Burns are quite common and children are particularly vulnerable to burns. It is essential to know how to handle burn injuries at home.
Burns may be caused by friction, corrosive substances and dry heat, whereas scalds are caused by vapors, hot liquids and wet heat.
Classification of burns
First-degree burns occur when the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) is burnt on the surface and the skin is usually red with swelling and some pain.
Second-degree burns occur when the burn has penetrated the second layer of the skin (dermis) and the skin becomes intensely red and blotchy with blisters developing. This type of burn causes severe pain and swelling and if it is less than 7cm in diameter it can be treated as a minor burn. If the affected area is larger or involves the face, hands, feet, buttock, groin or a major joint you must seek emergency medical help.
Minor burns, which include first-degree burns and some second-degree burns, can be treated at home as follows:
- Cool the burn. Hold the burnt area under cool running water for at least five minutes or until the pain subsides or immerse the burnt area in cold water. Cooling will reduce swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Do not put ice on the burn – this can cause frostbite and further damage to the area. Do not apply oil or butter to the area.
- Don’t break blisters as this makes the burn even more vulnerable to infection.
- Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage wrapped loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burn. This will keep the air off, reduce pain and protect blistered skin from further damage and infection. Never use adhesive dressings.
Third-degree burns are the most serious burns and involve all layers of the skin. Emergency medical attention is required as soon as possible. Second-degree burns that are larger than 7cm in diameter and/or involve the hands, face, feet, groin, buttocks or a major joint should also be treated as described for third-degree burns below.
While you are waiting for emergency medical assistance:
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- Never remove burnt clothing – leave clothes on but make sure the victim is not in contact with any burning or smouldering materials or exposed to heat and smoke.
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- Never immerse severe large burns in cold water as this could lead to shock.
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- Check for circulation signs including breathing, coughing, pulse or movement distress – if there is no breathing or there are signs of circulation stress, begin CPR (be sure you know how to do this).
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- Cover the burnt area with a cool moistened sterile bandage or cloth.
A range of excellent burn kits is available from your pharmacy. Keep a kit around the house and in your car.
Sources
Burns. Retrieved from http://www.stjohn.org.nz/First-Aid/First-Aid-Library/Burns/
Burns: types, treatments, and more. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/
(Revised by M van Deventer)