What to do after irrigating a mild burn?

Management of Mild Burns After Irrigation

After irrigating a mild burn, apply a clean, non-adherent dressing and cover with antibiotic ointment to promote healing and reduce infection risk. 1

Immediate Post-Irrigation Steps

1. Cool the burn (if not already done):

   • Continue cooling with clean, running water (15-25°C) for a total of 5-20 minutes 2
   • Do NOT use ice directly on burns as it can cause tissue ischemia 1, 2

2. Assess the burn:

   • Determine depth: superficial (first-degree), partial-thickness (second-degree), or full-thickness (third-degree)
   • Calculate affected body surface area
   • Check if the burn involves high-risk areas (face, hands, feet, genitalia)

3. Pain management:

   • Administer acetaminophen or NSAIDs for pain control 2, 3
   • Acetaminophen is first-line for minor burn pain 3

Wound Care

1. Cover the burn:

   • Apply a clean, non-adherent dressing (such as Telfa™) 1
   • Wounds heal better with less infection when covered with antibiotic ointment/cream and a clean occlusive dressing 1

2. Blister management:

   • Leave burn blisters intact as this improves healing and reduces pain 1
   • Loosely cover blisters with a sterile dressing 1

3. Topical treatment options:

   • For superficial burns: Apply a greasy emollient such as 50% white soft paraffin with 50% liquid paraffin 1
   • For partial-thickness burns: Consider antibiotic ointment to prevent infection 1
   • Note: Prophylactic antibiotics are generally not indicated for most patients with minor burns 3, 4

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention for:

• Burns on face, hands, feet, or genitalia
• Full-thickness burns
• Burns covering >10% TBSA in children or >20% in adults
• Circumferential burns
• Signs of infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, discharge)
• Burns that don't show signs of healing within 2 weeks 2, 5

Follow-up Care

• Keep the burn area clean and dry
• Change dressings daily or when soiled
• Monitor for signs of infection
• Continue pain management as needed
• Protect healing burns from sun exposure

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do NOT apply ice directly to burns 1
• Do NOT apply butter, oil, or home remedies to burns 2
• Do NOT break blisters intentionally 1
• Do NOT use topical antibiotics excessively as this may promote bacterial resistance 2, 4
• Do NOT delay seeking medical attention for burns that appear deep or show signs of infection

For mild burns that are properly irrigated and dressed, healing typically occurs within 7-14 days with minimal scarring if infection is prevented and proper wound care is maintained.