Article: Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics if your burn shows signs of infection. Make sure you finish the entire course of treatment, even if the burn starts to show improvement. You need to use all of the medicine, or the infection may rebound. If you're treating the burn at home, the doctor will likely prescribe oral or cream antibiotics. If you're in the hospital, you'll likely be given antibiotics through an IV. Burn creams are most common in the early stages of burn treatment. They help keep the burn moist, limit your risk of infection, and decrease pain. The doctor will likely prescribe a burn cream and provide a treatment schedule. Follow all of your doctor's instructions for using the burn cream. Aloe can also be a good treatment for your burn, especially if it's a small burn. However, check with your doctor before you use it. Your bandages will help keep your burn moist while it heals. They also protect your burn from dirt and germs. At a minimum, change them once in the morning and once in the evening. However, your doctor may recommend changing them more often, so always follow their instructions. Always use sterile bandages, such as a non-stick gauze secured with medical tape. Don't use reusable bandages. You can apply your burn cream before you replace your bandages. If your burn is serious, painful, or out of reach, get someone to help you change your bandages. If you're being treated in a hospital, the nurses will change your bandages. Pain and swelling after a burn are common symptoms. For mild pain and swelling, over-the-counter (OTC) Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or naproxen, can help. Use them as directed on the label, unless your doctor recommends you take more. Don't take anything without first talking to your doctor, especially if you're taking other medications. Burns can cause extreme pain, especially if they become infected. Fortunately, your doctor can prescribe painkillers if your pain feels unbearable. Since they're not right for everyone, however, talk to your doctor to find out if they might be a good option for you. Don't use painkillers without your doctor's permission, especially if you're taking other medications. Painkillers can be very addictive, so always use them exactly as your doctor directs. In some cases, you might use the painkillers specifically when changing your bandages. Most burn patients do not need anxiety medications. However, they can help if your burn is causing you a lot of pain and stress or if you have a lot of anxiety about changing your bandages. Take your medication as directed. Anxiety medications have side effects. Common side effects include nausea, increased saliva, blurred vision, headache, tiredness, joint or muscle pain, dizziness, nightmares, lack of coordination, cognitive issues, confusion, frequent urination, or sexual issues. You may also become dependent on them. Since burns can break your skin, it's possible to get a tetanus infection after a burn. After a burn, the tetanus booster can help limit complications and infection. A nurse can administer the shot if you need it. Doctors recommend getting a tetanus booster every 10 years. Ask your doctor if getting the booster is right for you. In some cases, you can expect to receive the Tdap vaccine after a burn. It's approved by the CDC for use by people aged 65 and over.
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Take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor to treat infection. Apply a burn cream as directed by your doctor. Change your dressings at least twice a day or as directed. Use OTC NSAIDs for pain and swelling, if advised by your doctor. Ask your doctor about prescription painkillers, if your pain is intense. Talk to your doctor about anxiety medication, if you have a serious burn. Get a tetanus shot if you're behind on your booster shots.