During which situation should a moist sterile dressing be used for burns?

A moist sterile dressing should be used for small burns covering 10% or less of the body because this approach helps to keep the burn moist and clean, which is crucial for the healing process. Small burns typically do not have extensive tissue damage, and keeping them covered with a moist dressing can aid in pain relief and promote faster healing by maintaining a favorable environment for tissue regeneration.

In contrast, larger burns or those covering more extensive areas of the body may require different treatment protocols which can involve more complex care to prevent complications like infection or dehydration. Using a moist sterile dressing on larger burns without adequate assessment can potentially cause more harm than good. Each type of burn and the extent of burns has specific treatment recommendations that dictate the best course of action for proper care.