Treatment for Burns 

First Aid for Burns

First aid for burns has become a hot topic recently (no pun intended). Burns have become epidemic in the US and are considered a health care problem which is more serious than the polio epidemic at it's peak.

   In the 1950's less then 10 hospitals in the US specialized in burns. Now there are over 200 burn treatment centers.

If you are suffering from a severe burn or know someone who is. Read through this information for a better understanding of burns and how to treat them.

Types of Burns

Here are 7 of the most common types of burns.Then we will discuss first aid for burns

• First-degree burns

• Second-degree burns

• Third-degree burns

• Scald

• Thermal Burns

• Chemical Burns

• Electrical Burns

First-Degree Burns

First degree burns are minor burns. But first aid for burns is a major topic. A sunburn is a good example of a first-degree burn. They only effect the outer layer of skin, the epidermis.

First-degree burns can be red with swelling and pain. The skin will be sensitive to touch and blanche white when light pressure is applied.

Treat first-degree burns as minor burns unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.

Treatment for a minor burn:

• Cool the burn: Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes. Or until the pain subsides. If you are not near water use cold compresses. Do not use ice. This can lead to frostbite and further skin damage. If you wish to apply first aid for burns and you have first aid burn gel available, use as directed
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage: Do not use fluffy cotton or cotton balls. This can irritate the skin. Loosely wrap the burn being careful not to apply pressure to the burned skin. The gauze keeps air off the burn reducing pain and protects blistersthat may form. Do not break blisters they protect the skin and if broken may increase the chances of infection.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: Grab Tylenol, aspirin, Aleve or Motrin. Whatever you normally take to reduce pain and swelling. Do not give aspirin to children, teenagers or anyone with stomach problems. People taking blood thinners should also avoid aspirin unless otherwise directed to do so by a doctor. First aid for burns can be handled effectively at home.
• A topical burn gel can be applied.

Watch for signs of infection increased pain, swelling and redness, fever or oozing. Seek medical help immediately if these things occurs.

Don't forget to use sunscreen.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns, this is what happens when the dermis, the second layer of skin is burned or damaged. Blisters develop and the skin takes on a red and blotchy appearance. There is also severe pain and swelling.

If the second-degree burn is no larger then 2 to 3 inches in diameter treat it as a minor burn.

If the burn covers large areas of the body that include the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, get thee to a doctor immediately.

Treatment for a minor burn (second-degree burns smaller then 3 inches in diameter):

• Cool the burn: Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes. Or until the pain subsides. If you are not near water use cold compresses. Do NOT use ice. This can lead to frostbite and further skin damage.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage: Do not use fluffy cotton or cotton balls. This can irritate the skin. Loosely wrap the burn be careful not to apply pressure to the burned skin. The gauze keeps air off the burn reducing pain and protects blisters. Do not break blisters they protect the skin and if broken may increase the chances of infection.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: Grab Tylenol, aspirin, Aleve or Motrin. Whatever you normally take to reduce pain and swelling. Do not give aspirin to children, teenagers or anyone with stomach problems. People taking blood thinners should also avoid aspirin unless otherwise directed to do so by a doctor.
• A topical burn gel can be applied.

Third-Degree Burns

Third degree burns, which are the most severe type of burn. Technically, these burns are painless. The pain commonly associated with severe burns comes from the first and second-degree burns surounding the third-degree burn and invlove all layers of skin and tissue. Fat muscle and even bone can be involved. Areas may be charred black or appear white. It can include difficulty breathing, carbon monoxide poisoning or other toxic effects if smoke inhalation occurred. Again, first aid for burns of this kind can not be handled at home.

Healing from third-degree burns can be slow due to tissue and structural damage. Scarring can be severe.

These burns require immediate medical attention. Call 911 at once or call for other medical assistance.

While you are waiting for help to arrive here is what you can do. What you can do when it comes to first aid for burns. This includes

Treatment for major burns (all third-degree burns and severe second-degree burns):

• Call 911 immediately.
• Do not remove burnt clothing. But do check to see that the patient is not in contact with any smoldering clothing, material, heat or smoke.
• Do not immerse large areas of the body in cold water. This can induce shock in the patient.
• Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If the patient is not breathing check to see if the airway is open and begin CPR.
• Cover the area of the burn. Use cool moist sterile bandages. If not available use clean, cool, moist towels, cloth or better yet sheets.
• Separate fingers and toes. If fingers and toes have been burned gently separate them with sterile, non-adhesive gauze.
• Elevate the burned area. If possible elevate the burned area protecting it from pressure and friction.
• Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the victim flat elevate the feet about 12 inches and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. DO NOT place the victim in the shock position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.
• DO NOT apply oil base ointments or creams. Ointments, cream, butter or any other home remedy can interfere with proper healing.
• DO NOT allow the burn to become contaminated. Avoid breathing or coughing over the burn.
• DO NOT disturb blisters or dead skin. Blisters protect the skin. Broken blisters can become infected
• DO NOT use a pillow under the patient's head. If the patient has an airway burn and they are lying down this can close the airway.

For more information on burn centers, rehabilitation options, different treatments available, legal advice, help with insurance companies, online communities and much more.Try this website, a comprehensive online guide for all issues related to burn treatment Burn Survivor.

The online resource at http://www.medicaledu.com/ is a website on wound care. They have an extensive section on burn related wounds.

Scalds

Scalds are the most common of all burns and they can occur from any hot liquid. Such as boiling water, hot tea or coffee, hot water taps and steam from kettles, pots or industrial pipes.

Children are at the great risk for scalding with toddlers receiving the greatest number of injuries. They climb, reach, grab and walk and can sometimes get into trouble. Scalding can be severe and as a results scarring can last a life time.

Hot tap water burns are the most severe of scalding injuries as they usually involve large portions of the body (like sitting in the tub).

Treatment for scalds:

Assess the burn to determine if it's a first, second or third-degree burn and use the above guidelines to treat the injury.

Prevention.

Because of the high risk of injury to children it is good idea to know how to prevent scalds.

• Check the temperature of your home's hot water by running the water for 3 - 5 minutes and then measuring the temperature with a hot water gauge or mercury thermometer as the water comes out of the tap.
• Set the water heater's thermostat to low, warm or 120°F (49°C). Wait a day. Test the water again. Repeat, if necessary. Your clothes and dishes WILL get clean at this setting.
• Supervise your children - know where they are and what they are doing.
• Always check the water temperature with your elbow or wrist BEFORE placing your child in the tub. If the water feels hot, it is too hot for a child. A child's skin burns more easily than an adult's
• Run cold water in the bath first BEFORE running hot water.
• Seat your child AWAY from the faucet handles in the bath tub.
• Install a hook or slide latch on the upper outside of the bathroom door to keep children out of the bathroom.
• Install anti-scald devices to maintain the flow of tap water within a safe temperature range.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns are caused by heat or fire. Things such as steam from a kettle or pot, touching a hot stove, picking up a hot pan, bumping against a curling iron or car muffler. Electrical and chemical burns can also fall into this category but we have separate sections on this page to talk about them.

Treatment for Thermal Burns:

Using the guidelines above determine the severity of the burn and treat using the minor or major treatment guides.

Chemical Burns

The subject of chemical burns and first aid is a large one. We have devoted a whole page to subject. Just click here.

Electrical Burns

There are two types of electrical burns. High voltage and low voltage. We'll go over both.

Regardless of the voltage there are steps you need to take:

• The power must be turned off. A witness of the accident must turn off the power source as soon as possible if the victim is unconscious or unable to do so.
• If this is not possible, the victim must be disengaged from the electric current.
• Wearing lineman's gloves, trained electricians must separate the victim from the circuit by a specially insulated pole.
• Looping a polydacron rope around the injured patient is another method of pulling him or her from the electric power source.
• Ideally, the first responder should stand on a dry surface during the rescue.

Low Voltage Burns

Low voltage burns occur almost exclusively on the hands and oral cavity. The most common causes of burns on the hands is from touching frayed and worn extension cords or plugging in appliances.

Oral cavity injuries occur most frequently in those aged 1-2 years and they are generally boys. Children are injured by sucking on extension cord sockets or biting extension cords. These injuries can be severe and permanent.

Treatment:

• In both cases the treatment is the same. Start by removing the patient from the electrical source. See above.
• A burn gel can be applied to cool the burn and stop burn pain.
• Determine the severity of the burn using the guides above. And apply first aid for burns appropriately.
• In the case of oral cavity burns a petroleum based antibiotic is used 4 times a day. You will need to see you doctor about this one.
• Though low voltage burns are small they can be severe causing amputation of fingers and permanent scarring to lips and face. For electrical burns it is always advisable to seek medical attention at soon as possible.

High Voltage Burns

There are two types of high voltage burns. One involves an electrical arc. In this case a current arcs onto the external body. There can be multiple burns on at each place of contact. The most common contact points are the head, hands and feet. These types of burns can leave extensive tissue damage.

The other type is a burn from an electrical current. In these cases the body acts as a conduit that the electricity passes through. There will usually be an entrance and exit wounds. The skin will be black and charred. This type of electrical burn can cause deep internal damage and injury.

Treatment:

• The patient must be removed from the electrical source. Please see above.
• These burns are serious in nature. Medical attention will be needed immediately. Call 911.
• While waiting for help to arrive use the guidelines above and apply the first aid for burns to determine the severity of the burns and treat accordingly.

One of our favorite websites is www.emedicine.com. They have a sensational article on electrical burns. Very extensive.

It's a bit clinical but still readable for us laypeople. You can find that article here.

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