In the UK, around 250,000 burns are recorded each year. About 90% of them are superficial / minor burns, in which first aid is sufficient. In most cases, these burns heal on their own, but properly administered first aid can later have a significant effect on the cosmetic result.

The objectives of first aid for minor burns (degree I-II) are: cessation of exposure to a thermal agent, cooling of the burn surface, anesthesia and dressing on the burn surface.

First, the source of heat exposure must be eliminated. If clothing is ignited, extinguish the fire with water, a blanket or other airtight cloth. Those providing assistance should try to avoid damage from exposure to fire during rescue operations. Clothing should be removed from the victim as soon as possible, as it has the ability to retain heat even when burned with boiling liquid or steam. Synthetic materials, such as nylon, should not be touched. Burns with resinous substances must be cooled with water, but it is strictly forbidden to touch the resinous substance. In the event of burns due to an electric shock, it is necessary to remove the victim's source of electric current before first aid.

Active cooling reduces the temperature at the burn site and prevents the spread of the burn. However, this method is effective if the cooling is done within the first 20 minutes after a burn. The duration of irrigation with fresh running water (15 ° C) or immersion of the affected area in cold water should be up to 20 minutes. This procedure also removes harmful agents, reduces the severity of pain, and can reduce swelling by stabilizing mast cells and reducing the release of histamine. Very cold or iced water should not be used for cooling, as a pronounced spasm of the vessels can cause increased burns. The cooling of a large area of the body can lead to hypothermia, especially in children. In the event of a burn with a chemical substance, it is necessary to irrigate the burn surface with a large amount of water.

The onset of pain is associated with irritation of the nerve endings at the burn site. Regular cooling and dressing help reduce pain. Sometimes, to relieve pain at the first moment, it may be necessary to prescribe narcotic pain relievers, but if first aid is effective, the use of NSAIDs, for example, ibuprofen inside, is usually sufficient.

The dressings should cover the surface of the burn. PVC film is one of the best first aid dressings for burns. This dressing is soft, non-stick, airtight, acts as a barrier and transparent, allowing you to inspect the burn site. It is important that the film is applied specifically to the wound, rather than completely wrapping the burn area. This is particularly important when dressing the limbs, since later swelling can cause constriction. It is also necessary to warm the victim. If the polyvinyl chloride film is not available, any clean cotton cloth (preferably sterile) can be used. Burns to the hands can be covered with a clean plastic bag so as not to limit mobility. The use of wet dressings should be avoided, as the loss of body heat can be significant on the way to the hospital.

The use of topical creams should be avoided at this stage of care, as this can complicate the subsequent assessment of the degree of burning. Cooling gels, such as Burnshield, are often used as first aid. Their use helps cool the burned area and reduce pain in the early stages.

The harmful agent, the depth and the area of the burn must be evaluated and recorded in the same way as in the case of a deeper burn. Usually, the treatment of small superficial burns and burns that do not affect critical areas of the body is done on an outpatient basis. It is also necessary to take into account the patient's living conditions, since even small injuries to the feet will progress if the legs have not been lifted for at least 48 hours; this is rarely possible at home. In doubtful cases, you should always consult a specialized burn service.

There are a large number of acceptable guidelines for outpatient treatment of patients with superficial burns. The following recommendations should be used as fundamental:

It should not be forgotten that the burn is essentially sterile, so it must remain sterile. The burn wound should be washed thoroughly with water, it is possible with a weak antiseptic solution, for example, dilute chlorhexidine. Antibiotics should not be used regularly. The question of what treatment tactics to apply to the bladder remains debatable, but large blisters should probably be opened with sterile scissors or with a hypodermic needle. Small bubbles should not be touched.

Currently, a large number of dressings are used, however, the number of recommendations for their use is insignificant or they are generally absent. The use of topical creams for first aid should be avoided as it may later complicate the assessment of the degree of burns.

Tactics for subsequent dressing changes vary widely. Ideally, the dressing should be checked after 24 hours. A repeated examination of the burn itself and a change of dressing should be done after 48 hours, because at this time the dressing is soaked (wet). At this point, an assessment of the depth of the burn should be made and local preparations, for example flamazine, can be used.

Depending on how quickly the burn surface is restored, the dressing should be changed every 3 to 5 days. In the case where a coarse gauze bandage soaked in paraffin, "Gelonet" has been used, the bandage fits perfectly on the burn site, and to remove the bandage, make an effort, do not remove the Gelonet, but leave the bandage in place so as not to damage the regenerating epithelium. The dressing should be replaced immediately if there is pain in the wound or odor, or if the dressing has become completely wet.

For any burn that does not heal within 2 weeks, see a burn surgeon.

A silver sulfadiazine cream, applied topically to the surface of a burn. Effective against gram-negative bacteria that can infect burns, including Pseudomonas. Infection with the latter is determined by the change in color of the discharge from the wound, which permeates the dressing, green, and the appearance of a characteristic odor. The cream should be applied with a thickness of 3-5 mm and covered with a gauze bandage. Removing the old one and applying a new dressing is done every 2 days. In 3 to 5% of cases, reversible leukopenia is possible.

Hydrocolloid dressing with a thin polyurethane foam surface, mounted on a semi-permeable film; This dressing contains an adhesive base and is waterproof, so it can be used in areas that are difficult to access or where it is difficult to apply a regular dressing. The dressing should be applied set back 2 cm from the edge of the wound. The creation of a humid atmosphere above the wound creates conditions favorable to healing. A thinner version (Duoderm) is also applicable.

Elastic polyamide mesh coated with flexible silicone, like the Gelonet bandage, but with adhesive properties.

Patients with facial burns should be referred to specialized services. However, the reference to a specialized unit for regular sunburn is not necessary. The burn surface should be cleaned twice a day with a weak solution of chlorhexidine. The burn should be covered with a soft ointment, for example, liquid paraffin, every 1 to 4 hours to minimize scab formation. Men should shave daily to reduce the risk of infection. All patients should be advised to sleep on two pillows for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling on the face.

Patients with burns that do not heal within three weeks should be referred to the plastic surgery department for consultation. The tissue recovered after a burn will be tender, dry and scaly and pigmentation may occur. The use of daily moisturizers should be recommended. The areas recovered from the burn should not be exposed to the sun for 6 to 12 months.

Patients with superficial burns of the extremities may need physiotherapy. With hypertrophic scars, it is possible to use the method of constant pressure on the scar area using clothing or silicone.