Changing burn bandages, when will you? & bull; hello healthy

Unlike other wounds, burns have a special way of handling so as not to cause scars or other complications. In fact, individual burns can be treated differently, depending on their severity. Then, should burns be bandaged? If so, when is a good time to change burn bandages?

Burns, should you bandage them or not?

Burns can be divided into three based on the severity. Each degree of burn will require different treatment.

1. First degree burns

Burns including the first degree are wounds that only exist on the outermost layer of skin. Usually caused by sunbathing too long in the hot sun. These sores are usually dry, reddish, and may be painful.

However, the burned outermost skin (epidermis) will heal within a few days. So if your skin is burned but only in the first degree, you don't need to wrap it with a bandage.

2. Second degree burns

If you have a second degree burn, the affected skin layer has reached the inside. There is usually a small area of ​​the skin that is affected inside. This condition makes your skin look moist and reddish in color. These sores are usually caused by being scalded or exposed to hot liquids.

Burned skin will be blistered and very painful, especially the outer layer of skin that is lost due to the burning causing the inner layer of skin to open.

This condition makes it necessary to use a bandage to wrap the injured skin. It also makes you have to change the dressing of the wound frequently so that there is no infection later.

3. Third degree burns

Somewhat different from other burns, this condition makes your skin look whiter instead of red. This is because the skin that is affected is mostly the deep skin. Not only that, your skin will also lose the ability to feel a sensation, aka numbness.

These burns do take longer to heal and are more likely to leave scars. Therefore, it is also best to treat these wounds with bandages and you should change the bandages for burns frequently to help them heal faster.

When to change burn bandages?

If your burn is a burn that requires bandaging, then you will need to change the bandage once a day. However, it would be better if you can change it twice or more a day, to avoid seepage of the bandage for burns that tend to get wet.

You can change the burn bandage yourself if you can afford it, for example the wound is located on a part of the body that is reached and not on the hand so that your hands are free to move to replace it. However, ask someone else for help if you have trouble making up for it yourself.

Don't forget to always apply antibiotic ointment before replacing burn bandages with new ones because this ointment plays an important role in protecting your skin from irritation and other skin problems.

The right way to change burn bandages

Follow the instructions below to find out how to replace a burn bandage:

1. Wash your hands before changing the bandage. Also make sure the place where you change the bandage is clean too. If not, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
2. Gather all the supplies for changing burn bandages near you. Such as gauze, clean basins, antibacterial soap, antibiotic ointment, and paper tape. That way, it will be easier for you to change the bandage.
3. Gently remove the old bandage from your hand to avoid pulling the burnt skin. If the old bandage is firmly attached to the burn, use warm water to gently remove the bandage.
4. Wash your hands again with soap and water.
5. Clean the burned area in a circular motion, starting from the center to the outside. Clean your skin from the ointment thoroughly. If you do it when you are about to take a shower, you can shower first, unless your doctor recommends otherwise.
6. Before using a new burn bandage, apply the antibiotic ointment to the burned area as done by the doctor or nurse while in the hospital.
7. Take a new burn bandage to replace the old bandage, and wrap it around the burned area. After that, use plaster so that the bandage does not come off easily and is tighter.