In burn management, what should you do after cooling the burn with clean water?

• A. Apply antibiotic ointment.
• B. Break blisters to release fluid.
• C. Leave the burn exposed to air to dry.
• D. Cover with sterile dressing.

Answer: (D)

After cooling the burn with clean water, the immediate goal is to protect the wound from infection and further injury. Cover the burn with a sterile dressing to create a barrier against germs and keep the surface clean while it heals. A dressing also helps prevent pain from friction and air exposure and supports a cleaner healing environment.

Antibiotic ointment isn’t routinely needed for minor burns and can irritate skin or trap heat if used unnecessarily. Breaking blisters increases infection risk and slows healing, so they should be left intact. Leaving the burn exposed to air can dry and irritate the tissue, increasing the chance of infection. Covering with a sterile dressing is the best next step.