Burns are common injuries, and pain relief is often a priority. While lidocaine is a recognized topical anesthetic, its use on burns requires careful consideration. This article explains when and how lidocaine can be used, and offers safe alternatives for managing burn injuries.
Lidocaine and Burn Application
Topical lidocaine is generally not recommended for burns beyond very minor, superficial ones. Damaged skin, especially from more significant burns, can increase lidocaine absorption into the bloodstream. This raises the risk of toxicity, potentially causing serious heart complications or seizures.
Many over-the-counter lidocaine products contain ingredients like preservatives that can irritate compromised skin, potentially worsening the injury. Furthermore, numbing a burn can mask changes in its severity or early signs of infection, delaying necessary medical attention. For very minor, superficial burns, such as a mild sunburn without broken skin, some specific over-the-counter lidocaine products might be used cautiously and sparingly. Always check product labels and exercise extreme care.
Understanding Burn Severity
Burns are categorized by their depth, based on which skin layers are affected. Superficial, or first-degree, burns involve only the outermost skin layer. They cause redness, pain, and dry skin without blisters, similar to a mild sunburn, and usually heal without scarring.
Partial-thickness, or second-degree, burns extend deeper, affecting both the epidermis and dermis. These burns cause redness, pain, swelling, and blisters, often appearing moist or shiny. Healing time varies, and deeper second-degree burns may result in scarring.
Full-thickness, or third-degree, burns are the most severe, destroying all skin layers and potentially extending into underlying fat, muscle, or bone. The affected area may appear white, charred, or leathery, and can be painless due to nerve destruction. These severe burns always require professional medical intervention.
Immediate Burn First Aid
For minor burns, immediate first aid can significantly reduce discomfort and prevent further damage. First, cool the burn under cool, running water for 10 to 20 minutes. This reduces pain, minimizes swelling, and limits tissue damage. Use cool water, not ice, as extreme cold can further injure the skin.
Promptly remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the burned area before swelling begins. After cooling, cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing or plastic wrap to protect it from contamination. For pain relief, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective. Do not break blisters, as they provide a natural barrier against infection.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
Certain burn characteristics require prompt professional medical attention to prevent complications. Seek medical evaluation for any burn larger than 3 inches (8 centimeters) in diameter, or located on sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or across a major joint. All third-degree burns and most second-degree burns, especially if deep or extensively blistered, need assessment by a healthcare provider.
Burns caused by electricity or chemicals always warrant immediate medical care due to potential internal damage or continued tissue destruction. Signs of infection, including increased pain, swelling, spreading redness, pus, or a foul odor from the burn site, indicate a need for professional intervention. Additionally, burns in vulnerable populations—infants, young children, older adults, or individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions like diabetes—should always be medically assessed.