title: Minor burns: guidelines for successful outpatient management.
abstract: Minor burns are not necessarily trivial. They often involve dynamic or cosmetically important body areas, and outpatient treatment is not always indicated. Hospitalization is usually necessary for the very young or the elderly; those with deep partial-thickness or full-thickness burns; those with burns of the hand, face, foot, or perineum; those who are alcoholics, demented, or economically deprived; and those who have another illness or injury. Hospitalization is mandatory in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. Superficial partial-thickness burns can be managed in a variety of ways, including application of biologic dressings and synthetic skin coverings. Most deep partial-thickness burns and all full-thickness ones should be considered for early excision and grafting. All but the most superficial burns require maintenance of joint function and long-term follow-up.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant