What should I use to clean a first degree burn?
Burns should be cleansed initially with a commercial wound cleanser or a gentle soap and water. It may be a simple matter to differentiate between first and second degree burns, but it is often more difficult to differentiate between superficial and deep partial-thickness burns.
How often should you change the dressing on a burn?
The ointment should be covered with a non-adherent dressing and dry gauze to secure it in place. Dressings may require changing twice a day, but should be changed once per day at a minimum. Burns should be cleansed initially with a commercial wound cleanser or a gentle soap and water.
Do you need a sun block for a first degree burn?
Some patients may even require hospitalization briefly in order to control pain. Antimicrobials are not required for first degree burns. Patients may be advised to apply a moisturizer containing a sun block to the burned area(s) until the burns have healed entirely.
Is it possible to have first and second degree burns?
These burns may take up to a month to heal, and scarring may be extensive. It is important to remember that burns often contain a mixture of burn depths; therefore it is possible for a patient to have areas of both first and second degree burns.
What should I do before a dressing change for a burn?
Spread antibiotic ointment on Adaptic gauze over the burn site as demonstrated by your nurses and doctors before leaving the hospital. Apply prepared dressing to the burn area. Wrap securely with Kerlix or gauze wrap. Consider giving pain medication 30 minutes prior to the dressing change.
What should I do if I have a minor burn?
If it is a minor burn: Clean the burn gently with soap and water. DO NOT break blisters. You may put a thin layer of ointment, such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera, on the burn. If needed, protect the burn from rubbing and pressure with a sterile non-stick gauze (petrolatum or Adaptic-type) lightly taped or wrapped over it.
Burns should be cleansed initially with a commercial wound cleanser or a gentle soap and water. It may be a simple matter to differentiate between first and second degree burns, but it is often more difficult to differentiate between superficial and deep partial-thickness burns.
How to take care of a third degree burn?
Burn care: Wash your hands with soap and water and remove old bandages. You may need to soak the bandage in water before you remove it so it will not stick to your wound. Gently clean the burned area daily with mild soap and water, and pat dry.