Burn injury is one of the most prevalent injuries in the home, particularly among youngsters. The term “burn” refers to more than only the sensation of burning associated with this damage. Burns are defined by significant skin injury that results in the death of the damaged skin cells.
Assessing a burn injury | Types, Treatments, and More
When skin is damaged by burning. it can no longer function effectively as a natural barrier against infection. In addition, body fluid may be lost because tiny blood vessels in the skin leak tissue fluid (serum).
This fluid either collects under the skin to form blisters or leaks through the surface. There may be related injuries. significant fluid loss and infection may develop later.
It is particularly important to think about the circumstances during which the burn has occurred; whether or not the airway is probably going to possess been affected, and therefore the extent, location, and depth of the burn.
There are many possible causes of burns (below). By establishing the explanation for the burn, you’ll be ready to identify the other potential problems that would result.
For example, a fireplace in an indoor space will probably possess poisonous carbon monoxide gas, or other toxic fumes may be released if burning material is involved.
If the casualty’s airway has been affected, he may have difficulty breathing and can need urgent medical attention and admission to the hospital.
The extent of the burn will also indicate whether or not a shock is likely to develop. Shock is a life-threatening condition and occurs whenever there is a serious loss of body fluids.
In a burn that covers a large area of the body, the fluid loss will be significant and the risk of shock high. If the burn is on a limb fluid may collect in the tissues around it. causing swelling and pain.
This build-up of fluid is particularly serious if the time is being constricted, for example by clothing or footwear. Burns allow germs to enter the skin and so carry a serious risk of infection. The risk of infection increases with the depth of the burn.
Head Lines:
- SEVERE BURNS AND SCALDS
- MINOR BURNS AND SCALDS
- BURNS TO THE AIRWAY
- ELECTRICAL BURN
- CHEMICAL BURN
- CHEMICAL BURN TO THE EYE
- FLASH BURN TO THE EYE
- CS SPRAY INJURY
- DEHYDRATION
- SUNBURN
- HEAT EXHAUSTION
- HEATSTROKE
TYPES OF BURN AND POSSIBLE CAUSES
| Type of Burn | Cause |
| Dry burn | • Flames • Contact with hot objects: such as domestic appliances or cigarettes • Friction – for example. rope burns |
| Scald | • Steam • Hot liquids, such as tea and coffee or hot fat |
| Electrical Burn | • Low-voltage current, as used by domestic appliances • High-voltage currents. as carried in mains overhead cables • Lightning strikes |
| Cold Injury | • Frostbite • Contact with freezing metals • Contact with freezing vapors, such as liquid oxygen or liquid nitrogen |
| Chemical Burn | • Industrial chemicals. including inhaled fumes and corrosive gases • Domestic chemicals and agents. such as paint stripper, caustic soda. weed killers. bleach, oven cleaner, or any other strong acid or alkali chemical |
| Radiation Burn | • Sunburn • Over-exposure to ultraviolet rays from a sunlamp • Exposure to a radioactive source, such as an X-ray |
DEPTH OF BURNS INJURY
Burns are classified as consistent with the depth of skin damage. There are three depths: superficial, partial-thickness, and full-thickness. A casualty may suffer one or more depths of burn during a single incident.
A superficial burn involves only the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. This type of injury usually heals well if first aid is given promptly and if blisters do not form.
Sunburn is one of the most common types of superficial burn Other causes include minor domestic incidents. Partial-thickness burns are very painful, destroying the epidermis and causing the skin to become red and blistered.
They usually heal well but can be serious if they affect more than 20 percent of the body in an adult and 10 percent in a child. In full-thickness burns, pain sensation can be lost, which masks the severity of the injury. The skin may look waxy, pale, or charred and needs urgent medical attention.
1. Superficial burn
This type of burn involves only the Outermost layer of skin. Superficial burns are characterized by redness, swelling, and tenderness.
2. Partial-thickness burn
This affects the epidermis, and the skin becomes red and raw. Blisters form over the skin due to fluid released from the damaged tissues beneath.
3. Full-thickness burn
With this type of burn, all the layers of the skin are affected; there may be some damage to nerves. fat tissue, muscles, and blood vessels.
BURN INJURY THAT NEED HOSPITAL TREATMENT
If the casualty is a child, seek medical advice or take the child to the hospital, however small the burn appears. For adults, medical attention should be sought for any serious burn.
Such burns include:
- All full-thickness burns;
- All burns Involving the face, hands, feet, or genital area;
- All burns that extend right around an arm or a leg;
- All partial-thickness burns larger than one percent of the body surface (an area the size of the casualty’s palm and fingers);
- All superficial burns larger than five percent of the casualty’s body surface (equivalent to five palm areas);
- Burns comprising a mixed pattern of varying depths. If you are unsure about the severity of any burn, seek medical advice.
How do you treat a scald burn?
Take great care when treating burns that are deep or extensive. The longer the burning continues, the more severe the injury will be. If the casualty has been injured in a fire, you should assume that smoke or hot air has also affected his breathing.
Your priorities are to cool the burn which stops the burning process and relieves the pain and monitors his breathing. A casualty with a severe burn or scald injury will almost certainly suffer from shock because of the fluid loss and need urgent hospital treatment.
The possibility of non-accidental injury must always be considered, no matter what the age of the casualty. Keep an accurate record of what has happened and any treatment you have given. If you have to remove or cut away clothing, keep it in case of future investigation.
How to recognition BURNS AND SCALDS?
There may be: Possible areas of superficial, partial thickness, and/or full-thickness burns;
- Pain;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Features of shock;
What should be your AIMS?
- To stop the burning and relieve pain.
- To maintain an open airway.
- To treat associated in Juries.
- To minimize the risk of infection.
- To minimize the risk of shock.
- To arrange urgent removal to hospital.
- To gather information for the emergency services.
What is the first-aid procedure for burn and SCALDS injury?
1. Help the casualty to sit or lie down. If possible, try to prevent the burnt area from coming into contact with the ground.
2. Start cooling the injury. Flood the burn with plenty of cold water, but do not delay the casualty’s removal to the hospital. Call 999/112 for emergency help; if possible, get someone to do this while you cool the burn.
3. Continue cooling the affected area for at least ten minutes, or until the pain is relieved. Watch for signs of breathing difficulty. Do not over- cool the casualty because you may lower the body temperature to a dangerous level. This is a particular hazard for babies and elderly people.
4. Do not touch or otherwise interfere with the burn. Gently remove any rings, watches, belts, shoes, and burnt or smoldering clothing before the tissues begin to swell. A helper can do this while you are cooling the burn. Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the burn.
5. Cover the injured area with kitchen film to protect it from infection. Discard the first two turns from the roll and then apply it lengthways over the burn.
A clean plastic bag can be used to cover a hand or foot; secure it with a bandage or adhesive tape applied over the plastic, not the damaged skin. If there is no plastic film available, use a sterile dressing, or improvise with nonfluffy material, such as a folded triangular bandage.
6. Reassure the casualty and treat him for a shock if necessary. Record details of the casualty’s injuries. Monitor and record his vital signs level of response, breathing, and pulse while waiting for help.
What are the consideration and CAUTION?
Do not remove anything sticking to the burn, you may cause further damage and introduce infection into the burnt area.
- Do not burst any blisters.
- Do not apply any type of lotion or ointment to the burnt area; it may damage tissues and increase the risk of infection.
- The use of specialized dressings, sprays, and gels to cool burns is not recommended.
- Do not use adhesive dressings or apply adhesive tape to the skin: a burn may be more extensive than it first appears.
- If the casualty has a burn on his face, do not cover the injury; you could cause the casualty distress and obstruct the airway.
- Do not allow the casualty to eat or drink because he may need an anesthetic.
MINOR BURNS AND SCALDS INJURIES
Small, superficial burns and scalds are often due to domestic incidents, such as touching a hot iron or spilling boiling water on the skin Most minor burns can be treated successfully by first aid and will heal naturally.
However, you should advise the casualty to seek medical advice if you are at all concerned about the severity of the injury Assessing a burn.
After a burn, blisters may form. These thin “bubbles” are caused by tissue fluid leaking into the burnt area just beneath the skin’s surface. You should never break a blister caused by a burn because you may introduce infection into the wound.
How to recognition MINOR BURNS INJURY?
- Reddened skin.
- Pain in the area of the burn.
Later there may be:
- Blistering of the affected skin.
What should be your AIMS?
- To stop the burning.
- To relieve pain and swelling.
- To minimize the risk of infection.
What are the consideration and CAUTION?
- Do not break blisters or otherwise interfere with the injured area.
- Do not apply adhesive dressings or adhesive tape to the skin; removing them may tear damaged skin.
- Do not apply ointments or fats; they may damage tissues and increase the risk of infection.
- The use of specialized dressings, sprays, and gels to cool burns is not recommended.
- Do not put blister plasters on blisters caused by a burn.
SPECIAL CASE BLISTERS
Never burst a blister, they usually need no treatment However, if a blister breaks or is likely to burst, cover it with a non-adhesive sterile dressing that extends well beyond the edges of the blister. Leave the dressing in place until the blister subsides.
What is the first-aid procedure for MINOR BURNS INJURY?
1. Flood the injured part with cold water for at least ten minutes or until the pain is relieved. If water is not available, any cold, harmless liquid can be used, such as milk or canned drinks.
2. Gently remove any jewelry, watches, belts, or constricting clothing from the injured area before it begins to swell.
3. Cover the burn with kitchen film or place a clean plastic bag over a foot or hand. Apply the kitchen film lengthways over the burn, not around the limb because the tissues swell. If you do not have kitchen film or a plastic bag, use a sterile dressing or a non-fluffy pad, and a bandage loosely in place.
4. Seek medical advice if the casualty is a child, or if you are in any doubt about the casualty’s condition.
BURNS TO THE AIRWAY INJURY
Any burn to the face and/or within the mouth or throat is very serious because the air passages rapidly become swollen.
Usually, signs of burning will be evident. Always suspect damage to the airway if a casualty sustains burns in a confined space since he is likely to have inhaled hot air or gases.
There is no specific first aid treatment for an extreme case of burns to the airway; the swelling will rapidly block the airway, and there is a serious risk of hypoxia. Immediate and specialized medical help is required
How to recognition AIRWAY BURN INJURY
- Soot around the nose or mouth;
- Singeing of the nasal hairs;
- Redness, swelling, or actual burning of the tongue;
- Damage to the skin around the mouth;
- Hoarseness of the voice;
- Breathing difficulties.
What should be your AIMS?
- To maintain an open airway.
- To arrange urgent removal to hospital.
What are the consideration and CAUTION?
- If the casualty loses
- consciousness, open the airway, and check to breathe. (The unconscious casualty)
What is the first-aid procedure for AIRWAY BURN INJURY?
1. Call Emergency help Tell ambulance control that you suspect burns to the casualty’s airway.
2. Take any steps possible to improve the casualty’s air supply, such as loosening clothing around his neck.
3. Offer casualty ice or small sips of cold water to reduce swelling and pain.
4. Reassure the casualty. Monitor and record vital signs – level of response, breathing, and pulse.
ELECTRICAL BURN INJURY
Burns may occur when electricity passes through the body. There may be surface damage along with the point of contact, or at the points of entry and exit of the current In addition.
There may also be internal damage between the entry and exit points the position and direction of wounds will alert you to the likely site and extent of the hidden injury and the degree of shock that the casualty may suffer.
Burns may be caused by a lightning strike or by a low-or high-voltage electric current Electric shock can cause cardiac arrest If the casualty is unconscious, your priority, once the area is safe, is to open his airway and check his breathing.
How to recognition ELECTRICAL BURN INJURY
There may be:
- Unconsciousness;
- Full-thickness burns, with swelling, scorching, and charring;
- Burns at points of entry and exit of electricity;
- Signs of shock.
What should be your AIMS?
- To treat the burns and shock.
- To arrange urgent removal to hospital.
What are the consideration and CAUTION?
Do not approach a victim of high-voltage electricity until you are officially told that the current has been switched off If the casualty is unconscious, open the airway and check his breathing.
What is the first-aid procedure for burn and ELECTRICAL BURN INJURY?
1. Make sure that contact is broken before you touch the casualty.
2. Flood the injury with cold water lat the entry and exit points if both are present) for at least ten minutes or until the pain is relieved. If water is not available, any cold, harmless liquid can be used.
3. Gently remove any jewelry, watches, belts, or constricting clothing from the injured area before it begins to swell. Do not touch the burn.
4. Place a clean plastic bag over a burn on a foot or hand, or cover the burn with kitchen film. The burnt tissues will swell. Apply the film along the length of the limb so that it does not become too hot. Tape the bag loosely in place (tape the bag, not the skin), or use a sterile dressing or a clean, nonfluffy pad, and bandage loosely.
5. Call emergency help the casualty and treat him for shock. Monitor and record vital signs level of response, breathing, and pulse while waiting for help to arrive.
CHEMICAL BURN INJURY
Certain chemicals may irritate, burn or penetrate the skin, causing widespread and sometimes fatal damage Most strong, corrosive chemicals are found in industry, but chemical burns can also occur in the home; for instance from dishwasher products (the most common cause of alkali burns in children), oven cleaners, pesticides, and paint stripper.
Chemical burns are always serious, and the casualty may need urgent hospital treatment If possible, note the name or brand of the burning substance.
Before treating the casualty, ensure the safety of yourself and others because some chemicals give off poisonous fumes, causing breathing difficulties.
How to recognition CHEMICAL BURN INJURY?
There may be:
- Evidence of chemicals in the vicinity;
- Intense, stinging pain.
Later:
- Discoloration, blistering, and peeling.
- Swelling of the affected area.
What should be your AIMS?
- To make the area safe and inform the relevant authority.
- To disperse the harmful chemical.
- To arrange transport to the hospital.
What are the consideration and CAUTION?
- Never attempt to neutralize acid or alkali burns unless trained to do so.
- Do not delay starting treatment by searching for an antidote.
- If the incident occurs in the workplace, notify the safety officer and/or emergency services.
What is the first-aid procedure for CHEMICAL BURN INJURY?
1. Make sure that the area around the casualty is safe. Ventilate the area to disperse fumes. Wear protective gloves to prevent you from coming into contact with the chemical. If it is safe to do so, seal the chemical container.
Move the casualty if necessary. If the chemical is in powder form, it can be brushed off the skin.
2. Flood the burn with water for at least 20 minutes to disperse the chemical and stop the burning. If treating a casualty lying on the ground, ensure that the contaminated water does not collect underneath her. Pour the water away from yourself to avoid splashes.
3. Gently remove any contaminated clothing while flooding the injury.
4. Arrange to take or send the casualty to the hospital. Monitor vital signs level of response, breathing, and pulse while waiting for medical help. Pass on details of the chemical to medical staff.
CHEMICAL BURN TO THE EYE
Splashes of chemicals in the eye can cause serious injury if not treated quickly Some chemicals damage the surface of the eye, resulting in scarring and even blindness.
Your priority is to wash out (irrigate) the eye so that the chemical is diluted and dispersed When irrigating the eye, be careful that the contaminated rinsing water does not splash you or the casualty. Before beginning to treat the casualty, put on protective gloves if available.
How to recognition CHEMICAL BURNS TO THE EYE?
There may be:
- Intense pain in the eye;
- Inability to open the injured eye
- Redness and swelling around the eye;
- Copious watering of the eye;
- Evidence of chemical substances or containers in the immediate area.
What should be your AIMS?
- To disperse the harmful chemical.
- To arrange transport to the hospital.
What are the consideration and CAUTION?
- Do not allow the casualty to touch the injured eye.
- Do not forcibly remove a contact lens.
- If the incident occurred in the workplace, notify the safety officer and/or emergency services.
What is the first-aid procedure for CHEMICAL BURNS TO THE EYE INJURY?
1. Put on protective gloves. Hold the casualty’s affected eye under gently running cold water for at least ten minutes. Irrigate the eyelid thoroughly both inside and out; if the casualty’s eye is shut in a spasm of pain, gently, but firmly, try to pull the. eyelid open.
2. Make sure that contaminated water does not splash the uninjured eye. You may find it easier to pour the water over the eye using an eye irrigator or a glass.
3. Ask the casualty to hold a clean, non-fluffy pad over the injured eye. If it will be some time before the casualty receives medical attention, bandage the pad loosely in position.
4. Arrange to take or send the casualty to the hospital. Identify the chemical if possible and pass on details to medical staff.
FLASH BURN INJURY TO THE EYE
This condition occurs when the surface (cornea) of the eye is damaged by exposure to ultraviolet light, such as prolonged glare from sunlight reflected off snow Symptoms usually develop gradually, and recovery can take up to a week.
Flash burns can also be caused by glare from a welder’s torch.
How to recognition FLASH BURN?
- A gritty feeling in the eye(s);
- Sensitivity to light;
- Redness and watering of the eye(s);
- Intense pain in the affected eye;
What should be your AIMS?
- To prevent further damage.
- To arrange transport to the hospital.
What is the first-aid procedure for flash BURN INJURY?
1. Reassure the casualty. Ask him to hold an eye pad against each injured eye. If it is likely to take some time to obtain medical attention, lightly bandage the pad(s)in place.
2. Arrange to take or send the casualty to the hospital.
CS SPRAY INJURY
This spray is employed by police forces for riot control and self-protection and is sometimes used by unauthorized people as a weapon in assaults.
CS spray irritates the eyes and upper airways and may cause vomiting. The effects usually wear off within minutes, although the eyes may remain sore for longer.
How to recognition CS SPRAY INJURY?
- Watering of the eyes;
- Coughing and sneezing;
- A burning sensation in the skin, nose, and throat;
- Chest tightness and difficulty with breathing;
- Reddening of the skin;
What should be your AIMS?
- To get the casualty into the fresh air.
What are the consideration and CAUTION?
- Do not wash any affected part since this will increase the effect of the spray.
- Do not rub any area affected by the spray.
DEHYDRATION
This condition occurs when the amount of fluids lost from the body is not adequately replaced Dehydration can begin to develop when a person loses as little as one percent of his body weight through fluid loss.
A two to six percent loss can occur during a typical period of exercise on a warm day; the average daily intake of fluids is 2.5 liters (4 pints). This fluid loss needs to be replaced In addition to fluid, the body loses essential body salts through sweating.
Dehydration is mainly the result of excessive sweating during sporting activities, especially in hot weather; prolonged exposure to the sun, or hot, humid conditions; sweating through raised body temperature during a fever; and loss of fluid through severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Young children, older people, or those involved in prolonged periods of activity are, particularly at risk. Severe dehydration can cause muscle cramps through the loss of body salts.
If untreated, dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion first aid aims to replace the lost water and salts through rehydration. Water is usually sufficient but oral rehydration solutions can help to replace lost salt.
How to recognition DEHYDRATION?
- Dry mouth and dry eyes;
- Dry and/or cracked lips;
- Headaches (light-headed ness);
- Dizziness and confusion;
- Dark urine;
- Reduction in the amount of urine passed;
- Cramp, with a feeling of tightness in the most used muscles, such as the calves.
- In babies and young children, pale skin with sunken eyes. In young babies, the soft spot on the head (the fontanelle) may be sunken
What should be your AIMS?
- To replace the lost body fluilds and salts.
What is the first-aid procedure for DEHYDRATION?
1. Reassure the casualty. Help him to sit down.
2. Give him plenty of fluids to drink. Water is usually sufficient but oral rehydration solutions can help with a salt replacement.
3. If the casualty is suffering from cramps, stretch and massage the affected muscles lp.159). Advise the casualty to rest.
4. Monitor and record the casualty’s condition. If he remains unwell, seek medical advice straight away.
SUNBURN
Over-exposure to the sun or a sunlamp can result in sunburn. At high altitudes, sunburn can occur even on an overcast summer’s day, or in the snow. Some medicines can trigger severe sensitivity to sunlight.
Rarely, sunburn can be caused by exposure to radioactivity.
Sunburn can be prevented by staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, and regularly applying high factor sunscreen. Most sunburn is superficial; in severe cases, the skin is lobster-red and blistered.
In addition, the casualty may suffer from heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
How to recognition SUNBURN?
- Reddened skin.
- Pain in the area of the burn.
Later there may be:
- Blistering of the affected skin.
What should be your AIMS?
- To move the casualty out of the sun as soon as possible.
- To relieve discomfort and pain.
What are the consideration and CAUTION?
If there is extensive blistering or other skin damage. seek medical advice.
What is the first-aid procedure for SUNBURN?
1. Cover the casualty’s skin with light clothing or a towel. Help her to move out of the sun or, if at all possible, indoors.
2. Encourage the casualty to have frequent sips of cold water. Cool the affected skin by dabbing with cold water. If the area is extensive, the casualty may prefer to soak the affected skin in a cold bath for ten minutes.
3. If the burns are mild, calamine or an after-sun lotion may soothe them. Advise the casualty to stay inside or in the shade. If the sunburn is severe, seek medical advice.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
This disorder is caused by the loss of salt and water from the body through excessive sweating. It usually develops gradually and often affects people who are not acclimatized to hot, humid conditions.
Unwell people, especially those with illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea, are more susceptible than others to developing heat exhaustion.
A dangerous and common cause of heat exhaustion occurs when the body produces more heat than it can cope with Some non-prescription drugs, such as ecstasy, can affect the body’s temperature regulation system.
This, combined with the exertion of dancing in a warm environment, can result in a person becoming overheated and dehydrated These effects can lead to heatstroke and even death.
How to recognition HEAT EXHAUSTION?
- Headache, dizziness, and confusion;
- Loss of appetite and nausea;
- Sweating, with pale, clammy skin;
- Cramps in the arms, legs or abdomen;
- Rapid, weakening pulse and breathing;
What should be your AIMS?
- To cool the casualty down.
- To replace lost body fluids and salts.
- To obtain medical help if necessary.
What is the first-aid procedure for HEAT EXHAUSTION injury?
1. Help the casualty to a cool, shady place. Get him to lie down and raise and support Ais’s legs to improve blood flow to the brain.
2. Give him plenty of water to drink. Oral rehydration salts or isotonic drinks will help with a salt replacement.
3. Monitor and record vital signs – level of response, breathing, and pulse. Even if the casualty recovers quickly, advise him to seek medical help.
4. If the casualty’s vital signs worsen, call 999/112 for emergency help. Monitor and record vital signs – level of response, breathing, and pulse while you are waiting for help to arrive.
HEATSTROKE
This condition is caused by a failure of the “thermostat” in the brain, which regulates body temperature. The body becomes dangerously overheated, usually due to a high fever or prolonged exposure to heat.
Heatstroke can also result from the use of drugs such as ecstasy. In some cases, heatstroke follows heat exhaustion when sweating ceases, and the body then cannot be cooled by the evaporation of sweat.
Heatstroke can develop with little warning, resulting in unconsciousness within minutes of the casualty feeling unwell.
How to recognition HEATSTROKE?
- Headache, dizziness, and discomfort;
- Restlessness and confusion:
- Hot, flushed, and dry skin;
- The rapid deterioration in the level of response;
- Full, bounding pulse;
- Body temperature above 40°C (104°F)
What should be your AIMS?
- To lower the casualty’s body temperature as quickly as possible.
- To arrange urgent removal to hospital.
What are the consideration and CAUTION?
- If the casualty loses consciousness, open the airway and check to breathe.
What is the first-aid procedure for HEATSTROKE?
1. Quickly move the casualty to a cool place. Remove as much of his outer clothing as possible. Call 999/112 for emergency help.
2. Help the casualty to sit down, supported with cushions. Wrap him in a cold, wet sheet until his temperature falls to 38° C (1 D0.4° F) under the tongue, or 37.5° C (99.5° F) under the armpit. Keep the sheet wet by continually pouring cold water over it. If there is no sheet available, fan the casualty, or sponge him with cold water
3. Once the casualty’s temperature appears to have returned to normal, replace the wet sheet with a dry one.
4. Monitor and record vital signs – level of response, breathing, pulse, and temperature while waiting for help. If the casualty’s temperature rises again repeat the cooling process.
Q&A Session: People also ask
Q. What type of injury is a burn?
A. A burn is when heat, chemicals, electricity, sunshine, or radiation cause tissue damage in your body. Burns are most commonly caused by scalds from hot liquids and steam, structure fires, and flammable liquids and gases. Inhalation injuries, which are caused by inhaling smoke, are another type.
Q. What are the 4 types of burns?
A. First-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree burns are the four forms of burns. A burn is an injury induced by one or more of the following factors: Amount of heat (such as hot objects, boiling liquids, steam, fire)
Q. What do 2nd-degree burns look like?
A. Second-degree burns are more painful than first-degree burns because they impact deeper layers of the skin. The epidermis and dermis are affected, and the burn site is frequently swollen and blistering. The blisters may break open, forming a scab-like substance, and the region may appear damp.
Q. What is the fastest way to heal a second-degree burn?
A.
- Immerse in cool water for 10 or 15 minutes.
- Use compresses if running water isn’t available.
- Don’t apply ice. It can lower body temperature and cause further pain and damage.
- Don’t break blisters or apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection.
Q. Is it okay to get a burn wet?
A. For at least 5 minutes, apply cool (not cold or ice) water to the burn by running water over it, bathing it in a water bath, or applying a clean, moist towel. Once the skin has cooled, apply a hydrating moisturizer, such as aloe vera. Cover the burn with a clean, dry cotton dressing to protect it from pressure and friction.
Summary
A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue that is induced largely by heat but can also be caused by radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction, or chemical contact.
Thermal (heat) burns are caused by the destruction of some or all of the cells in the skin or other tissues by hot liquids. (scalds)
Scalds, contact burns, fire, chemical, electrical, and radiation burns are divided into six categories based on the mechanism of injury.
This page covers the first three categories of burns. Liquids, grease, or steam can produce scald burn injuries. Spill and immersion scalds are two different types of liquid scalds.
Flash and flame burns are the two types of fire burns. Burn injury mechanism can be utilized as a predictor of outcome. Patients with flame burns and electrical burn injuries, for example, frequently require hospitalization.
Most patients with burns caused by contact with hot surfaces or sun exposure, on the other hand, are treated as outpatients.
In terms of human life, misery, disability, and financial loss, burns have a catastrophic effect on people. Burns is thought to kill some 180,000 people every year, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
