Burns can result from dry heat (fire), moist heat (steam, hot liquids), electricity,
chemicals, or from radiation, including sunlight. Treatment for burns depends on:
The depth of the burn (whether it
is first, second, or third degree)
How much of the body area is affected
The location of the burn
First-degree burns affect only the outer skin layer. The skin area appears dry, red, and mildly swollen. A first-degree burn is painful and sensitive to touch. Mild sunburn and brief contact with a heat source such as a hot iron are examples of first-degree burns. First-degree burns should feel better within a day or two. They should heal in about a week if there are no complications. (See Self-Care Tips below.)
Second-degree burns affect the skin's lower layers and the outer skin. They are painful, swollen, and show redness and blisters. The skin also develops a weepy, watery surface. Examples of second-degree burns are severe sunburn, burns caused by hot liquids, and a gasoline flash. Self-Care Tips can be used to treat many second-degree burns depending on their location and how much area is affected. (See Questions to Ask and Self-Care Tips below.)
Third-degree burns affect the outer and deeper skin layers and any underlying tissue and organs. They appear black-and-white and charred. The skin swells, and underlying tissue is often exposed. Third-degree burns may have less pain than first-degree or second-degree burns. There can also be pain when nerve endings are destroyed. Pain may be felt around the margin of the affected area. Third-degree burns usually result from electric shocks, burning clothes, severe gasoline fires, etc. They always require emergency treatment. They may result in hospitalization and sometimes require skin grafts.
Is the burn a third-degree burn? (Is there little or no pain;
charred, black-and-white skin; and exposure of tissue under the skin?) |
 |
| Is the burn a second-degree burn that is on the face, hands, feet,
genitals, or on any joint (elbow, knee, shoulder, etc.) or that affects an area larger
that 10 inches square? |
|
| Is the burn a second-degree burn that has affected more than the
outer skin layer, shows signs of blistering, and covers more than 3 inches in diameter of
the skin? |
 |
| Is the burn a second-degree burn that covers less than 3 inches of
the skin on an infant or a young child? |
|
For Second-degree Burns:
{Note: These tips are for second-degree burns
that are not extensive and are less than 3" in diameter that occur in an adult or
older child.}
Immerse the affected area in cold
(not ice) water until the pain subsides.
Dip clean cloths in cold water, wring them
out, and apply them over and over again to the burned area for as long as an hour. Blot
the area dry. Do not rub.
Do not break any blisters that have formed.
Avoid applying antiseptic sprays,
ointments, creams.
Once dried, dress the area with a single
layer of loose gauze that does not stick to the skin. Hold in place with bandage tape that
is placed well away from the burned area.
Change the dressing the next day and every
two days after that.
Prop the burned area higher than the rest
of the body, if possible.
Call your doctor if there are signs of
infection (fever, chills, increased redness and swelling, and pus) or if the burns shows
no sign of improvement after 2 days.
For First-degree Burns:
Cool the area right away.
Place the affected area in a container of cold water or under cold running water. Do this
for at least 5-10 minutes or until the pain is relieved. (If the affected area is dirty,
gently wash it with soapy water first.)
Do not apply ice or cold water for too long
a time. This may result in complete numbness leading to frostbite.
Keep the area uncovered and elevated, if
possible. Apply a dry dressing if necessary.
Do not use butter or other ointments (for
example, Vaseline). You can, though, apply aloe vera gel 3 to 4 times a day. You can buy
this at most drug stores.
Avoid using local anesthetic sprays and
creams. They can slow healing and may lead to allergic reactions in some people.
Call your doctor if after 2 days you show
signs of infection (fever, chills, increased redness, swelling, or pus in the infected
area) or if the burned area is still painful.
Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain.
{Note: See Pain relievers
in "Your Home Pharmacy".}
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99