After preparing the burn wound bed, it can then be accurately assessed in terms of depth and surface area. This will inform subsequent management. A minor superficial burn that can be managed in an outpatient setting must:
- Be superficial in depth and therefore be expected to heal without surgical intervention (check capillary refill and sensation)
- Small is surface area to be manageable by dressings that can be purchased over the counter
- Pain is manageable on over the counter or prescription oral analgesic medication
For burns which are deeper, too large to manage in the outpatient setting or the pain is too intense to be managed on over the counter or prescription oral analgesia, consideration should be given to sending the patient to the local emergency department