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Burns and Scalds

Posted Tuesday, 20 December 2022

Date issued: December 2022

Review date: December 2024

Ref: A-537/NB/ED/Burns and Scalds

A burn is the effect of a dry heat applied to the body. A scald is as a result of a moist heat.

Superficial burns or scalds affect the top layer of skin only. They do not usually blister or scar, e.g., mild sunburn
Partial thickness burns or scalds cause deeper damage. The skin forms blisters and is painful. However, some of the deeper layer of skin (the dermis) is unharmed. This means the skin can usually heal well, sometimes without scarring if the burn is not too deep or extensive
Full thickness burns or scalds damage all layers of skin. There may be little or no pain as the nerve endings are destroyed. These often require skin grafting
Electrical burns can cause damage inside the body even if there is little damage to the skin.

Run cold water over the affected area for 20 minutes
Cover the affected area with cling film or non-stick dressing
Your wound will be assessed, and the appropriate dressing will be applied if required. Not all burns require a dressing.

You may be asked to return to Dressing Clinic here in the Emergency Department or to see your own Practice Nurse.

What type of dressing have I got?

YOU HAVE A ___________________________TYPE OF DRESSING

Burns to the face cannot be dressed. If required, you will be given paraffin to apply. Apply with clean hands and gauze
If you have been given a hydrocolloid dressing, you may shower with these but not soak them e.g. in a bath
You may have been given a paraffin type dressing covered with gauze and a bandage. These need to be kept dry
You may have been given a simple dry dressing. These need to be kept dry.

Paracetamol is useful to ease pain. It is best to take it regularly for a few days or so, rather than every now and then. An adult dose is two 500 mg tablets, four times a day. A doctor may prescribe additional painkillers such as codeine if the pain is more severe. If you are prescribed a combination of paracetamol and codeine (e.g., cocodamol or codydramol) then it is important not to take additional paracetamol as you will accidentally overdose.
Anti-inflammatory medication can be used with paracetamol or as an alternative. There are many types and brands. They relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling (often the cause of the pain). You can buy ibuprofen at pharmacies or supermarkets without a prescription. The dose varies depending on your age and other medical problems. Side-effects sometimes occur with anti-inflammatory painkillers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

All burns and scalds are at risk of infection due to areas of broken skin.
Do not touch or pick the burns.
Look for signs of infection such as increased redness and warmth, increased pain, oozing from the wound. If you notice these signs, see your GP or Practice Nurse for a wound check.

Yes. Unperfumed moisturisers may be used once the wound has healed. This helps with itching and can also help to improve any scars.
After the wound has healed the area should be protected from the sun as your damaged skin will be more susceptible to harmful rays. Use a high factor sunscreen.