Efficacy of different nursing interventions for blister management in patients with superficial partial-thickness burns on healing time, recovery, and costs.
Comparison of different nursing interventions for blister management in patients with superficial partial-thickness burns on time to healing, frequency of treatment, pain perception, infection rates, and healthcare costs: A randomized controlled trial.
María de las Nieves Villechenous Rojo - Hospital Universitario Santa Bárbara
159 participants
Apr 6, 2026
Interventional
Conditions
Summary
Introduction: Superficial partial-thickness burns are common injuries in Spain, and their outpatient treatment is mainly managed by nursing staff. The treatment of blisters in these injuries remains controversial due to the lack of scientific evidence to guide the necessary nursing care in this area. Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of leaving blisters intact in patients with mild superficial partial-thickness burns treated in an outpatient nursing setting. This will be evaluated in terms of healing time, dressing frequency, pain perception, infection, and costs, compared to aspiration or debridement. Methodology: A randomized clinical trial is proposed in primary care centers and continuous care points, specifically in Soria, Burgo de Osma, San Esteban de Gormaz, Almazán, and Pinares-Covaleda. The sample will consist of patients who come to these centers with mild superficial partial-thickness burns with blisters = or < 4 cm in diameter. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: “blister debridement,” “leave blisters intact,” or “blister aspiration.” Data analysis will include descriptive measures and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for quantitative variables, as well as frequency analysis using the chi-square test.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Blister Condition: Presence of intact blisters not exceeding 4 cm in diameter.
- Burn Extension: Superficial partial-thickness burns covering less than 10% of the Total Body Surface Area.
- Timing: Patients who visited the emergency department on the first day after the injury (within the first 24 hours).
Exclusion Criteria8
- Burns located in critical areas (face, neck, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, genitals, or major joints).
- Circular or circumferential burns.
- Blisters that are already broken upon arrival at the emergency service.
- Chronic diseases that may impair skin healing, such as uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus, coagulation disorders, or immunosuppression.
- Use of drugs that interfere with wound healing.
- Patients whose condition requires hospital admission (major burns).
- Pregnant women.
- Known allergy to any of the materials used in the study.
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Interventions
Experimental Group A (leaving blisters intact): The blister is left intact, preserving the biological covering. The procedure will be performed by a nurse, and the duration of the procedure will vary, with this being a study variable. After the procedure, the area will be treated with a silicone dressing to promote a moist environment, and a protective bandage will be applied using a sterile compress or gauze bandage. Experimental Group B (emptying the contents of the blisters): The fluid from the blister is drained through a small incision made with a sterile scalpel, allowing the devitalized skin to remain in contact with the wound bed as a natural protector. The procedure will be performed by a nurse, and the duration of the procedure will vary, with this being a variable of the study. After the procedure, the wound will be dressed with a silicone dressing to promote a moist environment, and a non-adhesive foam secondary dressing will be applied to control exudate, then secured with a net or gauze bandage. Dressings will be changed every 48 to 72 hours, or sooner if saturated, following the same procedure as the initial dressing change. Patients will be cared for by nursing staff at primary care centers until complete epithelialization of the burn is achieved, with the typical duration being 14 days. Data will be recorded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
Locations(1)
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ACTRN12626000519358