Burn Tips

Burn, scorch, singe, sear, char, parch; all these verbs meanto injure or alter by means Burn ofintense heat or flames. Burn, the most general, applies to the effectsof exposure to a source of heat or to something that can produce a similareffect.

The treatment of burns depends on the depth, and location ofthe burn. Burn depth is generally categorizedas first, second or thirddegree. A first degree burn is superficial and has similar characteristicsto a typical sun burn. The skinis red in color and sensation is intact.In fact, it is usually somewhat painful. Second degree burns look similarto the first degree burns; however, the damage is now severe enoughto cause blistering of the skin and the pain is usually somewhat moreintense. In third degree burns the damage has progressed to the pointof skin death. The skin is white and without sensation.

Regardless of the type of burn, the result is fluid accumulation andinflammation in and around the wound. Moreover, it should be noted thatthe skin is the body's first defense againstinfection by microorganisms.Damage to the skin can predispose the burn victim to both infectionat the site of the wound as well as internally.

Last Updated - 29th October 2005

A first-degree burn involves only the outer layer of skin. Theskin is dry, painful and sensitive to touch.

A second-degree burn involves several layersof skin. The skin becomes swollen, puffy, weepy or blistered.

A third-degree burn involves all layersof skin and may include any underlying tissue or organs. The skin isdry, pale white or charred black, swollen and sometimes breaks open.Nerves are destroyed or damaged, so there may be little pain excepton the edges where they may be second-degree burns.

PREVENTION -

Install smoke detectors on each story of yourhome.
Check and replace the batteries regularly.
Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Haveit inspected yearly.
Set your water heater at 120 degrees or lowerto avoid burns.
Do not smoke in bed.
Use caution when handling hot foods.
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Smother burning food or grease with a pot orpot lid.
Supervise children closely when they are cooking.

THIRD-DEGREEBURNS (Call a health professional and apply home treatment)

Make sure the source of the burn has been extinguished.
Have the person lie down to prevent shock.
Cover the burned area with a clean cloth orsheet (preferably white).
Do not apply any salve or medication to theburn.

FIRST- andSECOND DEGREE BURNS

Run cold tap water over the burnfor 10 to 15 minutes. Cold water is the best immediate treatment forminor burns. The cold lowers skin temperature and lessens the severityof the burn

Do not use ice because it mayfurther damage the injured skin.

Remove rings, bracelets, watchesor shoes from the burned limb. Swelling may make these items difficultto remove later.

Leave the burn alone for 24 hours.Do not cover the burn unless clothing rubs on it. If clothing rubsthe burned area, cover the burn with a gauze pad taped well away fromthe burn.

Do not put salve, butter, grease,oil or ointment on a burn as they increase the risk of infection.

After two to three days of healing,apply the juice from an aloe leaf to soothe minor burns.

Do not break blisters.

If blisters break, clean the areaby running tap water over it and applying a mild soap. Apply an anibioticointment and cover the burn with a sterile dressing. Repeat daily.

Take aspirin or ibuprofen to helprelieve pain but do not give aspirin to a child.

WHEN TO CALLA HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

For all third-degree burns.
- If you are in doubt about the extent ofa burn.
- If the burn involves the face, hands, feet,genitals or a joint and is more than one inch in diameter.
- If the burn encircles an arm or leg or ifit covers more than 1/4 of the body part involved.
- If the pain lasts longer than 48 hours.
- If a child younger than five, an older adultor a person with a weakened immune system or a chronic healthprobelm is burned.
- If signs of infection develop.

SIGNS ofINFECTION

Increased pain, swelling, redness or tenderness.

Heat or red streaks extending from the area.

Discharge of pus.

Fever of 100 degrees or higher with no othercause.