How to treat burns

You may get burns by various sources, the most common of which are hot liquids, hot objects, chemicals, steam, electricity, the sun, and fire.

Burns are generally categorized into the following three classifications:

First-degree burns:

A first-degree burn is the least serious type of burn that you can suffer, and involves only the outermost layer of your skin. Your skin will likely be spotted and painful. It can also be swollen. In general, if a first-degree burn does not cover a significant portion of your body, it can be treated at home.

Second-degree burns:

A second-degree burn is one in which the second layer of your skin is also burned. In this type of burn, your skin will be extremely red with a spotted or blotchy appearance, and you will probably have blisters in the area of the burn. A second-degree burn typically causes severe pain and swelling. If you suffer a small and localized second-degree burn - no more than a few inches in diameter - you might be able to treat it effectively at home. If the burned region is larger than this, or has occurred on your face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or a major joint, it is best to go to your doctor or local hospital for professional care.

Third-degree burns:

A third-degree burn involves all layers of your skin, and possibly structures that are below your skin as well. Some areas of a third-degree burn are often charred black. You may experience severe pain, but if a nerve has been damaged by the burn, it is possible that you will feel little to no pain. All third-degree burns require immediate emergency medical care.

How to treat burns?

Although minor burns can be easily treated, you should opt for immediate care or hospitalization in case of severe burns. Knowing about how to treat burns can help you understand different treatment options for mild and severe burns in order to avoid infections and further complications.

How to treat mild burns?

To treat the first-degree burns, you may soak in or hold under cool water for about ten minutes and then wipe it dry using a soft, clean towel. It may be followed by an application of aloe vera cream or gel or an antibiotic ointment. Avoid applying ice as it can lead to frostbite, which in turn can damage the skin. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to relieve swelling and pain of first-degree burn.

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For the second-degree burn, you should soak the burn in cool water for about 15 minutes and apply cold cloth on it for few minutes. An application of antibiotic cream can help prevent the infection. You may also apply a dry, clean medical bandage; a non-stick cotton bandage is preferable. This bandage should be daily changed and the burn should be cleaned with water and anti-bacterial soap. There may be formation of fluid-filled blisters by the body in order to prevent infection. Don't break these blisters; let them resolve on their own. If you notice signs of infections such as redness, increased pain, fever, oozing or swelling, then opt for medical treatment.

How to treat major burns?

It is essential to seek emergency medical care for major burns. Until you get the medical assistance, you may follow these steps:

• For all major burns, seek medical care as soon as possible.
• Be sure that the cause of the burn has been eliminated, but do not remove burned clothing that has adhered to your skin.
• Until you receive emergency medical treatment, cover the burned region with a dry, sterile bandage or a clean cloth. Use a cotton bed sheet for large areas. Do not use blankets or towels, as both have a tendency to stick to burns.
• Do not apply ointments or try to break blisters.

Tips on Treating Chemical Burns

• Use cold, running water to completely flush chemicals off your body.
• Be sure to remove any jewelry or clothing that has been in contact with the chemical, if possible
• If there continues to be a burning sensation after washing the area with cold water, flush the area for another several minutes with cold, running water.
• Wrap the burned region with a clean cloth or a dry, sterile gauze bandage.
• If a chemical comes into contact with your eyes, flush your eyes with water immediately. Do not worry about finding sterilized water; the most critical objective is to begin flushing as soon as possible. Flush your eyes with water for at least 20 minutes. After washing, close your eyelids and cover them with loose, moist dressings before seeking medical care with someone's assistance.

Tips on Treating Electrical Burns

All electrical burns should be evaluated by a physician for two reasons:

• Even though the burn may appear to be a minor one, damage may have occurred deep into the underlying tissues.
• Electrical burns can sometimes result in an irregular heartbeat.