Burn wounds have been classified as major or minor by various investigators according to several risk factors for burn-associated complications. We have considered only the infectious complications of burns. Therefore, we have classified major burn wounds as those that cannot effectively be covered or whose drainage cannot effectively be contained by use of dressings. The drainage from a minor burn can be covered and contained by dressings.

Most major burn wounds and many minor ones have become infected by the second or third day after the burn occurs. Care of burn patients, therefore, involves efforts to prevent colonization and infection of the wound, and isolation precautions to prevent transmission to other patients. Other important methods of care include use of topical and systemic antimicrobials, vaccines, and general supportive measures.

It is beyond the scope of this guideline to present comprehensive infection control recommendations for taking care of patients with burns. We have, however, made recommendations for isolation precautions for both major and minor burns infected with various pathogens. Rather than listing burn wounds separately, we have grouped them under the subheading “skin, wound, or burn infection.”