What type of dressing is recommended for burns covering a certain percentage of BSA?

For burns covering a certain percentage of body surface area (BSA), using clean, dry sheets or dressings is the recommended approach. This practice is crucial because it minimizes the risk of infection and protects the burn area while allowing it to remain clean and dry.

Clean, dry dressings can also help to insulate the burn site and reduce pain by preventing air from directly exposing sensitive nerve endings in the damaged tissue. Moreover, using sheets or sterile dressings helps maintain a moist healing environment, which is essential for facilitating wound healing while still being easy to apply and change when necessary.

In contrast, adhesive bandages are typically not used on large burns because they may adhere to the injured skin, causing further damage during removal, and may not provide adequate coverage. Wet compresses can cause the burn to become macerated and increase the risk of infection, while elastic wraps are often not appropriate since they can restrict circulation, especially in areas affected by significant swelling commonly associated with burns.