Common Health Issues

Types And Treatment Of Burns

• By Rich Health Editorial Team
• January 12, 2025

A burn is an injury to the skin by heat, chemicals, electricity or radiation.

 

TYPES OF BURNS

There are three types of burns:

First-Degree Burns

This is one in which the skin turns red, but there are no blisters. Only the epidermis, the outermost part of the skin is injured.

Second-Degree Burns

This burn goes somewhat deeper. There is blister and the skin turns very red.

 

 

 

Third-Degree Burns

This burn penetrates the skin completely and destroys both the epidermis and dermis (the part of the skin beneath the epidermis). Because nerve endings in the skin are destroyed, a third-degree burn may actually cause less pain than a more superficial first or second-degree burn

Any burn suspected of being severe should be seen at once by a doctor. If you cannot obtain medical help immediately, ensure you get First Aid treatment.

 

In practice, it is not possible to determine right away how deeply a burn has penetrated. Any burn that involves one-tenth or more of the body’s surface may be regarded as a potentially serious or major burn, requiring emergency attention.

 

Shock is the first danger in any major burn, especially if a large area of skin is involved. The second danger is infection, which the doctor can control by administering antibiotics.

 

Rapid and complete healing can be expected if the burn is a first-degree one, but scarring may be expected if the burn penetrates deeper. Skin grafting is necessary to repair skin destroyed by a third-degree burn.

 

TREATMENT OF BURNS

Mild Burns

Everyone has experienced a minor burn, and most of us instinctively do the right thing in treating it. If we burn a finger on something hot, for example, we immediately put the finger in our mouth. This keeps air away from the burn and cools it off to body temperature. The same result can be achieved by immersing the burn in cold water.

 

If the burn is still painful after you have removed the affected part from cold water, mix baking soda and water and apply it to the area. Or, if you have a burn-soothing ointment or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) available, apply it to the wound and cover with a sterile bandage.

 

This treatment is recommended only for mild burns. Never put medication on a severe burn before consulting a doctor.

 

Major Burns

The injured person should be wrapped in clean sheets and a blanket and transferred to the hospital at once. If this is not possible, the victim may be put in a bath of water at room temperature until help arrives. This will reduce the pain and delay shock resulting from fluid loss.

Do not attempt to remove clothing, and do not wash, grease, powder or medicate severe burns. Give the person fluid to drink if he is conscious.

 

Chemical Burns

These are burns produced by a chemical, such as an acid or alkali. Remove at once all clothing that has been in contact with the chemical. Place the injured part under running water. If a substantial area of the skin is involved, rush the victim into a shower and help him strip under the running water

 

Electric Burns

These include burns produced by lighting. Immediate attention should be given to the effects of Electric Shock rather than to the burn itself. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. In the meantime, have someone call for an ambulance.

Powder Burns

These are burns commonly caused by careless handling of cap pistols or fireworks. In addition to the burn, the skin may be cut and thus exposed to infection by germs. Remove any splinters or dirt that can be picked off easily, and wash with soap and water.

 

A sterile dressing may be applied. If the person has not had a Tetanus inoculation recently, he should be given one as soon as possible.

AVOIDING BURNS

A little care will go a long way in preventing burns. If a grease fire starts on the stove or in the oven, do not make the mistake of pouring water on it; use salt or baking soda instead. Keep pot handles turned inward on the stove. Take special precautions if there are children around.

 

Hot radiators should be shielded. Do not allow a small child to put wood in a fireplace or campfire. Keep matches where little hands cannot reach them.