How to Care for a Burn: Healing and When to See a Doctor

Uncertain about the degree of the burn?

Hello doctor, I accidentally burned myself with the oven.
At the moment of the injury, the wound appeared white, and during the rinsing process, some of the white skin was washed away.
Now I am applying ointment and covering it with a gauze.
Currently, the wound is not bleeding, and there is no black discoloration; it just feels like a layer of skin has come off, revealing some pink flesh underneath.
I feel like the skin is not healing yet, and the wound is small.
Should I see a doctor, or is this a normal healing process? My family says not to cover the wound at home to avoid trapping moisture, but I think covering it will prevent exposure to bacteria.
How should I care for my wound? Thank you.

Ting, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/25

Dr. Lü Mingchuan reply Plastic Surgery

You can visit the Reconstructive Surgery Clinic or seek medical care at our hospital.

Reply Date: 2022/12/25

More Info

When it comes to caring for a burn, understanding the severity of the injury and the appropriate treatment is crucial for optimal healing. In your case, it sounds like you have sustained a second-degree burn, which typically involves damage to both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). This type of burn can cause pain, redness, swelling, and blisters, and it often results in a moist, pink appearance of the skin as the underlying tissue is exposed.

Immediate Care for Burns
1. Cool the Burn: The first step in treating a burn is to cool the affected area. You should run cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This helps to reduce the temperature of the skin and can alleviate pain. Avoid using ice or very cold water, as this can further damage the tissue.

2. Do Not Pop Blisters: If blisters form, it's important not to pop them. Blisters protect the underlying skin and help prevent infection. If a blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, and apply an antibiotic ointment if necessary.

3. Cover the Burn: After cooling the burn, you should cover it with a sterile, non-stick bandage or dressing. This helps to protect the area from bacteria and further injury. While some people believe that leaving a burn uncovered allows it to breathe, covering it is generally recommended to prevent infection and to keep the area clean.

4. Use Appropriate Ointments: Applying a topical antibiotic ointment, such as Silver Sulfadiazine, can help prevent infection and promote healing. However, you should avoid using ointments that contain alcohol or fragrances, as these can irritate the burn.

5. Monitor for Infection: Keep an eye on the burn for signs of infection, which can include increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if the pain worsens, it’s important to seek medical attention.

When to See a Doctor
You should consider seeing a doctor if:
- The burn is larger than three inches in diameter or is located on the face, hands, feet, or over a major joint.

- The burn appears to be deep (white or charred skin).

- You experience severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications.

- There are signs of infection, as mentioned earlier.

- You have any underlying health conditions that could complicate healing, such as diabetes.

Healing Process
The healing process for second-degree burns can take several weeks. During this time, it’s normal for the skin to appear pink and for new skin to form. If you notice that the burn is not healing after a couple of weeks, or if it seems to be getting worse, you should consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend further treatment, such as a specialized dressing or even skin grafting in more severe cases.

Conclusion
In summary, caring for a burn involves cooling the area, protecting it with a sterile dressing, and monitoring for signs of infection. While it’s important to keep the burn covered to prevent exposure to bacteria, you should also ensure that you are using appropriate ointments to promote healing. If you have any concerns about the burn's healing process or if you notice any signs of complications, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and safety are paramount, and a healthcare professional can provide the best guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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