The dressing for first-degree burns and minor second-degree burns can be done at home using cold compresses and ointments purchased from pharmacies, for example.
The dressing for more serious burns, such as third-degree burns, should always be done in the hospital or in the burn center because they are serious and require special care to avoid infections.
Learn what to do immediately after a burn.
First degree burn dressing
To make the dressing of this type of burn is recommended:
- Immediately wash the area with cold water and neutral soap for more than 5 minutes to cool the skin and to be clean and free of microorganisms;
- In the first few hours, apply a cold compressed drinking water, changing it whenever it is no longer cold;
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Apply a thin layer of a good moisturizer, but avoid passing petroleum jelly, as the fat can worsen burning.
Sunburn is usually a first-degree burn and the use of a post-sun lotion, such as Caladryl, throughout the body can help relieve pain and prevent skin from shedding. It is also important to wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure in the hottest hours.
See also a home remedy that you can use to speed up healing.
2nd degree burn dressing
The dressing for small burn of 2nd degree can be done at home, following the following steps:
- Wash the burned area with water for more than 10 minutes to cleanse the region and reduce pain;
- Avoid breaking any blisters that have formed but, if necessary, use a sterile needle;
- Apply a gauze with 1% silver sulfadiazine ointment ;
- Narrow the site carefully with a bandage.
In burns of more than 1 hand it is recommended to go to the emergency room to do a professional dressing, since the risk of infection is greater.
After healing, to prevent the area from getting tarnished it is advised to wear a sunscreen above 50 FPS and protect the area from the sun.
3rd degree burn dressing
The dressing for this type of burn should always be done in the hospital or in the burn center because it is a serious burn. In most of these cases, it is usually necessary to stay in hospital to replace lost fluids or to make skin grafts, for example.
If there is doubt about the depth and severity of the burn, you should seek specialized medical help by calling the numbers 190 (Firemen) or 0800 707 7575 (Pro-burned Institute).
How to Take Care of Burn
In the following video, nurse Manuel Reis, indicates everything you can do at home to relieve the pain and burning of a burn:
