A burn is defined as damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by heat, chemicals, or electricity. Even a small burn can have a major impact on the quality of life of a burn survivor.

TYPES OF BURNS

Burns are classified by their severity and depth. The three main types of burns are:

• First-degree burns: These are the least severe type of burn and only affect the top layer of skin. First-degree burns typically cause redness, pain, and swelling.
• Second-degree burns: These burns damage the top two layers of skin and can cause blisters. Second-degree burns can be painful and may require medical attention.
• Third-degree burns: These are the most severe type of burn and damage all layers of skin, including the underlying muscle and tissue. Third-degree burns can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Burn severity depends primarily on the depth of injury and body surface area involved. However, other factors such as age, the presence of concurrent medical or surgical problems, and complications that accompany burns of functional and cosmetic areas such as the face, hands, feet, major joints, and genitalia must be considered.

BURN TREATMENT

Minor burns can be treated at home with over-the-counter pain relievers and antibiotic ointment.

It’s recommended that minor burns be treated using the “C” of burn care approach:

• Cooling: The first step in burn treatment is to cool the burn area to stop the burning process. This can be done by placing the burn under cool, running water for 10-15 minutes or if the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases.
• Cleaning: Once the burn has cooled, the American Burn Association recommends the area should be cleaned with a mild soap and water or antibacterial wash.
• Covering: Topical antibiotic ointments or cream with absorbent dressing or specialised burn dressing materials are commonly used.
• Comfort: Over-the-counter pain medications or prescription pain medications when needed. Splints can also provide support and comfort for certain burned areas.

PHARMACIST'S ROLE IN BURN CARE

Pharmacists play an important role in burn care and management by providing patients with education on burn prevention, first aid, and treatment options while dispensing prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and medical supplies to help patients heal from burns.

In addition to the above, pharmacists can also play a role in burn care and management by:
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as physicians and nurses, to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans for patients with burns
• Monitoring patients' progress during burn treatment and identify any potential complications
• Providing counselling and support to patients with burns and their families.

Burn care and management can be complex, but pharmacists play an important role in helping patients heal from these injuries.

REFERENCES

• American Burn Association. Advanced Burn Life Support Course. 2018. Available from: https://ameriburn.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2018-abls-providermanual.pdf
• American Burn Association. First Aid for Minor Burns. 2020. Available from: https://ameriburn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/first-aid-fact-sheet.pdf
• Schaefer TJ, Szymanski KD. Burn Evaluation and Management. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430741/
• Mayo Clinic. Burns: First aid. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/basics/art-20056649
• Schaefer TJ, Nunez Lopez O. Burn Resuscitation and Management. [Updated 2023 Jan 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430795/
• Boyd AN, Kadi BA, Rothenberger MA, Hartman BC, Spera LJ, Meadows KJ, Walroth TA. Evaluation of the Role of a Clinical Pharmacist on Medication Management in an Adult Burn Clinic via a Collaborative Drug Therapy Management Protocol. J Burn Care Res. 2023 Sep 7;44(5):1023-1030. doi: 10.1093/jbcr/irad087. PMID: 37300486. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37300486/