What You Need to Know About Wound Care After a Burn Injury

Burn injuries are painful. They can happen in an instant and leave you wondering what to do next to stop the discomfort as quickly as possible.

Understanding the right steps to take after a burn injury is essential, because burns require proper care to heal effectively and prevent complications like infection and scarring. The good news is that we’re here to help.

At Memorial Springs ER, we provide urgent emergency care for acute injuries, including minor and moderate burns, in Spring, Texas. We’re open 24/7, helping you manage your injury and recover as smoothly as possible. Here’s what you need to know.

What to do immediately after a burn

The first moments after a burn injury are critical. Proper initial care can help minimize tissue damage and even set you up for faster healing. If you suffer a minor or moderate burn, follow these immediate first-aid steps:

1. Cool the burn

Run room temperature or cool water (not cold) water over the burned area for at least 10-15 minutes to reduce pain and stop the burn from worsening. Avoid using cold water or ice, because rapid temperature change can further damage your skin.

2. Remove any tight items 

Swelling can occur quickly after a burn. Remove rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the burned area before it becomes difficult to do so to minimize irritation.

3. Cover the burn

Lightly cover the wound using a sterile, non-stick bandage or a clean cloth. Avoid cotton balls, because the fibers can stick to the burn and cause irritation.

4. Avoid home remedies

Don’t apply butter, oils, toothpaste, or other household ingredients to the burn. These home remedies aren’t recommended, because they don’t promote healing and instead can trap heat and worsen the burn.

If the burn is more severe or shows signs of infection, seek immediate medical care. Our team at Memorial Springs ER is equipped to evaluate and treat burns effectively, and we can teach you proper wound care for burns to help your body heal as quickly as possible.

How to care for a burn wound

Once you’ve taken initial first aid steps, ongoing wound care is essential to prevent infection and support healing. The exact steps you’ll need to take will vary based on the severity of your burn, but in general, here’s what we recommend.

Keep the burn area clean by gently washing it with mild soap and water daily. Avoid scrubbing, as burned skin is fragile, and pat the area dry instead of rubbing it.

Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment like Neosporin® or Bacitracin® to help prevent infection and keep the wound moist. Use a sterile, non-stick dressing to protect the wound. Change the bandage once or twice a day, or if it gets dirty or wet.

Most importantly, watch for signs of infection like increased redness or swelling, drainage from the burn site, worsening pain, fever, or chills. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

When to seek emergency care for a burn injury

You can manage minor burns at home, but it’s important to know when injury requires professional care. You should go to the nearest emergency room for burn care if:

• The burn is larger than three inches
• The burn affects your face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints
• Your skin appears white, leathery, or charred
• The burn was caused by anything other than heat (like chemicals or electricity)
• You have signs of shock, like rapid breathing or dizziness
• The burn shows signs of infection

At Memorial Springs ER, our team provides expert burn wound care, pain management, and infection prevention to start you on the path to a smooth recovery. We have the capability onsite to assess and treat mild-to-moderate burns, so you can get the care you need quickly.

If you or a loved one experiences a burn injury, seek medical attention. Proper wound care can make all the difference in healing and minimizing complications, and we’re here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Walk in, call us at 346-683-2057, or book an appointment online now.