What Is a Burn Dressing?
A burn dressing is a sterile dressing, usually gauze, coated with a gel designed to soothe the affected area and help it heal. The dressing is designed to provide moisture and act as a barrier for the wound.
Why Does Moisture Matter?
Moisture helps the healing process by preventing dehydration, collagen production, blood vessel repair, and the breakdown of dead tissue (source). Larger wounds do not get the same benefits since the gel will only seep deep into the wound and cause irritation.
Are Dry Dressings Bad?
No. Dressings are always helpful for protecting wounds and dry dressings are more effective for non-burn wounds. Dry dressings are more than capable of treating burns. So, even if you don’t have a burn dressing, you can still treat the injury with a regular gauze roll.
How Often Should You Change a Burn Dressing?
Like other bandages and dressings, at least once a day. Frequently changing dressings aids in healing and prevents infection by removing contaminated materials.
When to Use Burn Dressings
Burn dressings should be used to treat first degree burns like sunburns or short exposure to hot objects such as cooking sheets. Second and third degree burns should be assessed by a medical professional and have a treatment plan created.
Different Degrees of Burns
First Degree: Only affects the outer layer of skin, includes slight discoloration, peeling, and pain. Commonly seen as sunburns or from short contact with hot surfaces.
Second Degree: Affects the entirety of the first layer of skin and partial damage to the second layer. Involves significant discoloration, severe pain, and blisters. This comes from prolonged exposure to hot surfaces, liquids, or steam.
Third Degree: Affects all layers of skin and possibly muscle, tendon, or bone tissue. Involves complete discoloration (black/white), and completely destroys nerve endings, resulting in no pain.
How to Treat A Burn
For first degree burns, run the affected area under cool water until the pain begins to numb. Then wrap the area with either a burn dressing or roll of gauze. Keep the area covered and moist with a burn cream.
For second and third degree burns, wrap the area with a roll of gauze and seek immediate medical attention.
