In addition to being annoying, burns can lead to serious health problems. These injuries damage the epidermis (which functions as the body's protective barrier), increasing the risk of an infection. In this case, you must go to the emergency room immediately so that the affected area is treated by a professional. In case of burns and minor infections, it is possible to carry out a home treatment with medicines and products with soothing properties.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Undergo Medical Treatment
Step 1. If you are concerned that the burn is infected, seek immediate medical attention to treat it
He will prescribe medication for you and tell you how to heal the wound at home. In case of infection, it is good to go to the emergency room.
-
Here are some symptoms typically associated with an infection:
- Fever;
- Intense pain;
- Redness and swelling
- Pus leaking from the wound;
- Formation of a red vein around the burned area.
- If you notice these symptoms, go to the emergency room right away. An infection can worsen, triggering serious and life-threatening disorders.
Step 2. Run a wound culture swab to diagnose infection
The treatment to be followed should be prescribed considering which bacteria, fungi or viruses are responsible for the wound. Your doctor might take a sample from the affected area to make a culture. This will make it possible to trace the microorganism that caused the infection and determine which antibiotic to prescribe.
Doctors tend to ask for this test if you have a severe or chronic infection, or to determine which treatment is best for you
Step 3. Apply prescription ointment
Most burns are treated with creams or gels that are applied directly to the wound. The specific active ingredient depends on the type of bacterium, fungus or virus responsible, but generally one opts for silver sulfadiazine and mafenide.
- In case of allergy to sulfonamides, the use of silver sulfadiazine is not recommended. Bacitracin-zinc ointments are a possible alternative.
- Oral medications (such as tablets) are rarely prescribed for burns. Instead, a cream should be applied to the affected area 1-2 times a day.
Step 4. Cover the wound with a micronized silver bandage, which helps prevent the spread of infection, fights inflammation, and has antibacterial properties
In addition to prescribing a cream containing active ingredients derived from silver, the doctor can also indicate this type of bandage to protect the wound with a barrier formed by silver nanocrystals.
- This bandage should be changed every 3-7 days.
- Follow all instructions given by your doctor to the letter to apply and remove the bandage.
Method 2 of 3: Caring for a Burn at Home
Step 1. Wash the wound
It is important to always keep it clean, whether it is infected or not. However, if it does become infected, you should follow your doctor's advice on how to care for and clean it. Generally the affected area should be washed or left to soak.
- If the wound is infected and open, your doctor may ask you to soak it for 20 minutes in warm salt water, repeating the treatment 2-3 times a day. You could also dab a warm, damp washcloth on the affected area. To make the solution, mix 2 tablespoons of salt with 1 liter of hot water.
- If you use a cloth to wash an infected wound, be sure to sterilize it before and after. Alternatively, use sterile gauze.
- Hydrotherapy is sometimes used as a form of rehabilitation to treat wounds that have already (or nearly) healed. As this is a controversial treatment, your doctor may advise you against it. Also, since water contains pathogens that could make the infection worse, it can also be risky.
Step 2. Apply honey to the wound
It can give you relief as it speeds up healing, kills bacteria, and relieves swelling. Ask your doctor if you can use it in combination with other treatments.
Step 3. Use prescription ointments only
If one is recommended to you, apply it following the instructions on the leaflet. Unless recommended by your doctor, avoid over-the-counter antibiotic creams. All antibiotics you apply to the affected area must be specific to eliminate the bacteria that caused your type of infection.
Step 4. Avoid engaging in activities that could irritate the wound
The degree and location of the burn can limit some activities. Avoid anything that could cause painful sensations or put pressure on the affected area.
For example, if the infected burn affects your hand, avoid activities that require you to use it, such as tapping a keyboard or grabbing objects. Use your other hand
Step 5. Take a pain reliever
If the affected area hurts, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen. In case of severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
Do not use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, as they may slow down the healing of the infection
Method 3 of 3: Reduce the Risk of Complications
Step 1. If the situation worsens, seek immediate medical attention
Fever, vomiting, and dizziness are all symptoms of sepsis and toxic shock syndrome, both of which are life-threatening. If you observe such symptoms, go to the emergency room right away.
Step 2. Take a tetanus shot
Tetanus is a very serious infection that causes progressive muscle spasms. If left untreated, it can even be lethal. Although it tends to contract from deep puncture wounds, any skin tear can put you at this risk. Consult your doctor to find out if your body is protected or if you need a booster.
- If you have had a tetanus shot in the past and the wound is clean, your doctor may still recommend a booster if the last vaccination was more than 10 years ago. If the wound is dirty or exposed to this type of infection, you should get a booster if you have not been vaccinated in the previous 5 years.
- If you have never been vaccinated, your doctor will ask you to do so. You will have to return after 4 weeks and then after 6 months to complete the series.
- If you can't remember the date of your last vaccination, it's best to be cautious and repeat it.
Step 3. Get physical therapy
If the infected wound restricts movement, your doctor may recommend physical therapy sessions to teach you how to move and exercise in a way that helps combat discomfort and scarring. This can help increase joint flexibility after healing is complete.
Step 4. Avoid touching bubbles and scabs
Blisters and scabs may develop during the healing phase of a burn or infection. Avoid breaking them, teasing them or crushing them. Apply an antibacterial ointment to the affected area and protect it with a dry bandage.
Step 5. Before applying moisturizers to the wound, ask your doctor for advice
Many people use aloe or calendula gel to reduce the scarring of a burn, but in case of an infection they should not be used because they can irritate the skin or make the situation worse. Once the infection is cured, ask your doctor if it is possible to start applying a moisturizer to the wound.
