The depth of the burn determines the tactics
Superficial burns (I–II degrees) heal on their own with proper care; deep burns (III–IV degrees) require excision of necrosis and often skin grafting. The task of primary treatment is to clean the wound, remove exfoliated epidermis and open blisters, and apply a bandage to prevent infection and drying out of the wound. The modern approach has abandoned “drying” agents: a moist environment accelerates epithelization. Correctly carried out processing and subsequent dressings directly affect the final scar. Extensive and deep burns, as well as burns of the face, hands and perineum require treatment in a specialized department.
Why bandaging is a medical procedure
Dressing is not just changing a bandage. At each visit, the surgeon assesses the condition of the wound: how is healing going, are there any signs of suppuration, dehiscence, or necrosis. It is during dressing that complications are most often identified, which at home go unnoticed until a severe stage.
In addition, the selection of the drug depends on the phase of the wound process: in the inflammation phase, some drugs are needed, in the granulation phase - completely different ones. Using a “universal” ointment at all stages slows down healing.
Clean and purulent wounds behave differently
- clean wound - sutured, heals by primary intention, dressings are less frequent, the task is not to cause infection
- purulent wound - requires daily treatment, washing, removal of discharge and necrotic tissue
When are the stitches removed?
The duration depends on the location and blood supply to the tissues: on the face - 4-6 days, on the torso - 7-10, on the limbs and in the joint area - 10-14 days. Removal too early leads to separation of the edges, too late - to a rough scar with transverse marks from the threads.