Commonly asked questions regarding minor burn wound care include…

Q. Should I use/prescribe antibiotics prophylatically after burn injury?

A. No. Scientific evidence is inconclusive regarding the effects of prophylactic antibiotic use in people with burn injuries. In principle, antibiotics should only be given when a known infection is present and according to sensitivities. Systemic antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for patients with uncomplicated minor burn wounds. The use of topical antimicrobial dressings should be considered as an alternative to systemic antibiotics unless there is invasive burn wound infection.

Q. Should I let the burn dry out?

A. No. It is better to cover the wound and create a moist healing environment. The human body is made up of 60% water and cells require to heal a wound can migrate across the wound bed faster when moving across a moist wound surface than a scab