This page will discuss the different types of burns and how to care for them properly. There can be minor burns such as sunburns or major burns such as chemical or electrical burns.
As you know, burns can be very painful. If treated in the correct way, you can avoid serious infection or further complications.
There are three categories of burns, first degree, second degree and third degree. Knowing and understanding the different categories of burns will help you to respond correctly if you or someone else has a burn injury and is in need of first aid.
FIRST DEGREE BURNS:
Are the least serious burns which only affects the outer layer (Epidermis) of the skin.
Have symptoms that usually cause red skin, swelling and pain.
Affect the skins outer layer and has not burned through to the second layer (Dermis).
Should be treated as a minor burn unless considerable portions of the feet, face, hands, groin, buttocks or a major joint are affected. If this is the case, seek medical attention immediately.
SECOND DEGREE BURNS:
Affect the first and second layer (Dermis) of the skin.
Cause blisters with a very reddened appearance.
Can cause the skin to separate, like a peeling sunburn.
Can cause severe pain and swelling.
Should be treated if smaller than three inches (7.5cm.) in diameter as a minor burn.
Affecting areas such as the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks or over a major joint should be treated as a major burn, seek medical attention immediately.
THIRD DEGREE BURNS:
Can damage several layers of skin and can cause permanent skin damage,seek medical attention immediately.
Can cause nerve damage, so you may not be able to feel much pain, which is a sign of severe nerve damage.
Can affect muscle, fat and may even cause bone damage.
Can cause the skin to appear dry and white or charred black.
Can cause a high risk of dehydration or infection.
MINOR BURNS:
The burn area should be put under cool running water, until the pain subsides, for at least five minutes.
If the above remedy is not available, then use cool compresses.
By cooling the burn area, it will help reduce swelling by conducting the heat away from the affected area.
Lightly dab the affected area dry with a soft clean towel.
Cover the affected area with, aloe vera gel/cream or an antibiotic cream, (non oil based).
If necessary use a non-stick sterile gauze bandage (wrapped loosely) to prevent infection.
To help relieve pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers.
Minor burns should be watched for any evidence of infection, such as redness, fever, swelling, oozing or increased pain. If you notice that an infection has developed, get medical attention. There may be some pigment changes in the affected area. To
help prevent scarring use a greaseless topical gel. Most minor burns usually heal on their own without any major complications.
MAJOR BURNS:
Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention.
Do not touch the burn area of the victim. Do not try to remove any debris. This could further aggravate the burn area.
Do not submerge a major burn in cold water this could cause the victim to go into shock.
If the victim is not breathing or moving, check for any sign of circulation. If there is none, begin CPR.
Any burned body part(s) should be elevated above the heart level when possible.
If possible cover the burned area with a moist sterile bandage, moist cloth or moist towels until help arrives.
CAUTION – FIRST AID FOR BURNS:
When treating burns, it is not recommended to use ice. Applying ice directly on the burned area can further damage the skin or can cause frost bite.
Butter or oil should not be used on a burn because it can trap in the heat causing further damage. Use non oil-based ointments.
Blisters should not be broken. By breaking blisters, you can cause a greater chance of infection.
Paul Laris is an author and advisor on Emergency, Disaster and First Aid information. His website EmergencySuppliesInfo.com, will give you up to date information and videos on what to do before, during and after an Emergency.
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