Burning Questions: What Should the Pharmacist Know about Managing Minor Burns?

Burn injuries are an endemic health concern in developing countries. Globally, Africa has the highest incidence of burn injuries per capita. A total of 2.3% of the South African population suffer burn injuries annually and may present at community pharmacies and primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Pharmacists and PHC nurses must, therefore, remain abreast with the latest treatments for burn care. This commentary presents the most recent information for assessing burn wounds, first aid, referral guidelines, and identifying toxic shock syndrome in more severe burns cases. The successful management of patients with burns in an outpatient setting is contingent on patient selection. It is important for pharmacists and PHC nurses to know when to treat or refer a patient. Therefore, a set of guidelines for their use in PHC and community pharmacy settings is presented. Appropriate training on the use of these guidelines, would ensure a better assessment of burn wounds, leading to more positive patient outcomes. This commentary is a useful update to continuing professional development and can be utilised in community pharmacies and PHC settings in South Africa and across the African continent in the absence of formalised treatment guidelines for minor burns.