Burns are classified as first-,second-, or third-degree depending on their depth, not the amount of pain or the size of the burn area. A first-degree burn involves only the outer layer of skin. The skin is dry, painful, and sensitive to touch. A mild to moderate sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn.
A second-degree burn involves several layers of skin. The skin becomes swollen, puffy, weepy, or blistered.
A third-degree burn involves all layers of skin and may include any underlying tissue or organs. The skin is dry, pale white or charred black, and swollen, and sometimes breaks open. Nerves are destroyed or damaged, so there may be little pain except on the edges of the burn, where there may be second-degree burns.
CHEMICAL BURNS
They occur when something caustic, such as a cleaning product, gasoline, or turpentine, is splashed into the eyes or onto the skin. The vapors or fumes from strong chemicals can also burn or irritate the eyes, the skin, the respiratory passages, and the lungs.
ELECTRICAL BURNS-NOT EVERYONE DIES FROM THIS!
They are an immediate medical emergency. An electrical burn may look minor on the outside, but electricty can cause serious internal damage, including burns and heart rhythm disturbances.
HOME TREATMENT
Third-degree burns require immediate medical treatment--Call a health provider and apply home treatment.
o Make sure the source of the burns ahs been extinguished.
o Have the person lie down to pervent shock.
o Cover the burn area with a clean sheet.
O Do not apply any salve, medication, or ice to the burn
FIRST- AND SECOND-DEGREE BURNS can be treated at home.
o Run cool tap water over the burn until the pain stops (10 to 30 minutes). Cool water is the best immediate treatment for minor burns. The cold lowers skin temperature and lessens the severity of the burn. DO NOT USE ICE OR ICE WATER, BECAUSE IT MAY FURTHER DAMAGE THE INJURED SKIN.
o Remove rings, bracelets, watches, or shoes from the burned limb. Swelling may make these items difficult to remove later, and if left on, they may damage nerves or blood vessels.
o Clean the burned area with mild soap and water. If the burned skin or blisters have broken open, a bandage is needed. Otherwise, don't cover the burn unless clothing rubs on it. If clothing rubs the burned area, cover the burn with a gauze pad taped well away from the burn. DO NOT ENCIRCLE A HAND, ARM, OR LEG WITH TAPE. Keep the bandage clean and dry. Change it once a day and anytime it gets wet or dirty.
o Do not out salve, butter, grease, or oil on a burn. They increase the risk of infection and don't help the burn heal.
o After 2 to 3 days of healing, apply aloe to soothe minor burns.
o IF THE BURN CAUSE BLISTERS TO FORM:
-Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve pain. Asprin is not recommended because it can increase swelling and bleeding in the burn area.
- DO NOT BREAK BLISTERS. If blisters break, clean the area by running tap water over it and applying a mild soap.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Polysporin or Bacitracin, and cover the burn with a sterile dressing. DO NOT TOUCH THE BURN WITH YOUR HANDS OR ANY UNSTERILE OBJECTS.
Chemical Burns
o CALL THE LOCAL POISON CONTROL CENTER FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE. HAVE THE CHEMICAL CONTAINER OR ITS LABLE AVAILABLE.
o Immdeiately flush your eyes or skin with a very larger amount of water. Use a cold shower for skin burns. For eye burns, fill a sink or dishpan with water, immerse your face in the water, and open and close your eyelids with your fingers to force the water to all parts of the eye.
o Continue flushing for 30 minutes or until the pain stops, whichever takes longers.
ELECTRICAL BURNS
o DO NOT APPROACH A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN ELECTROCUTED UNTIL YOU ARE SURE THE AREA SURROUNDING THE PERSON IS SAFE. Disconnect the power source if possible. If you feel a tingling in your lower body, turn around and hop to a safe place.
o Do not attempt to move the wires off of the person unless you are sure the power has been disconnected.
o If it is safe to approach the person, check ABC's (AIRWAY,BREATHING,CIRCULATION). If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
o Keep the person warm and lying down.
o Cover burns with dry, sterile dressing until medical attention arrives.
