Burns is one of the most frequent injuries that occur at home and work, both in the case of children and adults. These have different categories. Generally, they are first and second-degree alterations; they are minor injuries. However, if they do not follow a good treatment or due to any other circumstance, they could become infected during the healing process, so it is essential that a doctor review the injury, offer the indicated treatment, and carry out a proper follow-up during it.
Infections can put the patient’s health at risk, so it is essential not only that a professional monitor the disorder but also that the affected person can identify the condition. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we detail how to heal an infected burn.
Burn infection: treatment
As burns are widespread, since they occur mainly in the home, it is essential to know how to deal with these wounds. First, it is important to wash the lesion properly with soap and water and then apply antiseptics to the area and cover it with bandages or dressings.
If it is a superficial wound that bleeds and does not stop, the most important thing is to compress it as soon as possible. If done correctly, this will prevent the bleeding, so it’s essential to ask for help if you can’t do it.
Once the wound has stopped bleeding, the edges of the burn are observed to determine the extent and depth of the burn; if they are far away, it is essential to attend a medical care center so that they can review the alteration in the best way and provide the necessary care, as it may be required to suture the wound.
On the other hand, if a blow causes a wound, it is best to place ice locally to reduce inflammation and bruising, which must be constantly observed. If the damage was in the hands, it is essential that mobility and sensitivity are being monitored due to the many nerves and tendons in the area.
The following article explains how long a burn takes to heal.
When to see the doctor for a burn
While it is essential to see a doctor for any injury, a center should be visited urgently when the burn:
- It won’t stop bleeding.
- It is very swollen, red, and excruciating.
- The damage is extensive and very deep.
- There is the presence of a foreign body in the affected area.
- There is a loss of mobility or sensation of the burned site.
- Until you get to the consultation with the professional, the wound should be covered with gauze.
Steps to heal an infected burn
Treatment for burn infection: the first step
First, you should wash the wound with cold water to properly clean the affected area. Next, remove any loose, burned, or dead skin and any other debris in the area. To do this, it is advisable to use sterile forceps or do it as cleanly as possible. If the burn is infected, it likely has blisters filled with fluid or pus, but it is essential not to try to explode the blisters not to worsen the condition. If the wound continues to expel pus, it is recommended that you apply light pressure with sterile gauze and, finally, a professional should cut the dead skin of the blisters with clean scissors.
How to disinfect a burn: the second step
Once the wound is completely clean and disinfected, care must be taken of any external agent that can harm the infection and worsen the clinical picture of the burn. For this reason, you have to cover the lesion with silver sulfadiazine cream constantly, and when you do this, you need to wear sterile gloves. This cream has an antiseptic function; it will prevent any infectious agent from entering the wound.
Heal an infected burn: step three.
When the burn meets the layer of pharmaceutical cream, the injured area should be covered and the last two steps repeated as many times as necessary. It is recommended that the previous two steps be performed at least four times a day.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.