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Burns represents a type of bodily injury that is both very common and among the most painful everyday injuries. They are created when unprotected or inadequately protected skin of a particular body part comes into contact with a source of heat. If the heat of the same object is above a certain point, the skin will be damaged and injured. The period of exposition and the heat’s temperature dictate how serious the burn will be and how deep the damage occur. There are also chemical burns that are produced when the skin comes into contact with a corrosive chemical material, but these are only called burns because they often look similar. They can also come about as a consequence of electric charge of significant power being run through the body. In that case, they are electric burns. Both of these often come with extensive additional danger, including that to the internal organs, which is why they warrant immediate medical attention.
However, more typically, burns come from exposition to heat. Even a small burn can be excruciatingly painful and larger ones can easily place the injured person in mortal danger. In any case, treating a burn injury is not a simple process. It is further complicated by the fact that burn injuries differ from one another, even though they might have originated from the same source. Knowing more about the nature of the burn injuries and how to treat them is an essential knowledge. No matter what a person does or any other thing about their life, a chance of coming across a burn personally or with a loved one is significant. Because of that, here is the most important info on the different types of burns and how to treat them.
Burn Levels
There are three types of burns and these are presented through a degree system. This includes the first-degree burns as the mildest ones and goes to the third-degree burns as the most intense form. Each of these degrees is based on the level of damage that was produced on the skin. The first degree usually includes a redness of the skin but without any blisters. The victim is aware of the burn and finds it painful but even after some time, no blisters appear. The second degree includes redness, but also comes with blisters and some thickening of the skin. They are much more painful and the victim has had significantly more exposition to the heat than the first degree.
Finally, the third degree includes a lot of thickness of the impacted skin that includes a leathery, whitish appearance. The victim is in excruciating pain or feels no pain at all in the area and cannot do anything or move without a lot of difficulties. There are the fourth-degree burns as well, but the term is rarely used because the symptoms are the same as the third-degree, along with the fact that damage extends to the person’s bones, tendons and muscles.
First-degree Burn Care
These burns can be easily treated at home using regularly available items. In general, this rule applies: the faster the response to the burn, the faster the recuperation period. When these burns occur, the burnt area should be soaked in cold water for at least five minutes. For pain relief, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken. These are widely available as an over-the-counter medicine, so their use can be immediate. On the burnt skin, lidocaine or gel based on aloe vera should be applied because they will soothe the skin and reduce the feeling of pain. Finally, a form of an antibiotic gel or cream should be applied and a loose gauze placed over it. In no circumstance should ice be used to cool the skin because it can do even more damage by killing live cells with frostbite. Cotton balls should also be avoided because their fibers can stick to the burnt area. Finally, any traditional burn remedy like using butter on the affected area should be avoided – there is no proof that these produce any meaningful results.
Second-degree Burn Care
In case of these remedies, avoiding anything that can stick to the wound is even more important. Because of the severity of the injury, the skin will have blisters and many will burst with moisture leaking from them. In this case, the injured area should be cooled down under running water for at least 15 minutes or more. Here as well over-the-counter medication for pain should be taken immediately, and any antibiotic topical remedy should be applied to the area. Yet, the second-degree burns are a lot more dangerous and sometimes can complicate into more drastic states. Any injuries of this type to the face, buttocks, groin, hands, and feet should be checked by a medical professional.
Third-degree Burn Care
In theory, third-degree burns can be exceedingly painful or they can come with no pain at all if the damage to the nerves is total. In any case, when the skin gets a whitish appearance and becomes very thick, the injuries from a burn are certainly third-degree. This means that they are life-threatening and no home healing process will be adequate. These burns leave severe contracture on the skin and result in ample scarring. If these occur, 911 should be called immediately. Any clothes that stick to the injury should be gently removed and the victim should be helped with hydration using water and no other liquid. However, the most important thing is that the person gets an immediate access to professional medical help.
Burns are dangerous and they should never be underestimated. If they occur, the important thing is to stay calm and composed, especially when the situation is chaotic and dangerous. Once a person or persons affected are safe from any additional source of heat, they should get the medical help depending on the nature of their injuries. With this info on different types of burns and how to treat them, anyone can make sure that even when these injuries occur they will know what to do.
