A Burn is an injury to the body tissue which can be caused by friction, Heat, Electricity, light etc. If someone gets a burn the first step to be taken is to distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn. The second thing is to judge the extent and degree of burns.

 

A Burn is an injury to the body tissue which can be caused by friction, Heat, Electricity, light etc. If someone gets a burn the first step to be taken is to distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn. The second thing is to judge the extent and degree of burns.

Types of Burns

Depending upon the Depth, Extent and Location of the burn the burns can be classified into various categories -

• First Degree Burns – These are the least serious burns in which only the outer layer of skin is affected. These burns make skin red like sunburns (erythema), may be along with white plaque and very little pain over the site of injury. Mostly they are minor burns unless they involve a very large area of limbs or any other part of the body
• Second Degree Burns – If the burn injury crosses the superficial layer and affects the layers of skin underneath (Dermis), the injury will be classified as a second degree burns. They are generally severe sun burns or the burns caused by the hot liquids. They generally manifest as redness of skin along with superficial blistering. Pain will depend on the nerve involvement. In cases with nerve involvement pain will be more.
• Third Degree Burns – They are the most serious kind of burns. They result in complete damage to the skin layer along with the damage to the underlying tissues. The skin appears discolored, leathery white with a dry surface. Generally there will not be any pain as most of the nerve endings in the skin will be destroyed. They generally require emergency treatment

First Aid Measures

In cases of minor burns either hold the burnt area underneath the running water or if it is not possible then arrange for a cold water dip for five to ten minutes

• Cool the burn as soon as possible as cooling reduces the swelling
• Affected part to be kept higher than the rest of the body if possible
• After cooling immediately cover the burn with sterilized cotton
• Apply the gauze lightly so that the burnt area is not pressurized
• Take appropriate pain killers if available
• Consult the doctor as soon as possible

Precautions

• Never apply ice to the affected area
• Do not pressurize the affected area
• Use sterilized cotton gauze only to cover the wound do not use contaminated clothes
• Do not apply any ointment to the affected area as it may slow down the healing process
• Do not break blisters
• Do not remove burnt clothing’s