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The dressing for first-degree burns and minor second-degree burns can be done at home, using cold compresses and ointments purchased at the pharmacy, for example.
The dressing for more serious burns, such as third-degree burns, should always be done in the hospital or in the burn center because they are serious and need special care to avoid infections.
Learn what to do immediately after a burn.
1st degree burn dressing
To bandage this type of burn it is recommended:
- Immediately wash the area with cold water and mild soap for more than 5 minutes to cool the skin and make it clean and free of microorganisms;
- In the first few hours, apply a compress of cold drinking water, changing it whenever it is no longer cold;
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Apply a thin layer of a good moisturizer, but avoid using Vaseline, as the fat can worsen the burning.
Sunburn is usually a first-degree burn and using an after-sun lotion such as Caladryl all over the body can help relieve pain and prevent the skin from flaking. It is also important to use sunscreen and avoid sun exposure in the hottest hours.
See also a home remedy that you can use to speed up healing.
2nd degree burn dressing
The dressing for minor 2nd degree burns can be done at home, following these steps:
- Wash the burned area with water for more than 10 minutes to clean the area and lessen the pain;
- Avoid breaking the bubbles that have formed, but, if necessary, use a sterile needle;
- Apply a gauze with 1% silver sulfadiazine ointment;
- Bandage the place carefully with a bandage.
In burns larger than 1 palm, it is recommended to go to the emergency room to have a professional dressing, since the risk of infection is greater.
After healing, to prevent the area from becoming stained, it is advisable to apply a sunscreen above 50 FPS and protect the area from the sun.
3rd degree burn dressing
The dressing for this type of burn should always be done in the hospital or burn center as it is a serious burn. In most of these cases, it is usually necessary to stay hospitalized to replace lost fluids or to have skin grafts, for example.
If there is any doubt about the depth and severity of the burn, seek specialized medical help by calling 190 (Firefighters) or 0800 707 7575 (Instituto Pró-Queimados).
