Suffering from second or third-degree burns is not only painful but also a serious medical concern that requires immediate and appropriate treatment. The American Burn Association's guidelines for the classification of burns and the criteria for transferring patients to specialized burn centers are crucial in ensuring proper treatment. These burns penetrate deeper layers of the skin, causing more significant damage compared to first-degree burns, which only affect the outermost layer of the skin. In this blog post, we will explore effective treatment strategies for managing second and third-degree burns, drawing on the expertise and guidelines provided by MyCPR NOW. Understanding how to treat these burns can alleviate pain, promote healing, and prevent further complications, ensuring the best possible recovery.
1. Assessing the Severity of the Burn
The first step in treating a burn is to assess its severity, as this will dictate the appropriate course of action. According to MyCPR NOW, it’s crucial to differentiate between the degrees of burns:
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Second-Degree Burns: These burns damage both the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and the dermis (the layer beneath the epidermis). They are characterized by redness, swelling, blistering, and severe pain. The blisters may break open, leading to a moist appearance on the surface of the burn. Second-degree burns can vary in size and severity, with larger or deeper burns requiring more intensive care.
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Third-Degree Burns: These are the most severe burns, extending through the epidermis and dermis and affecting the underlying subcutaneous tissue. Third-degree burns can appear white, blackened, or charred, and may not be as painful as second-degree burns initially due to nerve damage. However, they are very serious and require immediate medical attention.
Assessing the severity of the burn is essential to determine whether the burn can be managed at home or if it requires urgent medical intervention. Burn symptoms vary depending on the depth of skin damage, influencing the signs and symptoms that may take time to manifest.
2. Removing the Source of Heat
Once a burn occurs, it is vital to immediately remove the source of heat to prevent further damage to the skin. Removing the source of heat is crucial to prevent further burn injuries. MyCPR NOW advises the following steps:
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For Burns Caused by Flames: Extinguish the flames by using water, smothering with a blanket, or instructing the person to “stop, drop, and roll.” Move the individual away from the fire to prevent further injury.
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For Scalds and Hot Liquids: Quickly remove the affected area from the hot liquid or object. If clothing is soaked with the hot substance, remove it carefully to avoid additional skin damage, but only if it does not stick to the skin.
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For Chemical Burns: Immediately flush the area with large amounts of cool water to wash away the chemical, and remove any contaminated clothing. Be cautious with chemical burns, as they may continue to cause damage until thoroughly rinsed.
3. Cooling the Burn
Cooling the burn site is a crucial step in the immediate treatment process. MyCPR NOW recommends cooling the affected area with cool running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This helps to reduce pain, minimize tissue damage, and prevent the burn from worsening.
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Avoid Using Ice or Very Cold Water: Using ice or extremely cold water can cause further damage to the skin by lowering the temperature too much, potentially leading to frostbite or increasing the risk of tissue injury.
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Gentle Cooling: If running water is not available, you can use a clean, cool, wet cloth. The goal is to bring the temperature of the burn down gradually without causing additional harm.
4. Covering the Burn
Properly covering the burn helps manage burn symptoms and protect it from infection and further injury. The approach varies depending on the severity of the burn:
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Second-Degree Burns: MyCPR NOW advises covering the burn with a sterile non-stick dressing or a clean cloth. This protects the wound from contamination and reduces the risk of infection. Avoid using adhesive bandages directly on the burn, as they can stick to the wound and cause pain or damage when removed.
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Third-Degree Burns: These burns require immediate medical attention. Until professional help arrives, cover the burn loosely with a clean, dry cloth or a sterile dressing. Do not apply creams, ointments, or any substances to a third-degree burn, as they could complicate the situation and interfere with professional medical treatment.
5. Seeking Medical Attention
Burns that are extensive or involve sensitive areas of the body need to be evaluated by healthcare professionals. MyCPR NOW emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention under the following circumstances:
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Third-Degree Burns: All third-degree burns require immediate medical intervention due to the risk of serious complications, such as shock, infection, and severe scarring. Treatment may include intravenous fluids, pain management, wound debridement, and possibly skin grafting.
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Fourth-Degree Burns: These burns penetrate deeper into muscle, tendons, and bone tissue, often resulting in a loss of sensation in the affected area due to nerve damage. They are life-threatening and require urgent medical treatment.
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Large Second-Degree Burns: Burns that cover large areas of the body or are located on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints should be treated by a medical professional. These burns can impair mobility and function, and they have a higher risk of infection and scarring.
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Burns Caused by Chemicals, Electricity, or Inhalation: These types of burns can cause internal damage or affect vital organs and systems. Even if the external burn seems minor, the underlying damage can be severe.
6. Managing Pain
Burned skin management is a critical component of burn care, especially for second-degree burns, which can be extremely painful. MyCPR NOW recommends the following strategies:
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions carefully and consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about which medication to use.
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Topical Pain Relievers: Burn-specific creams or ointments, such as those containing lidocaine, can provide temporary relief. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before applying any topical treatments, particularly on severe burns.
7. Preventing Infection
Preventing infection is vital to ensure proper healing of burn wounds, especially partial thickness burns, which affect the epidermis and part of the dermis. Infections can lead to complications, including delayed healing and increased scarring. MyCPR NOW offers these recommendations:
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Gentle Washing: Wash the burn gently with mild soap and water daily. Avoid scrubbing the area, as this can cause further irritation or damage to the healing skin.
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Antibiotic Ointments: If advised by a healthcare professional, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the burn to help prevent infection. Always follow medical advice when using such treatments.
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Regular Dressing Changes: Change dressings regularly to keep the wound clean and dry. Ensure that your hands are clean before touching the burn or changing the dressing to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria.
8. Promoting Healing and Minimizing Scarring
Proper wound care is essential not only for healing but also for minimizing scarring, which can be a long-term concern for burn victims, especially those with partial thickness burns that involve damage to the epidermis and part of the dermis. MyCPR NOW recommends the following:
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Do Not Pop Blisters: Blisters act as a natural barrier against infection. Popping them can increase the risk of infection and slow down the healing process. If a blister does burst on its own, keep the area clean and apply an antibiotic ointment as directed by a healthcare professional.
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Moisturizing: Once the burn begins to heal and the skin is no longer raw, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the area. This helps keep the skin hydrated, which is crucial for proper healing and reducing the appearance of scars.
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Protecting the Healing Skin: Keep the healing burn out of direct sunlight, as the new skin is more susceptible to damage from UV rays. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the area.
Conclusion
Treating second and third-degree burn injuries effectively is crucial for minimizing pain, preventing complications, and promoting optimal healing. MyCPR NOW provides valuable insights into the assessment, initial treatment, and ongoing care required for these severe burns. While some second-degree burns can be managed at home with proper care, third-degree burns and extensive second-degree burns require immediate medical attention to ensure the best possible outcome. Always consult with healthcare professionals to assess the severity of the burn and receive personalized treatment advice.
By following the recommended treatment strategies for burn injuries from MyCPR NOW and seeking appropriate medical care, you can significantly improve recovery outcomes for yourself or others who suffer from second and third-degree burns. Physical and occupational therapy play a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals with severe burns, especially when joints are affected, by helping patients stretch their skin and improve mobility. Remember, timely and proper care is key to reducing pain, preventing infection, and promoting healing.
