Q: What is the treatment for burns?
A. First degree or superficial burns heat naturally.Deep second degree and full thickness burns require skin grafting for rapid healing and minimum scarring and generally require hospital care.


In addition supportive therapy like fluids, blood infusion and pain medication is required. In some patients, the burn may lead to intolerable and excruciating pain for which even lV morphine may be required.

For first degree burns and open wounds, topical creams like silver sulfadiazine and bacitracin may be applied. Often dressings may be applied.

Q: How do you treat the skin discoloration that occurs with healing?
A: UV protection is required for 12-18 months post burn and these patients should apply sunscreen lotion when going out in the sun. Camouflage cosmetics to cover the burns can be used. Hair coloring products can be used 6 weeks after healing is completed. Permanent products can be used 3 months after healing.