Burns First Aid, Therapy, Prognosis | Doctor of Pharmacy Burns are one of the most common household injuries, especially among children. The term “burn” means more than the burning sensation associated with this injury. Burns are characterized by severe skin damage that causes the affected skin cells to die.
Most people can recover from burns without serious health consequences, depending on the cause and degree of injury. More serious burns require immediate emergency medical care to prevent complications and death.
first-degree burns: red, nonblistered skin
second-degree burns: blisters and some thickening of the skin
third-degree burns: widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance
There are also fourth-degree burns. This type of burn includes all of the symptoms of a third-degree burn and also extends beyond the skin into tendons and bones.
Burns have a variety of causes, including:
scalding from hot, boiling liquids
chemical burns
electrical burns
fires, including flames from matches, candles, and lighters
excessive sun exposure
The type of burn is not based on the cause of it. Scalding, for example, can cause all three burns, depending on how hot the liquid is and how long it stays in contact with the skin.
Chemical and electrical burns warrant immediate medical attention because they can affect the inside of the body, even if skin damage is minor.
First-degree burns cause minimal skin damage. They are also called “superficial burns” because they affect the outermost layer of skin. Signs of a first-degree burn include:
redness
minor inflammation, or swelling
pain
dry, peeling skin occurs as the burn heals
Since this burn affects the top layer of skin, the signs and symptoms disappear once the skin cells shed. First-degree burns usually heal within 7 to 10 days without scarring.
First-degree burns are usually treated with home care. Healing time may be quicker the sooner you treat the burn. Treatments for a first-degree burn include:
soaking the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer
taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
applying lidocaine (an anesthetic) with aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the skin
using an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area
Make sure you don’t use ice, as this may make the damage worse. Never apply cotton balls to a burn because the small fibers can stick to the injury and increase the risk of infection. Also, avoid home remedies like butter and eggs as these are not proven to be effective.
Second-degree burns are more serious because the damage extends beyond the top layer of skin. This type burn causes the skin to blister and become extremely red and sore.
Some blisters pop open, giving the burn a wet or weeping appearance. Over time, thick, soft, scab-like tissue called fibrinous exudate may develop over the wound.
Due to the delicate nature of these wounds, keeping the area clean and bandaging it properly is required to prevent infection. This also helps the burn heal quicker.
Some second-degree burns take longer than three weeks to heal, but most heal within two to three weeks without scarring, but often with pigment changes to the skin.
The worse the blisters are, the longer the burn will take to heal. In some severe cases, skin grafting is required to fix the damage. Skin grafting takes healthy skin from another area of the body and moves it to the site of the burned skin.
As with first-degree burns, avoid cotton balls and questionable home remedies. Treatments for a mild second-degree burn generally include:
running the skin under cool water for 15 minutes or longer
taking over-the-counter pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
applying antibiotic cream to blisters
However, seek emergency medical treatment if the burn affects a widespread area, such as any of the following:
face
hands
buttocks
groin
feet
Keep children out of the kitchen while cooking.
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Place a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen.
Test smoke detectors once a month.
Replace smoke detectors every 10 years.
Keep water heater temperature under 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Measure bath water temperature before use.
Lock up matches and lighters.
Install electrical outlet covers.
Check and discard electrical cords with exposed wires.
Keep chemicals out of reach, and wear gloves during chemical use.
Wear sunscreen every day, and avoid peak sunlight.
Ensure all smoking products are stubbed out completely.
Clean out dryer lint traps regularly.
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