Redness (about 1 inch in width) and swelling around the burn.įlu-like symptoms (temperature greater than 100.4✯ or 101.5✯ for children by mouth for two readings taken 4 hours apart, chills, nausea, vomiting, or muscle aches). When to CallĬall the doctor if you have any signs and symptoms of infection such as: Avoid creams with alcohol or numbing agents. Apply moisture creams that are perfume and dye-free such as Lubriderm®, Eucerin® or Nivea® as often as needed to keep the skin moist and soft. Use moisture creams to prevent drying and cracking. It is also important to eat a well-balanced diet that is high in protein to help wounds heal. Dietĭrink plenty of fluids with extra protein, 8-10 (8 oz.) glasses in 24 hours, to prevent dehydration. Smoking decreases blood flow and oxygen to new and healed burns. If you smoke, we strongly encourage you to stop. Be sure to:Įxercise to keep joints moving and to stretch new skin. ExerciseĮven though you have a burn, it is important to exercise. Keep your heels off the edge of the pillow. _ For foot and leg burns - keep feet and legs up on pillows when you sit or are in bed. _ For hand or arm burns - rest your hand or arm on pillows above the level of the heart as much as you can. _ For face or head burns - elevate your head when you sleep. Prevent SwellingĬompression and elevation are very important to help prevent swelling, promote healing and help with pain. Only use ibuprofen if your burn doctor approves. It may feel stiff or like it is being pulled as it heals. As your burn heals, you will have less pain. Between dressing changes you can use Tylenol® (acetaminophen or extra strength acetaminophen) to treat pain. Take prescribed pain pills 1 hour before dressing changes. Consider sponge bathing.Ĭontact the burn providers if your dressings get wet, soiled, or displaced. Do not soak dressings in water during shower or bath. Keep your dressing clean, dry, and in place. Your dressings may stay in place for many days and will be removed by the nurse at your scheduled visit. Mepilex® AG Dressing Mepilex® AG is a protective silver foam dressing that helps your burn heal, prevent infection, and control pain.ĭo not remove your dressings. You may need extra layers of gauze if the wound is weepy.Īpply Dermafit, compression stockings, or glove. Wrap all burns except the face and ears with non-stretch roller gauze. It may build up and plug the ears.Īpply a non-stick gauze called Cuticerin. Do not get cream/ointment in the ear canal. _ For ear burns – Apply Bacitracin antibiotic ointment twice a day. _ For face burns – Apply Bacitracin antibiotic ointment twice a day, and more often if your face gets dry. Remove the antibiotic cream/ointment from jar with gloves or washed hands so germs do not get in the jar.Īpply a thin layer of Bacitracin or Silvadene® antimicrobial cream or ointment to the burn as directed. A small amount of bleeding is normal.įacial burns should be washed twice daily. Wash off the antibiotic cream/ointment, blisters, and loose skin. Do not use baby soap or soaps with lotion in it. Wash burns gently once a day with unscented, antimicrobial soap. Bacitracin or Silvadene® Dressing Remove the dressing. It decreases blood flow and prevents healing. These burns are treated at home only if they are quite small.įollow the burn care treatment that is checked below. Third degree burns often take greater than 3 weeks to heal or need skin grafting. Third degree burns appear dry or leathery, white, brown, maroon, dark red or black. Second degree burns often take 1-3 weeks to heal. They may be treated at home, in the clinic or in the hospital. These burns are painful and sensitive to touch. Second degree burns appear open, shiny, moist, blistered, and pink or red. This handout explains how to care for 2nd and 3rd degree burns.
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