treatment

Last reviewed 01/2018

• no specific treatment
• when managing this condition the clinician should take into consideration that you are dealing with a first- or second- degree burn

General measures include:

• measures to dissipate heat e.g. sponging and cold compresses
• antihistamines and moisturising lotions may help to reduce itching
• analgesia e.g. paracetamol
• the risk of secondary infection may be used via the application of over-the-counter antiseptic creams or soaps
• silver sulphadiazine cream - this can be very soothing and is useful if there is suspected secondary infection of the burn; note that this preparation is contraindicated in patients with a sulphonamide allergy and in pregnancy and breast feeding mothers
• the patient should be advised not to burst blisters or pick peeled skin (which are both part of the normal heeling process)
• preparations of topical steroids do have a local anti-inflammatory effect but should only be used for small areas of the burn
• the patient should be advised to avoid products that tend to insulate the heat (e.g. ointments or petroleum based products); also topical anaesthetic sprays ending with 'caine' should be avoided because these can lead to an exacerbation of pain when applied to damaged skin (1)

Reference:

• (1) Prescriber (2000), 11 (20), 49-52.