How to treat burn wounds
Burn wounds can happen to anyone. For this reason, it is important to know what to do if one does occur.
It is important that you keep serious and minor burn wounds covered most of the time to prevent bacteria from infecting the wound. You can then try a number of other treatments, depending on the severity of the wound.
Minor burn wounds
According to head nurse of Mopani Crossings Pharmacy, Sr Hazel Van Staden, treatment of these wounds should start with a burn gel spray or Hydro gel burn dressing, like Burn Shield. This must be applied to the wound immediately to minimise the risk of it developing into something worse. You can then cover it up in paraffin gauze, to make sure that it does not dry out.
You never want to dry a burn wound out, because this can cause a scab to form under which an infection can grow. It is best to keep burn wounds moist in order to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
If secondary infection develops, then you need to see a doctor. The doctor will be able to prescribe a treatment plan to clear up the infection.
Serious burn wounds
For more serious burn wounds, it is advised that you see a doctor immediately. The doctor will be able to prescribe an appropriate treatment plan to heal the wound.
In these instances, you should not clean the wound with antiseptic solutions containing alcohol or chlorohexidine. Instead, use a mixture of Hibitane and water every second or third day to clean the wound.
