BURNS

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR 1ST DEGREE BURNS OR SMALL BLISTERS

  1. Reassurance: A mild thermal or chemical burn can be treated at home.
  2. Cleansing: Wash the area gently with an antibacterial liquid soap and water once a day.
  3. Blisters: Don't open any small closed blisters; the outer skin protects the burn from infection. For small broken blisters, trim off the dead skin with a fine scissors. (Reason: the area under these flaps of skin can become an ideal breeding ground for infection.)
  4. Antibiotic Ointment: For burns with broken blisters, apply an over the counter antibiotic ointment (e.g. Bacitracin) and cover it with some gauze or a Band-Aid. (Reason: to decrease pain and risk of infection) Change the dressing daily.
  5. Tetanus Shot: If your last tetanus shot was more than 10 years ago, you need a booster. Call your doctor during regular office hours (within the next 3 days).
  6. Expected Course: It will probably hurt for 2 days and peel like a sunburn in about a week. Fortunately, first and second-degree burns don't leave scars.
  7. Pain Medication: For pain relief, apply cold compresses and take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
    • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
    • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Severe pain persists more than 2 hours after giving pain medicine.
    • Burn starts to look infected (pus, red streaks, increased tenderness)
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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