Pain Management in minor burns
Pain is the most frequent complaint following burn injury (6) and the pain associated with a superficial burn injury can be particularly severe.
Evidence indicates that the immediate cooling of burns is effective and safe at relieving pain (2). However there is insufficient evidence on the use of pharmacological interventions for pain relief in superficial burns in the pre-hospital and ED setting (10).
Small burns are well suited for outpatient pain management, with administration of paracetamol, anti-inflammatory medications and opiates in various concentrations depending on the level of pain.
The aim of appropriate pain management involves using the simplest analgesics in appropriate doses and intervals, before adding more complex analgesics.
This section provides advice regarding managing the pain of a minor burn injury in an outpatient setting. Ultimately patient assessment and clinical judgement will guide management.
For more information regarding acute pain: