Burns

BURNS

A burn is a type of injury to skin, or other tissues, caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, friction, or ultraviolet radiation (like sunburn). Most burns are due to heat from hot liquids (called scalding), solids, or fire.


Younger children are more likely to sustain injuries from scald burns that are caused by hot liquids or steam, while older children are more likely to sustain injuries from flame burns that are caused by direct contact with fire.


Thankfully, there are ways you can help protect the children you love from burns.


Burn levels


Superficial (First-degree burns): red, no blistered skin

Partial thickness (Second-degree burns): blisters and some thickening of the skin

Full Thickness (Third-degree burns): widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance


There are also fourth-degree burns. This type of burn includes all the symptoms of a third-degree burn and also extends beyond the skin into tendons and bones.


Burns have a variety of causes, including:

  • scalding from hot, boiling liquids

  • chemical burns

  • electrical burns

  • fires, including flames from matches, candles, and lighters

  • excessive sun exposure


Preventing all degrees of burns

The obvious best way to fight burns is to prevent them from happening. Certain jobs put you at a greater risk for burns, but the fact is that most burns happen at home. Infants and young children are the most vulnerable to burns. Preventive measures you can take at home include:


  • Keep children out of the kitchen while cooking.

  • Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

  • Place a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen.

  • Test smoke detectors once a month.

  • Replace smoke detectors every 10 years.

  • Keep water heater temperature under 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Measure bath water temperature before use.

  • Lock up matches and lighters.

  • Install electrical outlet covers.

  • Check and discard electrical cords with exposed wires.

  • Keep chemicals out of reach, and wear gloves during chemical use.

  • Wear sunscreen every day and avoid peak sunlight.

  • Ensure all smoking products are stubbed out completely.

  • Clean out dryer lint traps regularly.

  • It’s also important to have a fire escape plan. In the event of a fire, make sure to crawl underneath smoke. This will minimize the risk of loss of consciousness out and becoming trapped in a fire.


FIRST AID MANAGEMENT for: Superficial to partial thickness burn at home:


  • Immerse in fresh, cool water, or apply cool compresses. Continue for 10 to 15 minutes.


  • Dry with clean cloth and cover with sterile gauze.


  • Do not break blisters if you see one.


  • Do not apply ointments or butter to burns; these may cause infection


  • Elevate burned arms or legs.


  • Over-the-counter pain medications may be used to help relieve pain and reduce

  • inflammation.


  • Superficial burns usually heal without further treatment. However, if a superficial burn covers a large area of the body, the burn covers the face or genitals or the victim is an infant or elderly seek emergency medical attention.


  • Take steps to prevent shock: lay the victim flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches, and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. Do not place the victim in the shock position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected, or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.


  • Further medical treatment is required. Do not attempt to treat serious burns unless you are a trained health professional.


REFERENCES:

https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/public/burns.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/burns/index.html