BURN INJURY

Burns are tissue damage that results from heat, overexposure to the sun or other radiation, or
chemical or electrical contact.

The treatment of burns depends on the location and severity of the damage. Sunburns and small
scalds can usually be treated at home. Deep or widespread burns need immediate medical
attention. Some people need treatment at specialized burn centers and months long follow-up
care.

Symptoms

Burn symptoms vary depending on how deep the skin damage is. It can take a day or two for the
signs and symptoms of a severe burn to develop.

1st-degree Burn

This minor burn affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It may cause redness and
pain.

Treatments for 1st-degree Burns

 soaking the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer

 taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief

  applying lidocaine (an anesthetic) with aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the skin

 using an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area
 Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage (not fluffy cotton). Wrap it loosely to avoid
putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain.

2nd-degree burn

This type of burn affects both the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis). It may cause
swelling and red, white or splotchy skin. Blisters may develop, and pain can be severe. Deep
second-degree burns can cause scarring.

Treatments for 2nd-degree Burns

 running the skin under cool water for 15 minutes or longer

 taking over-the-counter pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

 applying antibiotic cream to blisters

 Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage (not fluffy cotton). Wrap it loosely to avoid
putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and
protects blistered skin.

Seek emergency medical treatment if the burn affects a widespread area, such as any of the
following:

 face
  hands

 buttocks

 groin

 feet

3rd-degree Burn

This burn reaches to the fat layer beneath the skin. Burned areas may be black, brown or white.
The skin may look leathery. Third-degree burns can destroy nerves, causing numbness.

 Never attempt to self-treat a third-degree burn.

 Call 911 immediately.
 While you’re waiting for medical treatment, raise the injury above your heart.
 Don’t get undressed, but make sure no clothing is stuck to the burn.
 Cover the burn loosely with a sterile, nonstick bandage or, for large areas, a sheet or
other material that that won't leave lint in the wound.

PREVENTION

To reduce the risk of common household burns:

 Never leave items cooking on the stove unattended.

 Turn pot handles toward the rear of the stove.

  Don't carry or hold a child while cooking at the stove.

 Keep hot liquids out of the reach of children and pets.

 Keep electrical appliances away from water.

 Check the temperature of food before serving it to a child. Don't heat a baby's bottle in the
microwave.

 Never cook while wearing loosefitting clothes that could catch fire over the stove.

 If a small child is present, block his or her access to heat sources such as stoves, outdoor
grills, fireplaces and space heaters.

 Before placing a child in a car seat, check for hot straps or buckles.

 Unplug irons and similar devices when not in use. Store them out of reach of small
children.

 Cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps. Keep electrical cords and wires out of the
way so that children can't chew on them.

 If you smoke, never smoke in bed.

 Be sure you have working smoke detectors on each floor of your home. Check them and
change their batteries at least once a year.

 Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your house.

 When using chemicals, always wear protective eyewear and clothing.

 Keep chemicals, lighters and matches out of the reach of children. Use safety latches. And
don't use lighters that look like toys.

 Set your water heater's thermostat to below 120 F (48.9 C) to prevent scalding. Test bath
water before placing a child in it.

Also be alert to burn risks outside the home, especially if you are in places with open flames,
chemicals or superheated materials.