Burns, Minor

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 fine scissors. Reason: the area under these flaps of skin can become an ideal breeding ground for infection
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4. Antibiotic Ointment: For burns with broken blisters, apply an over the counter antibiotic ointment (e.g., Bacitracin) and cover it with some non-stick 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. IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.