Burn Depth Assessment and Management

Treatment and Referral Guidelines

• The American Burn Association recommends referral to a burn center for all deep partial thickness burns, as well as superficial partial thickness burns covering more than 10% total body surface area in adults or 5% in children 2, 4
• Superficial partial thickness burns can typically be managed on an outpatient basis with clean, non-adherent dressings and may benefit from petrolatum-based antibiotic ointments 1, 2
• Inadequate cooling immediately after injury may lead to progression of burn depth, according to the American Heart Association 3, 4
• Deep partial thickness burns often require referral to a burn center, surgical debridement, and skin grafting, and have a higher risk of scarring and contracture formation 2