General rules:
(1) Wash the burn with soap and water or a mild antibacterial washing solution.
(2) Avoid routine use of topical antibiotics or topical creams.
(3) Try to keep the burned area elevated to reduce edema.
(4) Dressing changes should be done aseptically.
(5) Apply a gauze pad immediately over the burn and then apply layers of cotton wool to act as an absorbent. This should be wrapped with a bandage to secure the dressing in place and prevent slippage.
(6) An elastic net bandage may be useful to secure the dressing in areas difficult to wrap with a standard bandage.
(7) Specialty wound dressings may be justified for large burns or burns involving the face, but often are not necessary for minor burns.
Times for dressing change:
(1) 48 hours after initial placement
(2) every 3-5 days thereafter
Criteria for early change of a wound dressing:
(1) excessive soaking through of fluid from the wound
(2) wound that smells
(3) contaminated or soiled dressings
(4) signs of infection (fever, pain, increased erythema, etc.)
