.
Should you bandage a minor burn?
Bandage the burn. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage (not fluffy cotton). Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
How burn wounds heal?
Minor burns heal much the same way cuts do. Often a blister forms, which covers the injured area. Under it, white blood cells arrive to attack the bacteria and a new layer of skin grows in from the edges of the burn. If a burn is very large or goes very deep, it can be dangerous.
Do burn wounds need air to heal?
Not only do wounds need air to heal, but these also trap heat at the burn site and can further damage deeper tissues. Do not peel off dead skin, as this can result in further scarring and infection. Do not cough or breathe directly on the affected area.
How to take care of a burn wound?
Dressings may need to be changed daily. This can be a painful process. Your doctor can assist you in coordinating the dressing changes with your pain medication. Dressings can be soaked off with water in a sink or shower. The skin and the burn wound should be washed gently with mild soap and rinsed well with tap water.
How to treat a first-degree, minor burn?
How to treat a first-degree, minor burn. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. Protect the area from the sun. Once the burn heals, protect the area from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
How is plastic surgery used to treat burns?
Plastic surgery (reconstruction) can improve the appearance of burn scars and increase the flexibility of joints affected by scarring. To treat minor burns, follow these steps: Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases. Don’t use ice.
How long does it take for a minor burn to heal?
Most minor burns can be treated at home. They usually heal within a couple of weeks. For serious burns, after appropriate first aid and wound assessment, your treatment may involve medications, wound dressings, therapy and surgery.