when managing this condition the clinician should take into consideration that you are dealing with a first- or second- degree burn
General measures include:
measures to dissipate heat e.g. sponging and cold compresses
antihistamines and moisturising lotions may help to reduce itching
analgesia e.g. paracetamol
the risk of secondary infection may be used via the application of over-the-counter antiseptic creams or soaps
silver sulphadiazine cream - this can be very soothing and is useful if there is suspected secondary infection of the burn; note that this preparation is contraindicated in patients with a sulphonamide allergy and in pregnancy and breast feeding mothers
the patient should be advised not to burst blisters or pick peeled skin (which are both part of the normal heeling process)
preparations of topical steroids do have a local anti-inflammatory effect but should only be used for small areas of the burn
the patient should be advised to avoid products that tend to insulate the heat (e.g. ointments or petroleum based products); also topical anaesthetic sprays ending with 'caine' should be avoided because these can lead to an exacerbation of pain when applied to damaged skin (1)
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