What is the preferred way to manage severe burns?

The preferred way to manage severe burns is to cool the burn with running water and cover it with sterile, non-adhesive dressings. This approach is guided by the principles of burn management, which emphasize the importance of cooling the burn to limit further tissue damage and alleviate pain. Running water effectively lowers the temperature of the burn area, minimizing the extent of the injury and promoting better healing outcomes.

Covering the cooled burn with sterile, non-adhesive dressings helps protect the area from infection and prevents contamination, which can be critical in managing severe burns. Non-adhesive dressings are particularly important because they won't stick to the burned tissue, which could cause additional pain and damage when removed. This method aligns with established guidelines for burn care and promotes optimal healing conditions.

Cooling with ice packs is not advisable, as the extreme temperature can actually exacerbate tissue damage. Applying ointments and creams may introduce irritants or infections to the burn, which would detract from the healing process. Gently rubbing the area is inappropriate and can cause further harm, especially if the skin is already compromised due to the burn. Therefore, using running water to cool the burn and then covering it properly is recognized as the safest and most effective first response