Book
Nursing care for burn patients
- Educating the patient on how to deal with first-degree burns at home
First-degree burns, like minor burns, are treated at home as follows:
1. Cool the burn area: This can be done by placing the burned part under cold (not icy) running water, such as tap water, submerging the burn in a container of cold water, or applying cold compresses to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain subsides.
2. Cover the burn area: Use a sterile gauze bandage to cover the burn, ensuring not to apply the gauze tightly to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin.
3. Administer a pain reliever: Provide an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
However, if the burns affect large areas of the hands, feet, face, thighs, buttocks, or a major joint in the body, these cases require immediate medical attention or a visit to the nearest hospital.
notes:
Cooling the burn site prevents swelling of the site by stopping more heat from reaching the skin at the burn site .
1. Use cold water to cool the burn site, and do not use ice on the burn site, as it can increase the burn and damage the skin .
2. Place sterile gauze on the burn site and avoid placing cotton or any type of fabric that may stick to the burn site .
3. Do not put egg whites, butter, or toothpaste on the burn
4. Follow up on the burn site, which often heals on its own. However, if any signs of infection are noticed, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or if it is accompanied by a high temperature, a doctor must be consulted .
