Initial work-up

• Burns that are superficial and small in surface area (<5%) can be dressed with a closed dressing such as Bactigras and crepe and seen in the next Burns Clinic. Antibiotics are not necessary.

Recommended pre-referral treatment

• Please provide history and any investigations undertaken.

When to refer

The following burns need assessment at the RCH - either in the Emergency Department or the Burns Clinic - decided at the GP's discretion based on severity.

• surface area > 5%
• face
• hands
• obvious full-thickness burns
• perineum
• electrical burns
• flame burns
• chemical burns
• associated injuries
• at risk children

Resources

• Make a referral:Specialist Clinics
• Contacts
• RCH Primary Care Liaison (GP website)
• Kids Health Info (Parent information website)  

References and more reading

• Paediatric Handbook (2009). Gastrointestinal Conditions, Chapter 24 (pp369389) Mark Oliver and Lionel Lubitz. Eighth Edition, Blackwell Publishing. By the staff of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Guideline developed by specialists at RCH. First published Jan 2008. Reviewed August 2009. Please read  Copyright and Disclaimer