Management of Superficial Burns

Initial Wound Care

Clean the burn with tap water, isotonic saline solution, or an antiseptic solution before applying any medication, as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2, 1
Cool the burn with clean running water for 5-20 minutes to limit tissue damage and reduce pain, according to the American College of Surgeons 1
Avoid applying ice directly to burns as this can cause further tissue damage, as advised by the American Burn Association 1

Apply a thin layer of petrolatum-based antibiotic ointment (bacitracin, Polysporin, or triple-antibiotic ointment) directly to the burn, as recommended by the American College of Surgeons 1, 3
Silver sulfadiazine is NOT recommended for superficial burns as it is associated with prolonged healing if used for a long time, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2, 3
Topical antibiotics should not be used as first-line treatment but dedicated to infected wounds only, as stated by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2

Cover with a non-adherent dressing such as Xeroform (petrolatum-impregnated gauze) or Mepitel (silicone-coated dressing), as recommended by the Wound Care Society 1, 4

Re-evaluate the dressing daily, as advised by the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2, 3
Monitor for signs of infection including increased pain, redness, swelling, or purulent discharge, according to the American College of Surgeons 3
If infection develops, obtain wound cultures and consider alternative treatments, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 4

For burns that involve the face, hands, feet, or genitalia, as recommended by the American Burn Association 1
For burns that show signs of infection, according to the American College of Surgeons 1
For burns that are very painful, as advised by the American Society of Anesthesiologists 1
For burns that cover more than 10% body surface area (5% in children), as stated by the American College of Surgeons 1

Avoid applying butter, oil, or other home remedies to burns, as recommended by the American Burn Association 1
Systemic antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended routinely for burn patients, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2, 3
When applying dressings on fingers, prevent bandages from inducing a tourniquet effect, as advised by the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2
Monitor distal perfusion in case of circular dressings, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2