Burn Wound

• A burn wound is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or even friction. Burn wounds can range from mild surface burns (like sunburns) to severe injuries that affect muscles, nerves, and even bones. Proper medication and wound care are essential for healing, preventing infection, and reducing pain and scarring.

Burns can be caused by:

• Thermal Burns:

  • From fire, hot liquids, steam, or heated objects

​

• Chemical Burns:

  • Caused by strong acids, alkalis, or detergents

​

• Electrical Burns:

  • Due to electrical currents or lightning

​

• Radiation Burns:

  • Caused by UV rays (sunburns) or radiation therapy

​

• Friction Burns:

  • Caused by rubbing the skin against a rough surface, like road rash

• Burns are categorized based on depth and severity:

  • First-degree (superficial): Affects only the outer layer of skin (epidermis); red, painful, dry (e.g., sunburn)

  • Second-degree (partial thickness): Affects the outer and second layer of skin; blisters, swelling, severe pain

  • Third-degree (full thickness): Affects all skin layers and possibly underlying tissues; white or charred skin, numb due to nerve damage

  • Fourth-degree: Extends into muscles, tendons, or bones (life-threatening)

• Redness or inflammation

• Blistering

• Swelling or fluid leakage

• Pain or tenderness

• Peeling or blackened skin

• Fever or pus (sign of infection)

• Numbness in deep burns

1. Topical Antibiotic Creams/Ointments

• These are essential to prevent infection in open or healing burns:

  • Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene): Commonly used for second- and third-degree burns

  • Bacitracin: Used for minor burns or superficial wounds

  • Mupirocin: Effective against skin infections

  • Honey-based gels: Have natural antibacterial and healing properties

• These creams are applied after cleaning the wound and covered with a sterile dressing.

​

2. Pain Relief Medications

• Burns are often painful. Pain management is vital, especially during dressing changes.

  • Acetaminophen (Paracetamol): For mild to moderate pain

  • Ibuprofen or Naproxen: Reduces pain and inflammation

  • Prescription opioids (in severe cases): Used short-term for intense pain

​

3. Anti-itch Medications

• As burns heal, itching is common:

  • Oral antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine)

  • Topical anti-itch creams (e.g., Hydrocortisone)

​

4. Moisturizers & Skin Regeneration Products

• To keep the skin hydrated and support healing:

  • Aloe vera gel (for sunburns or first-degree burns)

  • Vitamin E creams

  • Silicone gel sheets or scar creams for preventing or minimizing scarring

​

5. Oral Antibiotics (if infected)

• If there are signs of infection (fever, pus, spreading redness), oral antibiotics may be prescribed:

  • Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid

  • Cephalexin

  • Clindamycin

• A medical professional will assess:

  • Burn depth and size (% of body surface area)

  • Burn location (face, hands, feet, and joints are higher risk)

  • Signs of infection or complications

  • History of exposure (e.g., chemicals, electricity)

​

• Tests may include:

  • Blood tests (in severe burns)

  • Wound culture if infection is suspected

  • Imaging (X-ray or CT) for internal damage in deep burns

• At Home:

  • Keep hot liquids and appliances out of children’s reach

  • Install smoke alarms and fire extinguishers

  • Use protective gloves when handling chemicals

  • Turn pot handles inward when cooking

​

• Outdoors:

  • Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn

  • Avoid direct sun during peak hours

​

• Workplace Safety:

  • Use proper safety gear around electrical or chemical hazards

  • Follow fire safety protocols

1. When should I go to a doctor for a burn?

• If the burn is larger than your palm, on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if it's oozing, deep, or very painful, seek medical help immediately.

​

2. Can I use home remedies like toothpaste or butter on burns?

• No. These can trap heat and bacteria. Use cool (not icy) water and clean dressings.

​

3. How long does it take for a burn to heal?

• Minor burns may heal in 3–10 days; moderate to severe burns may take weeks to months and sometimes require surgery or skin grafts.

​

4. Should I pop burn blisters?

• No. Blisters protect the skin and reduce infection risk. Let them heal naturally or have them drained by a healthcare provider if necessary.

​

5. What helps prevent burn scars?

• Keeping the area moisturized, using silicone sheets, avoiding sun exposure, and following medical advice helps reduce scarring.