Dressing for first-degree burns and small 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 burn center because they are serious and require special care to avoid infections.
Learn what you should do immediately after a burn.
Dressing for 1st degree burn
To dress this type of burn, it is recommended:
- Immediately wash the area with cold water and neutral soap for more than 5 minutes to cool the skin and make it clean and free of microorganisms;
- In the early hours, apply an ice-cold drinking water compresschanging whenever it is no longer cold;
- Apply a thin layer of a good moisturizing creambut avoid applying Vaseline, as the fat can worsen the burning.
Sunburn is generally a first-degree burn and using an after-sun lotion, such as Caladryl, all over the body can help relieve pain and prevent the skin from peeling. It is also important to use sunscreen and avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours.
See also a home remedy that you can use to speed up healing.
Dressing for 2nd degree burn
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Dressing for small 2nd degree burns can be done at home, following the following steps:
- Wash the burned area with water for more than 10 minutes to clean the area and reduce pain;
- Avoid breaking the blisters that have formed, but, if necessary, use a sterilized needle;
- Apply gauze with silver sulfadiazine ointment a 1%;
- Bandage the area carefully with a bandage.
For burns larger than 1 inch, it is recommended to go to the emergency room for a professional dressing, as the risk of infection is greater.
After healing, to prevent the area from becoming stained, it is recommended to apply a sunscreen above 50 SPF and protect the area from the sun.
Dressing for 3rd degree burn
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The dressing for this type of burn should always be done in the hospital or burn center as it is a serious burn. Know how to identify a 3rd degree burn.
In most of these cases, it is generally necessary to be hospitalized to replace lost fluids or to perform skin grafts, for example.
Read too: 14 treatments for 3rd degree burn
