Burn Treatment and Prevention
Burns are one of the most common household injuries, so knowing how
to treat burns and when to call for medical assistance is important.
Burn Classifications
Burns fall into three classifications:
first-, second-, and
third-degree burns. First-degree burns remain on the surface of the skin
and tend to appear red. Sunburns are usually first-degree burns.
Although first-degree burns can cause great pain, they seldom result in
lasting problems or require medical attention.
Second-degree burns probe deeper into the skin and result in
blistering or splitting of the skins layers. Very severe sunburns and
scalding are common instances of second-degree burns. Like first-degree
burns, second-degree burns rarely cause lasting problems or scarring,
but the pain can be intense. These burns
can be treated at home if they don't cover a large area on the body
(larger than the patients hand).
Third-degree burns destroy all layers of the skin and extend into
deeper tissues. These burns are actually painless because the nerve
endings have been destroyed. Third-degree
burns result in scarring, infection, and fluid loss, and should be seen
by a doctor immediately.
Skin grafts are often needed to repair these deep burns.
Home Treatment
To treat a burn at home, apply cold water or compress immediately.
The cold water or ice eases the pain and reduces the amount of skin
damage. Apply the cold for at least five minutes. You can keep cold on
the burn for up to an hour to ease the pain, but don't go longer than an
hour because frostbite could occur. If pain subsists, use a pain
reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
If the burn has caused blisters, be careful to avoid breaking or
puncturing them. Blisters often break on their own, and when they do,
allow the overlying skin to remain on the blister. It acts as a wet
dressing, keeping the new skin clean and protecting it as it toughens
up.
Don't use anesthetic creams or sprays; they may actually slow
healing. Antibiotic creams, such as Bacitracin and Neosporin, neither
help nor hinder healing. Its best to keep the burn and blisters clean
and allow them to heal on their own.
Chemical Burns
Chemical substances, such as lye and acids, can cause serious burns
when in contact with bare skin. Brush any dry chemical substance off the
skin and remove contaminated clothing. Wash the burn with large amounts
of water and soap. Call the local poison control; there may be an
antidote for the substance that caused the burn. If the patient seems to
be having trouble breathing, take him or her to the emergency room, as
this could indicate a lung injury from inhalation of caustic fumes.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns often result from small children playing with
electrical outlets. If an electrical burn occurs, immediately disconnect
the power source and pull the victim away from the source using a dry,
non-metallic object such as a broom, rope, chair, or cushion. Don't use
your bare hands. Begin CPR if the person isn't breathing. All electrical
burns should be seen by a physician, so take the victim to the emergency
room immediately.
Prevention
Prevention is always the best medicine, and there are many things you
can do to avoid burns in your home. Spend an evening with your family
explaining how to avoid burns. Be sure to mention the following:
