“Burns can be classified based on the depth and area of the burn. Only superficial and deep-thickness burns are included in the calculation of the burn area. Minor burns cover less than 10% of the body for patients 10–50 years old and <5% of the body for patients <10 or >50 years old. Any burn involving the face, hands, or a major joint may be more complicated and should be promptly evaluated. Superficial burns involve the epidermis and appear as painful patches of erythema and dry skin.
Superficial partial-thickness burns involve part of the dermis and all of the epidermis. They cause painful blanching erythema with small blisters and weeping skin. This patient has a superficial burn but in a high-risk area.
Immediate management of a minor burn may include cooling with water but should not involve ice water as this may lead to further injury (SOR C). All wounds should be cleaned with sterile water but not a cleansing agent such as povidone iodine (SOR C). The skin should remain intact if possible and small blisters should not be debrided. Topical corticosteroids should be avoided, as they do not reduce inflammation.
Superficial burns do not require antibiotics or wound dressings. They can be treated with aloe vera, lotion, antibiotic ointment, or honey (SOR B). There is evidence that these treatments promote skin repair and prevent drying. Aloe vera may also decrease pain. There is also evidence that honey heals partial thickness wounds more quickly than conventional dressings.” ABFM
Reference
Outpatient burns: Prevention and care. Am Fam Physician 2012;85(1):25-32.
Honey as a topical treatment for wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(3):CD005083.