Burns Types and Treatment

Burns are characterized by severe skin damage in which many of the affected cells die. Depending on the cause and degree of injury, most people can recover from burns without serious health consequences. More serious burns require immediate emergency medical care to prevent complications and death.

First Degree Burns: Superfical burning of the outermost layer of the skin.

- Signs: pain
- redness
- minor inflammation (swelling)
- pain
- dry, peeling skin (occurs as the burn heals)

Treatment: Usually take 3 to 6 days to heal.

- Remove rings or tight items before swelling begins.
- Soak the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer. However, do not immerse large area of burns in cold water due to heat loss and hypothermia.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
- Apply moisturizer, aloe vera lotion or gel, or low-dose hydrocortisone cream, which may provide relief in some cases.
- Use an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area.
- See medical healthcare provider of burn greater then 3 inches and consider tetnus shot

Second Degree Burns: Beyond the top layer resulting in blisters and wettness. Take up to 6 weeks to heal.

- Treatment: Do not use coton balls (will stick to burn area).
- Treat as above.Don't break small blisters; if blisters break, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a nonstick gauze bandage. Make sure bandage is not to tight by checking nails for capillary return (press finger or toe nail; should blanch and quickly become pink again).
- However, seek emergency medical if burns affect a widespread area of the:

1. Face
2. Hands
3. Buttocks
4. Groin
5. Feet

Third Degree Burns: Very serious, extensive damage through all layer of skin.

- Signs: Pain
- Redness

Blisters
Weeping and wetness

Signs: Non painful (nerve endings are damaged and non responsive)
- Waxy and white
- CCharred, dark brown
- Raised and leathery

Treatment: Call 911
- Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive item.
- Raise extremity above heart.
- Make sure not cloths are stuck to burn.
- Do not immerse large area of burns in cold water due to heat loss and hypothermia.
- Check for circulation, breathing, coughing movement. Start CPR if needed.

Complications:

- Infection with all types.
- Third degree burns can lead to blood loss, sepsis and shock (hypovolemia from blood loss); also hypothermia from loss of heat through area of burn.

Addendum:

Electrical burns: Usually third degree. Call 911. Will have an entrance and exit wound. Treat both and support patient.

Chemical burns:Call 911. At the work place consult the MSDS (material safety data sheet). If liquid, irrigate up to 15 minutes, wrap, check circulation that wrap not to tight. For dry chemicals, brush off chemical before irrigating, then wrap.

For more on electrical and chemical burns, see references 3 and 4.

References:

1. Burns: Types, Treatments, and More From Healthline: Written by April Khan and Matthew Solan, Published on August 13, 2014; Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA on August 13, 2014
2. Burns: First aid From the Mayo Clinic
3. Burns and Electric Shock - Topic Overview From WebMD
4. Chemical Burns From Medicinehealth.com

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