From the Guidelines
For superficial burns, I recommend using a nonadherent bandage or clean cloth to cover the wound, as this protects the wound and reduces pain while avoiding heat entrapment, according to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. This approach is supported by the latest guidelines, which emphasize the importance of covering the burn to prevent further injury and promote healing.
- Key considerations for dressing superficial burns include:
- Using a nonadherent material to reduce pain and prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound
- Avoiding heat entrapment to prevent further injury
- Keeping the wound clean and dry to promote healing
- Seeking medical attention if the burn is severe or shows signs of infection Additionally, occlusive dressings such as film, petrolatum, hydrogel, and cellulose/collagen dressings may result in better wound healing than dry dressings, as noted in the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1.
- It is also important to note that there is no indication that antibiotic or antibacterial dressings improve wound healing or decrease infection rates in clean wounds, as stated in the same guidelines 1. Overall, the goal of dressing superficial burns is to promote healing, prevent infection, and minimize pain and discomfort, and the recommended approach should be based on the latest evidence and guidelines.
From the Research
Recommended Dressings for Superficial (Partial-Thickness) Burns
The following dressings are recommended for superficial (partial-thickness) burns:
- Biosynthetic (skin substitute) dressings, which have been consistently associated with better healing outcomes than silver sulphadiazine (SSD) 2
- Silver-containing dressings, which have been shown to be more effective than SSD in promoting healing 2
- Silicon-coated dressings, which have been associated with better healing outcomes than SSD 2
- Hydrogel dressings, which have been found to promote faster healing than usual care 2
- Collagen sheet dressings, which have been shown to be highly advantageous for acute small areas of partial thickness burns, providing better pain relief and minimal dressing changes 3
- Petrolatum gel dressings, which have been found to be at least as effective as SSD gauze dressings in promoting re-epithelialization and preventing infection 4
- Banana leaf dressings, which have been found to be a cost-effective and easily available alternative for partial thickness burn wounds, with equal efficacy to boiled potato peel bandages 5
Characteristics of Recommended Dressings
The recommended dressings have the following characteristics:
- Maintain a moist environment
- Act as a bacterial barrier
- Allow for free exchange of gases
- Provide a barrier against toxic contaminants
- Are non-adherent and easy to remove
- Require minimal dressing changes
- Are cost-effective and easily available
Comparison of Dressings
The studies compared the following dressings:
- Silver sulphadiazine (SSD) vs. biosynthetic dressings 2
- SSD vs. silver-containing dressings 2
- SSD vs. silicon-coated dressings 2
- Hydrogel dressings vs. usual care 2
- Collagen sheet dressings vs. paraffin gauze and SSD 3
- Petrolatum gel dressings vs. SSD gauze dressings 4
- Banana leaf dressings vs. boiled potato peel bandages 5