How to Treat Burns
There are many different ways that a person can get burned including hot liquids, fire, chemicals, electricity, steam and the sun. It is important to have a good idea on how to treat a burn should it ever happen to you or someone near you. Burns are classified into three different categories including First degree burn, second degree burn and third degree burn.
- First degree burns are the most minor of the types of burns that one can get. They are on the outer most layer of your skin and will cause the skin to turn red. The burn will swell on the skin and will be painful. Typically speaking a first degree burn will be on a small portion of your body and will only require treatment at home.
- A second degree burn is the type of burn that reaches the second layer of your skin. Your skin will be very red and blotchy and blisters will show up on the skin. The burn will be extremely painful and you will experience a lot of swelling. A small second degree burn can be taken care of at home. If you experience a second degree burn larger than a few inches it is recommended that you go to the emergency room for immediate care from a physician.
- A third degree burn is the most sever of the burn types and it involves all layers of your skin. It is possible the burn may be so severe it chars the skin black and involves portions of the body below the skin layers. The burn will be likely be extremely painful unless the nerves have been burned as well , at which time you will feel little or no pain. Immediate emergency room care is required with a third degree burn.
Treating a Minor Burn:
- The first step is to run the burned area under cold water for ten to fifteen minutes. If you are unable to place in cold water fro this period of time a cold compression can be placed on the area for the same amount of time. Never place ice directly on burn as it can do additional damage to the burn.
- Once the area has cooled apply lotion on the burned area apply product to the burn will relieve some of the pain and prevent dryness.
- Once you have moisturized the damaged area apply a gauze wrap loosely on it. Avoid wrapping the injury too tight, as the burn needs to be able to breath.
- As the burn heals a blister may form. Do not break the blisters as this is the bodies way of healing itself.
Treating a Major Burn:
- First and foremost all major burns should seek medical attention immediately.
- Do not removed burned clothing that has attached to the skin – but it is important that if a chemical spill has caused the burn the source of the burn is removed.
- Cover the burned region with a dry bandage until medical attention is received. If the area is too large a cotton bed sheet will work well. Avoid towels or blankets, as they are more liable to attach to the burn.
- Do not apply any lotion or other creams to burn. Avoid breaking any blisters that have formed.
It is extremely important that great care be given to any burn. Immediate medical attention should be sought for anything above a first degree burn. Without proper care severe infection and scars may occur. Proper care will help a burn heal properly and avoid any other complications related to the injury.