Burn​

Comprehensive Guide to Burns: Types, Treatment, and When to Seek Care

Burn injuries, caused by exposure to heat, electricity, radiation, or chemicals, can range from mild to severe, impacting the skin and underlying tissues. Understanding the different degrees of burns, their symptoms, treatment, and when to seek medical attention is crucial for effective care and recovery.

Understanding Different Degrees of Burns

Assessing the severity of a burn and determining appropriate treatment hinges on several key factors:

  1. Location:
    • Burns in sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, genitals, or large joints (shoulders, elbows, hips, knees) warrant immediate medical attention.
  2. Size:
    • Burn size is typically measured as a percentage of the body’s surface, where the injured person’s hand (palm and fingers) corresponds to about 1%.
    • Burns larger than your own hand require professional treatment.
  3. Depth:
    • Burns are classified as first, second, or third degree based on their depth and skin layers affected.

Symptoms of Different Degrees of Burns

Symptoms vary depending on burn severity:

First-Degree Burns (Epidermal Lesions):

  • Outermost skin layer (epidermis) is affected.
  • Commonly caused by sun exposure.
  • Symptoms:
    • Redness, tenderness, and slight swelling.
    • Burning sensation.
    • Skin may become scaly.
    • Itching, even after redness subsides.

Second-Degree Burns (Partial Skin Damage):

  • Deeper into the skin’s second layer (dermis) is affected.
  • Result from exposure to boiling liquids or hot substances.
  • Symptoms:
    • Blisters.
    • Burning sensation.
    • Pain-sensitive skin.
    • Swelling around the injury.
    • Dry, grayish-white skin.
    • Impaired sensation and itching.

Third-Degree Burns (Full Skin Damage):

  • All skin layers are damaged.
  • Caused by contact with fire or hot substances.
  • Symptoms:
    • Skin burned.
    • Skin turns gray, white, or brownish-black.
    • Skin feels hard, like leather.
    • Nerve damage leads to reduced sensation.

First Aid for Burns: Quick Steps for Effective Care

The immediate moments after a burn are crucial for preventing further damage:

  1. Stop the Damage Process:
    • Remove the victim from the heat source causing the burn.
    • Extinguish flames and remove burning clothes.
  2. Cool the Burn:
    • Begin cooling within a minute to prevent further injury and alleviate pain.
    • Use cold water or immerse the affected area in cool water.
    • Avoid cooling for more than 15 minutes.
  3. Relieve Pain:
    • Cooling often alleviates pain, but consider over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
  4. Cover the Burn:
    • Protect the burn with clean, dry towels or pillowcases.
  5. Clean the Burn:
    • Use mild soap and running water to clean minor burns.
    • Rinse chemical burns thoroughly.
  6. Dressing and Bandages:
    • Use dry, clean towels or special dressings for covering burns.
    • For exuding wounds, consult a healthcare professional.

Treatment and Seeking Care

Treatment approaches vary based on burn severity:

  • First-Degree Burns:
    • Generally heal on their own within a few days.
    • Lubricate with moisturizer and cover with a dry bandage.
  • Second-Degree Burns:
    • Superficial burns may heal within two weeks with proper care.
    • Deep burns may require hospitalization and potential surgery.
  • Third-Degree Burns:
    • Hospitalization and surgical intervention are necessary.
    • Skin grafting might be required.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a healthcare professional if:

  • Pain fluctuates or worsens.
  • Persistent pain or fever.
  • Wound smells bad or shows signs of infection.
  • Wound doesn’t heal after two weeks.

For immediate care, call 112 or seek medical attention if:

  • Burn affects a child.
  • Inhaling fire smoke.
  • Burn occurs on sensitive areas or is larger than the hand.
  • Skin turns white or black, or sensation is lost.
  • Blisters form and burn size exceeds the hand.
  • Electricity or chemicals cause the burn.

Prevention and Recovery

Investing in smoke alarms and fire extinguishers can prevent fire-related injuries. Following proper first aid steps and seeking timely medical attention can ensure optimal burn recovery and minimize complications. Remember, quick and informed actions contribute significantly to effective burn care and the overall well-being of the affected individual.