When treating a 3rd degree burn, immediate medical attention is essential. The key steps for treatment include ensuring the airway is clear and providing high-flow oxygen if needed, establishing intravenous access for fluid resuscitation, removing any constrictive clothing or jewelry, covering the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing, and elevating burned limbs to reduce swelling. Pain management is important though nerve endings might be damaged, reducing pain sensation. Third-degree burns penetrate all layers of the skin and require expert intervention, which may involve wound cleaning, application of topical antimicrobial agents like silver sulfadiazine, regular dressing changes often in an operating room setting, and sometimes surgery such as skin grafting. It is critical not to apply ice, ointments, or home remedies, and not to attempt to treat severe burns at home, as they can cause life- threatening complications.
