Burn Aftercare (1st/2nd Degree): Wound Care Over Cosmetics

For first-degree (epidermal) and superficial second-degree (partial-thickness) burns:

Immediate

• Cool running water 10–20 min (not ice).
• Remove constricting items.

Dressing

• Non-adherent silicone mesh (Mepitel) + absorbent secondary.
• Or hydrogel, hydrocolloid for small areas.
• Change per product protocol (often 2–3 days).

Do Not

• Apply butter, oils, toothpaste, egg whites – trap heat, introduce bacteria.
• Use topical antibiotics prophylactically (resistance, allergy).
• Debride intact blisters (biologic dressing).

Pigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyper/hypopigmentation is common. No product restores normal color. Sun protection (SPF 30+) for 12–18 months minimizes dyschromia. Time and remodeling restore appearance.

Refer for: deep 2nd/3rd degree, >10% BSA (adult), face/hands/genitals/joints, circumferential, electrical/chemical, inhalation, pediatric/elderly.