Page 100 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:29

The inflammatory response to a burn injury evolves over the first 24–48 hours; thus, a
burn injury should be reassessed after 24–48 hours.
Treatment of acute minor skin injuries requires basic supportive measures,
including cleansing the wound, applying moist wound care, and relieving any pain or
discomfort.
Wound cleansing within the first 20 minutes of the injury by irrigation with cool (Not
Cold !!!??), clean tap water is recommended.
Wound dressing for superficial grade 2 injuries is recommended to keep the area
moist, and it may provide some pain relief and prevent entry of bacteria into the
affected area.
Pain management may be achieved with oral pain medications and soothing skin
protectants.
In sunburned patients, topical anesthetics may provide temporary pain relief.

Wound Dressings

Characteristics of wound healing dressings:

A nonadherent, hypoallergenic dressing
Moisture-retentive dressings to promote healing Act as a
barrier to prevent infection
Absorb excess wound fluid to prevent maceration of the skin from too much
moisture
Ideally, wound dressing changes should be limited because it may damage the healing skin
burn or wound
Examples: Gauze & hydrocolloid dressings

Hydrocolloid Dressings
Hydrocolloid dressings consist of an inner colloidal layer composed of a
combination of gel-forming agents and an outer water-impermeable layer

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