"Dealing with Burns: Immediate First Aid and Treatment Tips"

• 
  

  

  Overview

  • Skin burn is damage to the layers of skin tissues that occurs upon exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, etc. 

  • Depending on the deepness of the wound on skin layers, there are four types of skin burns—first, second, third, and fourth-degree burns. Each category requires different immediate treatments to ensure safety.

• First-degree

  • (superficial) burn:

    • Only the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, experiences burn. Symptoms include redness, pain, and dryness on the skin with no blisters.

    • Apply cold and wet compresses to the wound, or expose the skin to cool tap water for ten minutes until the pain alleviates.

  • Second-degree (partial thickness) burn:

    • The epidermis and parts of the dermis layer are burnt. Symptoms include redness, blisters, and potentially swelling or pain in the wounded area.

    • Cold water or compression for 30+ minutes, make sure to avoid friction through bandage or dressing (non-stick gauze).

  • Third-degree (full thickness) burn: 

    • The epidermis and dermis layer are fully disrupted and may damage the subcutaneous tissue, the innermost layer of skin. Symptoms include leathery, dry, discolored skin (commonly white, black, or bright red) along with swelling and blisters. 

    • Do not attempt to remove or apply anything to the damaged skin, and loosely secure the burn area with sterile or nonstick bandages. For large areas, a sheet or other material that won't leave lint in the wound. Immediately visit the healthcare provider for further instructions. 

  • Fourth-degree burn:

    • Full skin layers, as well as muscles, tendons, and bones underneath, are severely burnt. Fourth-degree burns are potentially life-threatening, so it is critical to pay immediate attention to the wound. Symptoms include numbness in the area as the nerve ends are destroyed.

    • Raise the damaged region above the heart to prevent blood loss. Cover the area with loose nonstick bandages or cloth. Flush the area with cold water if chemicals cause the burn. Directly head to the healthcare provider, or call 911 if the damage is severe.

• Conclusion

Source1  

Source2 

Source3

Source4 

Source5