How do doctors treat severe burns?

Answer 1

The treatment of superficial minor burns only sometimes requires a doctor. It is usually treated by immersin in cool water and then it is cleaned to prevent infection. Sometimes the only treatment needed is an antibioteic cream to prevent infection of the wound which is then covered with a sterile bandage to ensure no foreign material infects or aggravates it.

Deeper minor burns are also treated with antibiotic cream, however in this case a doctor should remove any dead skin and broken blisters before applying the cream. In the case of a deeply burnt arm or leg, it should be elevated to prevent swelling and pain of the affected area.

A skin graft may be needed if the area is so badly affected that it will not heal. This is when a piece of healthy skin is taken from an unburned area and sewn over the burned area.

The affected person is required to limit motion as exercise can cause scarring.

People in shock or dehydration or have burns that cover a large area are often administered fluids immediately.

If the wounds are very bad, a surgical procedure on the are may be necessary.

Answer 2

The first thing you should do, if you sustaineda minor burn injury is to hold the affected part under running water for about 10 minutes. After that you the burn should be dried carefully and, if there is still a significant pain one should take drugs like ibuprofen.