Partial-thickness burns to one hand should be treated by which method?

• A. Ointment and wrap
• B. Cold water immersion
• C. Apply moistened sterile dressings or moistened burn sheets to the burned area.
• D. Dry sterile dressings

Answer: (C)

Partial-thickness burns heal best when the wound is kept moist. A moist environment supports the movement of epithelial cells from the wound edges, reduces tissue desiccation and pain, and helps preserve tissue viability, all of which promote quicker, cleaner healing and lower infection risk. Applying sterile dressings that are moistened with saline or clean water provides a protective barrier while maintaining moisture, and using a moistened burn sheet can achieve the same effect over larger areas.

Dry dressings tend to stick to the wound and dry it out, which can cause pain on removal and slow healing. Ointments under dressings can trap heat and make assessment harder, and aren’t ideal for ongoing field management of a hand burn. Cold water immersion is useful for initial cooling but isn’t the recommended long-term treatment because prolonged exposure can cause vasoconstriction and hypothermia and it doesn’t maintain a moist wound environment.