Patient's question:
2-year-old's hand was scalded by boiling water. It was washed with water, then some oil was applied, but blisters still formed. Then, a cream was bought to apply, but there are still two large blisters at the junction of the index and middle fingers. What should be done for the child's burned hand?Doctor's answer:
Children with mild burns often do not require intravenous fluids. Treatment can be administered in an outpatient setting.(1) Prevention of infection: Oral antibiotics are sufficient. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be selected. Common medications include penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics. Generally, they are taken for 3 to 5 days. The medication can be stopped once the body temperature returns to normal.
(2) Prevention of tetanus: A routine injection of TAT 1500 IU or 0.5 ml of tetanus toxoid is administered after burns to prevent tetanus bacteria infection.