|
Types
of burns
A burn
can be caused by many different things – the sun, hot water, chemicals,
electricity or fire.
|
There
are three types of burn as follows:
1)
Superficial Burns (first degree burns)
This
only involves the top layer of skin, which becomes red and dry and
painful. Most sunburns are superficial burns. This type of burn usually
heals within a week without permanent scarring.
2)
Partial Burns (second degree burns)
This
also involves the top layer of skin. The skin becomes red with blisters
that may open and weep clear fluid. This gives the skin a wet appearance.
The burn will probably be painful and swell.
|
 |
This
type of burn heals within six weeks but some scarring may
occur.
3)
Full Burns (third degree burns)
A
third degree burn destroys all layers of skin and the underlying
structures. The burn may appear black with the tissue underneath sometimes
appearing white. This type of burn can be extremely painful. This burn is
critical and requires urgent medical attention.
Treatment for Burns:
Thermal Burns
|
1)
Stop the burning. Put out any flames and remove victim from the
source of the burn.
2)
Cool the burn. Use unlimited amounts of cold water to run over the
burn and cool it. Do not
use ice as this will lower the body temperature. If the burnt area cannot
be put under a running tap, keep applying cold water using a flannel or
towel.
3) Cover the burn. Use dry
sterile dressing or a clean cloth to reduce pain and help reduce
infection.
4)
If the burn is only minor, apply an antibiotic cream and
leave.
5)
If the burn is major, call 999.
|
|
Chemical Burns
1)
In the case of a chemical burn call 999
immediately.
2)
Remove the chemical form the skin by running lots of cold water
over the affected area.
3)
Remove any clothing that may have been affected, taking care not to
touch other areas of the skin.
|
 |
Electrical Burns
1)
Call 999 immediately.
2)
Do not go near the victim unless you are sure the power source has
been turned off.
3)
The burn itself will not be the major problem. Check for pulse and
breathing and any other injuries.
4)
Do not move the victim.
5)
Cover the electrical burn with a dry sterile dressing. Do not cool
the burn.
6)
Keep the victim warm.
7)
There may be two wounds caused by the electrical current entering
and leaving the body and they
may be deep. Be aware and handle with care.
Sun
Burn
1)
Burns caused by the sun can be painful and may cause
blisters.
2)
Cool the burn. Use a product designed specifically for
sunburn.
3)
Protect the burn by staying out of direct
sunlight.
4)
When out in the sun, use a product with a protection factor of at
least 15. Reapply frequently.
|
