Burns destroy the skin’s protective barrier, allowing bacteria to enter the body. This can lead to infection and a host of other complications.
Infection is the number one complication of burns and may cause death. It’s usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also be caused by a virus or yeast infestation in the wound.
The symptoms of burn infections vary by type and degree of damage. For example, first-degree (superficial) burns are milder than third-degree (full thickness) burns.
If you get a burn that looks like it’s getting worse, call your doctor or the nearest emergency room right away. You should be given a dose of antibiotics to prevent an infection, such as vancomycin or amoxicillin.
Minor burns that aren’t so serious may be treated at home with a few simple steps. You’ll need to keep the burned area cool, clean it regularly and apply an antibiotic salve or cream if needed.
You should also try to avoid touching the burn and wear clothing that doesn’t touch it, if possible. This will make it easier to wash and reapply the antibiotic salve or dressing.
Soaking the burned area in cold water for 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel pain, is a good way to reduce the chances of infection and help the wound heal. Then, cover it with a clean bandage or sterile gauze and follow the other treatment steps listed below.
Keeping the burned area elevated above your heart is another important part of the treatment. This will reduce swelling, pain, and blistering.
If the burn is in a vulnerable area, such as the mouth or nose, or near the eye, you should seek immediate medical care. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the pain and discomfort.
The bacterial and fungal infections that are caused by broken skin in burns can be very serious. These infections can lead to a rash, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, they can also cause shock and death.
These infections can be hard to treat, especially in people with weakened immune systems. This is because the dead tissue that is left in a burned wound makes it more difficult for your body to fight off the infection.
Some bacteria, such as Pseudomonas species, are resistant to many antibiotics. They can clog the blood vessels and increase dead tissue in a burn wound, making it harder to clear.
Other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, can produce a toxin that can irritate the tissue in a wound and lead to shock. This is called toxic shock syndrome.
TSS is a dangerous and often fatal infection, especially in young children. It is usually the result of a small burn that was not cleaned or properly disinfected.
Infection is a common complication of burns that aren’t properly treated, but it can be prevented by taking steps to prevent injury and burning in the first place. You can prevent burn injuries by using the back burners of the stove, turning pot handles when they’re hot and never leaving the stove unattended.
