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According to the National Consumer Commission, two million people worldwide will receive skin burns each year. Furthermore, 100,000 skin burn victims will require hospitalization and unfortunately 12,000 of these cases are not expected to survive. Knowing these facts, it is apparent that many people who receive skin burns, whether major or minor, are unaware of how to care for and prevent them from happening. The more you know about your skin and its potential to be harmed then the better you can defend it from the outside elements.
Children under the age of four years and the elderly are at the highest risk for thermal burns which is the most common type of skin burn. Most thermal burns are the result of fire or automobile accidents. Many of these types of burns can have lethal consequences. Another type of skin burn is called a dry heat burn. A dry heat burn can be the result of hot steam or liquid coming in contact with the skin or exposure to radiation. Also, burns from chemicals, friction, or a heated item are considered dry heat burns. The most typical type of dry heat burn is the sunburn, which most everyone will experience at least once in their lifetime.
The first and most important step in caring for a burn is to first recognize if your symptoms or the victim's symptoms are truly the result of a burn. These symptoms are as follows: pain (a more serious burn will be painless), red skin, blisters, swelling, peeling skin, white charred skin, shock (pale and clammy skin), weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, and a decrease in alertness. Secondly, quickly try to find out how the burn occurred. Once you have done this, it is time for you to assess the burn. When you assess a burn you are trying to determine how extensive the burn is and it's depth. If you have any doubts concerning how much damage has been done to the skin then always treat it as a severe burn and seek immediate medical attention. By doing so you can help prevent scarring, disability, and/or deformity.
When assessing a burn it is important to consider to what extent/depth the skin has been burned. Burns can be categorized into three different degrees. First degree burns are skin that has only it's outer layer harmed and feels much like that of a mild sunburn. Second degree burns appear swollen and blistered because several layers of the skin has been burned. Finally, a third degree burn is where all layers and perhaps underlying tissue has been burned. Third degree burns will appear dry, pale, white, charred black, swollen, and tends to break open. In most third degree burn cases nerves in the affected skin are damaged or destroyed.
If the skin is unbroken such as in a first or second degree burns, water can be run over the area to remove heat. Burns are caused by the skin's inability to dissipate energy. Because this outside energy is transferring at a more accelerated rate than the body can get rid of it, the skin is harmed. By running cold water over a burn, it aids the skin in dissipating this energy. However, if the skin is broken such as in a third degree burn, apply a dry sterile dressing over the wound and seek immediate medical attention.
Chemical burns require a slightly different type of care. The stronger the chemical or the longer a chemical is in contact with the skin could result in a much severe burn. Chemical burns will continue to do harm as long as it remains on the skin. It is important to remember that if you have experienced a chemical burn to the skin to never try to treat it or puncture any blisters. Immediately flush the burn for fifteen minutes then apply antibiotic ointment. Once the ointment is applied then dress the wound with sterile gauze. If the burn is not minor seek immediate medical attention.
Severe burns are perfect growth mediums for bacteria which can lead to infection. Always keep your dressings clean and dry. If your wound begins to increase in pain, redness or swelling appears, begins to drain, your lymph nodes start to swell, or red streaks spread from the burn toward your heart then seek medical attention. These are signs that your burn is infected and not healing normally. Also, stay up-to-date on your tetanus immunization which can help prevent infection and other complications from a burn wound.
Finally, there are some important do-nots when it comes to caring for skin burns. Do not ever apply ointment (except in a chemical burn), butter, ice, medication, cream, oil spray, or household remedy unless advised by a doctor. Do not breathe, blow, or cough near or on a burn. This could cause the burn to become contaminated. Do not apply cold compresses or immerse a severe burn in any liquid because this can cause the burn victim to go into shock. Lastly, do not disturb any blisters or dead skin on or around the burn wound, this increases the risk of infection or scarring.
Minor skin burns can be cared for very simply, however, severe skin burns that are not properly cared for can be fatal. If you are in doubt of the severity of the burn or recognize the signs of shock (pale and clammy skin) immediately contact your health care provider and see medical attention as soon as possible. The skin is the largest organ the body possesses and is one of the most valuable. It is important to take care of it to the best of your ability. That means that you have to protect it from the outside elements that can harm it and knowledge is the first step to doing just that.
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