Professor Stuart Pegg Adult Burn Centre Royal Brisbane and Women146 - PDF document

Professor Stuart Pegg Adult Burn Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital V 3 Effective: August 2017 Burns Patient InformationClassification of burn depthEpidermal (first degree)burns are usually treated with moisturiser alone and heal within a few days and without complications.Partial thickness (second degree) requires a different method of application and care. The mostcommon dressings areFlamazineFlamazine is an antibacterial, white cream that is applied daily to a burn. After showering or cleansing the burn wound,theareadry andapplylamazine creamto a thickness of 1 V 3 Effective: August 2017 Page 2 of 2 Burns to pecial reasFaceYou should treat burns on the facewith a topical ointment (such as Chlorsig ointment) every 4 hoursor more frequently if the burn feels dry. Paraffin canalsobe used in between these times. Most facial burns heal within weeks. Facial hair should be shaved daily using plenty of shaving gel or foam and fresh, sharp razor blades. This will help to prevent infections of the hair follicles. Ensure hair isshaved at least 2.5cm froaround the burn.Limbs (arms and legs)Afterapplyingdressingselevatethe limbsas much as possibleElevate armsabove the level of the heart to encourage fluid to drainout of the limb. You should continue to use your arms and hands and perform exercises as suggested by your healthcare professional. Elevate legson pillows when sitting or lying down. While it is important to keep walking around, avoid prolonged walking or standingwhich may lead to worsening of swelling, slow wound healing and infection.HandsIt is important to maintainmovement in your fingers and hands. Tense blisters, swelling and pain often restrict movementbut it is still best to perform the exercises that may have been provided to you. Genital areaThe genital area can be a difficult place to dress. It is often best to showerapplylamazine cream each day as the burn heals. It is important to ke

ep the burnwoundmoist. You can coverthe lamazine creamwith elolin and thenwearan undergarment or bicycle pants to hold everything in place. Aftergoing to thetoilet, it may be necessary to shower or bath and dress the burn again. Pain and tchIf you have pain, take simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed. For more severe pain, you may requirea prescription from your doctor. Stronger pain medications may make you drowsy. Always follow instructions regarding drivingand operating machinery when taking prescription painkillers.Itcha difficult problem to treat and canoften getworse as the burn heals. To treatitch, make sure the burn and skin is well hydrated (use moisturisersparaffin) as dry skin tends to be more itchy. Avoid scratching or rubbing the burn as this maydelay thehealingprocess. Pressing down on the area with a cold pack may also reduceitch. It may be necessary to take an antihistamine (available over the counter at pharmacies)Ways in which to upport urn ealingDietIt is recommended that you have a normal, wellbalanced diet, high in protein, fruit and vegetables. You should also consider increasing your fluid intake in the first few days to help promote healing.ExerciseGentle exercise is important to prevent joints from stiffening. Stop smokingSmokingslowdown any wound healing, including burns. This may lead to worsening of the burn and also infection. You should consider stopping smoking altogether. Further nformationFor further information about he Prfessor Stuart Pegg Adult Burn Centre, please visit: https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/rbwh/healthcare services/burns Burns Outpatient Clinicevel 1James Mayne BuildingRoyal Brisbane and Women’s HospitalThe burns clinic is open MondayFridayTo make an enquiry, please phone duringoffice hours,MondayFriday on (07) 3646 7388 or (07) 36467586In an emergency, please contact your general practitioner orseek assistance from your nearest hospital emergency department