A minor burn is one which:
- does not meet the criteria for referral to a severe burn unit
- can be managed in a non-burn unit hospital or clinic, or co-managed with a severe burn unit.
Minor burns can be treated, in consultation with the referring clinician, on an outpatient basis. This can happen locally (at the original place of care) or on referral to an ambulatory care burn clinic for assessment. Virtual care can be used for co-management.
These resources support the care of people with minor burns. They were developed based on an evidence review (PDF 2.9 MB) and the extensive clinical experience of the multidisciplinary team members of the NSW severe burn units.
Clinical resources
Minor burn management clinical guidelines
Published: June 2019. Next review: 2024.
Assess burns and manage the pain and wound.
Download the Minor burn management guidelines (PDF 4.2 MB)
Minor burn blister management
Published: February 2019. Next review: 2024.
Clinical guidance for de-roofing blisters.
Download the Minor burn blister management guideline (PDF 202.4 KB)
Burn patient management - evidence summary
Published: January 2018 (4th ed). Next review: 2024.
This document provides a summary of the available evidence to support the Burn Patient Management and the Minor Burn Management guidelines.
Download the Burn patient managementevidence summary (PDF 2.9 MB)
Education resources
Watch this series of videos to improve your understanding and skills in minor burn management.
