Immediately after a burn occurs, the affected area should be rinsed with room temperature running tap water for about ten minutes. Following this, the burn will be treated in the emergency department according to its severity (for burns of all three degrees): The burn will be dressed (usually under some form of anesthesia) and further treatment will be conducted based on the burn's severity.
In severe cases, hospitalized patients will be stabilized in the department by providing fluids, respiratory support, infection prevention, and pain management. In specific cases, the patient may undergo surgery for debridement of the burn area (removal of damaged or contaminated tissue) and even skin grafting. It's important to note that most burns requiring hospitalization heal without surgical intervention. The department has a highly skilled medical and nursing team specialized in burn care, offering a wide range of local burn treatments. The department's team assists and guides patients on how to keep the burn clean and uninfected, and provides guidance on minimizing aesthetic and functional damage due to scarring.
Among other options, various types of dressings are offered, such as pressure dressings and silicone dressings, to improve the appearance of scars. Physical therapy treatments and functional and psychological support are also provided, addressing all aspects related to body image in relation to the injury.