Burn injuries are caused by fires or flames, hot liquids or steam, contact with a hot object or agent like grease or tar, chemicals, or electricity.
If you go to a doctor for burn treatment, he or she will assess the severity of your burn by examining your skin. He or she may recommend that you be transferred to a burn center if your burn covers more than 10 percent of your total body surface area, is very deep, is on the face, feet or groin, or meets other criteria established by the American Burn Association.
When evaluating a burn injury, doctors look at two factors: how deep the burn is and the burn size which is measured by the percent total body surface area. The burn depth depends on how hot the agent was and how long the burned area was in contact with the agent and how thick the skin is in the area. There are three levels of a burn injury:
First-degree burns (called the epidermis).
A first-degree burn is considered the least severe because it only affects the outer layer of skin. These burns cause minor damage to the skin. Skin may be red and tender or swollen. An example would be a mild sunburn that turns red, swelling and may peel. First-degree burns can generally be treated at home.
Second-degree burns (also called partial thickness burns)
These burns go through the second layer of skin, called the dermis. These burns cause pain, redness, white, wet, and shiny skin blisters and are often painful.
The injury may ooze or bleed. They usually heal within 1 to 3 weeks. After healing, skin may be discolored. These burns generally do not leave raised scars.
Third-degree burns (also called full thickness burns)
These burns damage both layers of the skin and may also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. Injured skin may turn white, black, and/or gray. It may feel dry and leathery. Sometimes there is no pain because the nerve endings under the skin are destroyed.
Immediate Action for All Burns
Stop Burning Immediately
· Put out fire or stop the person’s contact with hot liquid, steam, or other material.
· Help the person stop, drop, and roll to smother flames.
· Remove smoldering material from the person.
· Remove hot or burned clothing. If clothing sticks to skin, cut or tear around it.
Remove Constrictive Clothing Immediately
· Take off jewellery, belts, and tight clothing. Burns can swell quickly.
When to See A Doctor
It’s important to recognize when a burn can be treated at home and when you need to seek medical care. You should seek help from a doctor if:
· a burn affects a widespread area more than 3 inches in diameter
· the burn includes the face, hands, buttocks, or groin area
· the wound becomes painful or smelly
· you develop a high temperature
· you think you have a third-degree burn
· if your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago
Third-degree burns should never be treated at home. They carry the risk of serious complications, including infections, blood loss, and shock.
Often referred to as a full-thickness burn, a third-degree burn reaches underlying tissues and can even damage the nerves.
Symptoms of third-degree burn include:
· waxy, white-colored skin
· char
· dark brown color
· raised and leathery texture
Burns caused by an electrical shock are also too risky for home treatment. These burns often reach layers under the skin and can even cause damage to internal tissues. The internal damage may be worse than you expect.
Treatment Options for Burn Wound
After you have received first aid for a major burn, medical care may include medications and products that are intended to encourage healing.
Water-based treatments.
Your care team may use techniques such as ultrasound mist therapy to clean and stimulate the wound tissue.
Fluids to prevent dehydration.
You may need intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and organ failure.
Pain and anxiety medications.
Healing burns can be incredibly painful. You may need morphine and anti-anxiety medications particularly for dressing changes.
Burn creams and ointments.
If you are not being transferred to a burn center, your care team may select from a variety of topical products for wound healing, such as bacitracin and silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene). These help prevent infection and prepare the wound to close.
Dressings.
Your care team may also use various specialty wound dressings to prepare the wound to heal. If you are being transferred to a burn center, your wound will likely be covered in dry gauze only.
