Skin burn antibiotics

Thank you for contacting health at hand.

How long it takes to recover from a burn or scald depends on how serious it is and how it's treated. If the wound becomes infected, NHS guidance on how it is usually managed is as follows:

• If the wound becomes increasingly uncomfortable, painful, or smelly; if cellulitis is observed; or if the person develops a fever.
• The wound is cleaned using 0.9% sodium chloride or lukewarm tap water.
• If an infection is suspected, a swab is taken from the burn wound and antibiotic treatment is indicated:
• A 7 day course flucloxacillin is usually prescribed as first line however if patient is allergic to penicillin, a course erythromycin is given instead. For those who are known not to tolerate erythromycin, clarithromycin can be given as a substitute.
• Usually a dose, that is high enough to ensure adequate wound penetration is prescribed
• A 7 day course is prescribed initially however if symptoms do not fully resolved after 7 days, continuing the antibiotic for up to a further 7 days is recommended
• Additional pain relief is usually recommended to manage pain symptoms at the same time as antibiotic treatment e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen, plus codeine for more severe pain.
• If there is poor, or no, clinical response to the prescribed antibiotics, it is advisable to go back to the doctor as they may require to assess the burn wound further and possibly change the antibiotic or decide on a further course of action as required.

Most skin burns are likely to leave minimal scarring; you can reduce the risk of scarring after the wound has healed by:

• Applying ointment e.g. Aqueous cream / emulsifying ointment, two to three times a day or as otherwise directed
• Use sunscreen to enable healing whilst reducing possible sun exposure.

We hope that is of some assistance to you.

Answered by the Health at Hand nurses