Burn medical therapy: Difference between revisions
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==Medical Therapy== | |||
A [[local anesthetic]] is usually sufficient in managing pain of minor first-degree and second-degree burns. However, systemic anti-inflammatory drugs such as [[naproxen]] may be effective in mitigating pain and swelling. Additionally, topical antibiotics such as Mycitracin are useful in preventing infection to the damaged area.<ref> Minor Burns [http://quickcare.org/skin/burns.html quickcare.org] Accessed February 25, 2008</ref> [[Lidocaine]] can be administered to the spot of injury and will generally negate most of the pain. Regardless of the cause, the first step in managing a person with a burn is to stop the burning process at the source. For instance, with dry powder burns, the powder should be brushed off first. With other burns, such as those caused by exposure to chemicals, the affected area should be rinsed throughly with a large amount of clean water to remove the caustic agent and any [[foreign body|foreign bodies]]. Cold water should not be applied to a person with extensive burns, however, as it may compromise the burn victim's temperature status. | |||
If the patient was involved in a fire accident, then it must be assumed that he or she has sustained inhalation injury until proven otherwise, and treatment should be managed accordingly. At this stage of management, it is also critical to assess the airway status. Any hint of burn injury to the [[lung]]s (e.g. through [[smoke inhalation]]) is considered a [[medical emergency]]. Survival and outcome of severe burn injuries is remarkably improved if the patient is treated in a specialized burn center/unit rather than a hospital. Serious burns, especially if they cover large areas of the body, can result in death. | |||
Once the burning process has been stopped, the patient should be volume resuscitated according to the Parkland formula, since such injuries can disturb a person's osmotic balance. This formula dictates the amount of [[Lactated Ringer's solution]] to deliver in the first twenty four hours after time of injury. This formula excludes first and most second degree burns. Half of the fluid should be given in the first eight hours post injury and the rest in the subsequent sixteen hours. The formula is a guide only and infusions must be tailored to the [[urine]] output and [[central venous pressure]]. Inadequate fluid resuscitation causes [[renal failure]] and [[death]]. | |||
=== Treatment of Low Grade Burns === | |||
A [[local anesthetic]] is usually sufficient in managing pain of smaller first-degree and second-degree burns. [[Lidocaine]] can be administered to the spot of injury and will generally negate most pain. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
[[Category:Needs | [[Category:Needs overview]] | ||
[[Category:Surgery]] | [[Category:Surgery]] | ||
[[Category:Emergency medicine]] | [[Category:Emergency medicine]] | ||
Revision as of 21:18, 4 February 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Medical Therapy
A local anesthetic is usually sufficient in managing pain of minor first-degree and second-degree burns. However, systemic anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen may be effective in mitigating pain and swelling. Additionally, topical antibiotics such as Mycitracin are useful in preventing infection to the damaged area.[1] Lidocaine can be administered to the spot of injury and will generally negate most of the pain. Regardless of the cause, the first step in managing a person with a burn is to stop the burning process at the source. For instance, with dry powder burns, the powder should be brushed off first. With other burns, such as those caused by exposure to chemicals, the affected area should be rinsed throughly with a large amount of clean water to remove the caustic agent and any foreign bodies. Cold water should not be applied to a person with extensive burns, however, as it may compromise the burn victim's temperature status.
If the patient was involved in a fire accident, then it must be assumed that he or she has sustained inhalation injury until proven otherwise, and treatment should be managed accordingly. At this stage of management, it is also critical to assess the airway status. Any hint of burn injury to the lungs (e.g. through smoke inhalation) is considered a medical emergency. Survival and outcome of severe burn injuries is remarkably improved if the patient is treated in a specialized burn center/unit rather than a hospital. Serious burns, especially if they cover large areas of the body, can result in death.
Once the burning process has been stopped, the patient should be volume resuscitated according to the Parkland formula, since such injuries can disturb a person's osmotic balance. This formula dictates the amount of Lactated Ringer's solution to deliver in the first twenty four hours after time of injury. This formula excludes first and most second degree burns. Half of the fluid should be given in the first eight hours post injury and the rest in the subsequent sixteen hours. The formula is a guide only and infusions must be tailored to the urine output and central venous pressure. Inadequate fluid resuscitation causes renal failure and death.
Treatment of Low Grade Burns
A local anesthetic is usually sufficient in managing pain of smaller first-degree and second-degree burns. Lidocaine can be administered to the spot of injury and will generally negate most pain.
References
- ↑ Minor Burns quickcare.org Accessed February 25, 2008