From the Guidelines
Superficial burn injuries, also known as partial-thickness burns, are characterized by damage to both the epidermis and dermis, with the presence of blisters, redness, and pain at the burn site. These burns are typically caused by exposure to heat, flames, or hot liquids, and can be further classified into two subcategories: superficial partial-thickness burns and deep partial-thickness burns. The skin appears pink or red, with blisters and weeping of fluid, and the affected area may be sensitive to touch and pressure. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, covering a partial- or full-thickness burn with a nonadherent bandage or clean cloth protects the wound and reduces pain while avoiding heat entrapment until the burn can be assessed by a health care professional. Some key characteristics of superficial burn injuries include:
- Presence of blisters
- Redness and pain at the burn site
- Weeping of fluid from the affected area
- Sensitivity to touch and pressure
- Potential for infection if not properly managed For management, cooling the burn with room temperature water for 10-15 minutes, avoiding ice which can worsen tissue damage, and applying a moisturizer like aloe vera gel or petroleum jelly to soothe the area can help reduce pain and promote healing 1. It's essential to seek medical attention if the burn covers a large area, affects sensitive regions like the face or genitals, or shows signs of infection, such as increasing pain, pus, or fever. The primary goal of treatment is to promote healing, prevent infection, and minimize scarring, with the most effective treatment strategy often involving immediate and effective cooling of the burn, followed by wound care and management of pain and discomfort.
From the Research
Characteristics of Superficial (Partial-Thickness) Burn Injuries
- Superficial burns affect the epidermis and upper dermis only, characterized by redness of the skin that blanches on pressure, pain, and hypersensitivity 2
- The skin blisters within hours and usually heals with minimal scarring within 2 to 3 weeks if no infection is present 2
- Superficial partial-thickness burns extend into the dermis, may take up to three weeks to heal, and require advanced dressings to protect the wound and promote a moist environment 3
- Partial-thickness burns can be treated with topical application of lotions, honey, aloe vera, or antibiotic ointment, and should be treated with a topical antimicrobial agent or an absorptive occlusive dressing to help reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent wound desiccation 4
Treatment and Healing of Superficial (Partial-Thickness) Burn Injuries
- Topical silver sulfadiazine is the standard treatment, however, newer occlusive dressings can provide faster healing and are often more cost-effective 4
- Burns treated with hydrogel dressings appear to heal more quickly than those treated with usual care 5
- Silver sulphadiazine was consistently associated with poorer healing outcomes than biosynthetic (skin substitute) dressings, silver-containing dressings and silicon-coated dressings 5
- The choice of dressing should be based on their effects on healing, as well as ease of application and removal, dressing change requirements, cost and patient comfort 5
Complications and Long-Term Effects of Superficial (Partial-Thickness) Burn Injuries
- Pruritus, hypertrophic scarring, and permanent hyperpigmentation are long-term complications of partial-thickness burns 3
- People with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of complications and infection, and early referral to a burn center should be considered 3
- Patient education during primary care visits may be an effective prevention strategy, as burn injuries are more likely to occur in children and older people 3