What type of dressing is used specifically for burns?

The appropriate dressing for burns is a dry sterile dressing. This type of dressing helps protect the burn area from infection, minimizes pain, and absorbs any exudate while maintaining a clean environment for healing. Dry sterile dressings are typically used on burns that are not severe enough to require specialized burn dressings, as they provide a barrier against debris and bacteria.

Moist dressings are not suitable for burns because they can promote maceration of the surrounding skin and may lead to complications by not maintaining a sterile environment. Non-stick bandages are designed to prevent adherence to the wound, which can be helpful in some scenarios, but they do not offer the same level of protection and coverage as a dry sterile dressing for burns. Elastoplast bandages are flexible adhesive dressings that may be more appropriate for minor cuts or scrapes but are not specifically designed for burn management.

Using a dry sterile dressing for burns is vital in pre-hospital settings to prevent infection and facilitate the healing process.