Burns can be caused by fire, hot temperature, chemicals, electric shock and radiation (including solar radiation). Minor burns can usually be treated at home. Deep and large area burns should be treated in a hospital. If more than 1/3 of the body surface area is burned, it can be life-threatening. The first step of treatment is to prevent the continuation of the burning process and wash the affected area with clean water. If the burned area is too large, it cannot be washed with cold water for too long to avoid body temperature dropping. Special attention should be paid to avoid infection. Silver sulfadiazine cream is the only clinically proven topical ointment for the treatment of superficial to second degree burns.
How is Burns treated in practice?