$Unique_ID{BRK00933}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{A Question About the Proper Treatment of Burns}
$Subject{burns first aid}
$Volume{O-20, L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Question About the Proper Treatment of Burns


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QUESTION:  Would you please help me win a bet?  The question is about the
proper treatment of burns.  I say they should be left exposed to the air, and
my partner insists they require a dressing to heal properly.  Since we have a
lot of minor burns happening in our shop, your answer will not only settle the
bet, but become our rule for burn care.

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ANSWER:  I may have to hedge a bit, because this answer like so many in
medicine depends upon the situation.  Let me start with one important rule for
you.  All burns should be cooled by applying cold, wet compresses, or if
possible, sticking the injured part into ice water, until proper treatment can
be provided.  No butter, no margarine, no grease which can only complicate the
treatment and lead to bacterial infection of the wound.  If the burn is truly
minor, that means it is superficial, only causing the skin to become reddened
and tender (the old "first degree" burn) you need only apply a mild emollient
or softening cream, to reduce the swelling and pain.  Creams which contain
aloe are very helpful.  If you consider this a dressing, you have lost your
bet.  With more serious burns, which form blisters, or where there is tissue
loss, bandaging is required to keep the wound clean, and protect the area from
further injury, so that healing can proceed without difficulty.  In the case
of a blister, the fluid should be removed using a sterile needle, leaving the
skin over the blister in place to protect the underlying tissue and prevent
the wound from drying out.  When a burn wound drys out (desiccates), more
cells die, and there is more loss of skin and scarring.  Serious burns require
proper dressings that will both prevent drying out, yet prevent the fluid
serum to accumulate (in which infection may occur), as well as protect the
wound, and not stick to the skin as the healing process progresses.  Newly
developed two ply synthetic membrane dressings may be used to accomplish all
these goals.  Of course wounds that require such dressings are major and best
left to the care of your physician.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
