What To Do For A Burn

Burns and scalds are common injuries that range from mild to severe and can occur from heat, chemicals, electricity, or friction. Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential to prevent complications and promote proper healing. This guide will walk you through the immediate first-aid steps, how to assess burn severity, treatment options, and long-term care.

Step 1: Immediate Actions

1. Cooling the Area

The first and most important step for any burn is to cool the affected area:

• Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10–20 minutes.

• If running water isn’t available, apply a clean, damp cloth soaked in cool water.

• Avoid ice or extremely cold water, as this can damage already fragile tissue.

• Cooling the burn helps reduce pain, prevent the burn from worsening, and minimize swelling.

Deep burns can lead to complications such as infection and fluid loss.

2. Remove Tight Items

• Take off any jewelry, watches, or tight clothing near the burned area as quickly as possible.

• Swelling is a natural response to burns, and these items may restrict blood flow or worsen the injury.

3. Protect the Burn

• Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing (like sterile gauze) to protect it from dirt and further irritation.

• Avoid using cotton balls, as fibers can stick to the wound.

Step 2: Assess the Severity of the Burn, Including Chemical and Electrical Burns

Correctly identifying the severity of the burn will determine the next course of action. Large or deep burns can lead to severe complications such as infections and significant fluid loss. Burns are categorized into three degrees:

First-Degree Burns

• Symptoms: Redness, mild pain, and swelling (like a mild sunburn).

• Skin Involvement: Affects only the epidermis (outer layer of skin).

• Treatment:

  • Cool the burn with water.

  • Apply aloe vera gel or a soothing over-the-counter burn ointment.

  • Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage discomfort.

• Healing Time: Usually heals within a few days without scarring.

Second-Degree Burns

• Symptoms: Blisters, redness, severe pain, and swelling. A partial thickness burn, a type of second-degree burn, affects the first and second layers of skin and is characterized by a mottled red and white appearance, pain, and the presence of blisters.

• Skin Involvement: Affects both the epidermis and dermis (underlying layer of skin).

• Treatment:

• Cool the burn immediately under running water.

• Do not pop blisters; allow them to heal naturally.

• Apply a sterile, non-stick dressing and change it regularly.

• If the burn is larger than 3 inches or located on sensitive areas (face, hands, joints), seek medical attention.

• Healing Time: Can take 2–3 weeks to heal and may leave minor scarring.

Third-Degree Burns

• Symptoms: Charred or white leathery skin, numbness due to nerve damage, and severe pain surrounding the burn.

• Skin Involvement: Extends through all layers of skin and may reach muscles, tendons, or bones.

• Treatment:

• Do NOT cool the burn with water, as it may cause shock.

• Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth and seek immediate medical attention.

• Third-degree burns require professional treatment, which may include surgery, skin grafts, and hospitalization. Major burns require extensive medical treatment and possibly long-term rehabilitation.

Step 3: Pain Management and Treatment Options

Gels and Creams for Minor Burns

• Over-the-counter gels and creams, such as aloe vera or hydrocortisone, can provide soothing relief for minor first-degree burns.

• Avoid applying butter, oils, or toothpaste, as these can trap heat and worsen the burn.

OTC Pain Relievers

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Follow proper dosage instructions and consult a doctor if pain persists.

Prescription Medication

• For severe burns, doctors may prescribe:

  • Prescription pain medications for intense pain.

  • Antibiotics to prevent or treat infections.

  • Specialized dressings or topical ointments, such as silver sulfadiazine, to support healing.

Step 4: When to Seek Professional Medical Help

Some burns require professional intervention, especially when they are severe or show complications.

Signs You Should Seek Medical Attention

1. Signs of Infection:

• Increased pain, swelling, or redness.

• Pus, foul odor, or red streaks extending from the wound.

2. Burn Size:

• Burns covering a large area of the body.

• Burns on sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals.

3. Inability to Manage Pain:

• If OTC medications fail to control pain, seek medical help.

4. Electrical or Chemical Burns:

• These burns require immediate medical assessment, as internal injuries may not be visible.

5. Third-Degree Burns:

• Always seek emergency care for full-thickness burns, as they require specialized treatment.

6. Hypothermia Risk:

• A person's body temperature drops below 35C (95F) as a significant risk factor, especially in large burns.

Step 5: Promoting Healing and Preventing Complications

Once the initial care is provided, ongoing care helps support healing and minimize long-term issues like scarring or infection.

1. Changing Dressings

• For burns requiring dressings, change them daily or as instructed by your doctor.

• Gently clean the area each time to avoid infection.

2. Skin Care for Healing

• Once the wound starts to heal, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the area hydrated and minimize itching.

• Products containing aloe vera or vitamin E can support the healing process.

3. Avoid Popping Blisters

• Blisters form to protect the underlying tissue. Popping them can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.

4. Physical and Occupational Therapy for Severe Burns

• For large burns or burns near joints, physical and occupational therapy may be necessary to prevent stiffness and loss of mobility. Physical therapy exercises can enhance flexibility and muscle strength, while occupational therapy can assist individuals in managing daily activities effectively.

Step 6: Understanding Long-Term Effects

Scarring

• Severe burns may leave scars that can take months to fade. Treatments like silicone sheets, pressure garments, or laser therapy can reduce their appearance.

Psychological Impact

• Burn injuries can be traumatic, especially if they cause visible scarring or long recovery periods. Counseling or support groups can help individuals cope emotionally.

Step 7: Prevention: Avoiding Burns in the Future

Prevention is key to reducing burn injuries in your household.

Safety Measures

• Kitchen Safety: Use oven mitts, monitor hot stoves, and keep children away from cooking areas.

• Electrical Precautions: Avoid overloading outlets and keep cords out of reach.

• Chemical Safety: Store cleaning products securely and use protective gear when handling them.

• Water Temperature: Check bathwater temperatures before use, especially for children and the elderly.

Educational Resources

• Learn burn prevention and first-aid techniques through reputable organizations and first-aid training programs.

Step 8: Documenting the Incident

Medical Records

• Maintain records of your burn treatment, medications, and doctor visits for future health tracking.

Insurance Claims

• If applicable, detailed documentation (photos, medical bills) will help support insurance claims for medical expenses.

Conclusion: Quick Action and Ongoing Care Are Key

Burns can range from minor to life-threatening, and the actions taken in the first few moments after a burn occur are critical for recovery. Whether cooling a first-degree burn under running water or seeking emergency care for a third-degree burn, knowing the correct steps ensures better outcomes.

Key Takeaways

1. Immediate Care: Quickly cool minor burns, protect the wound, and remove tight items.

2. Severity Assessment: First-degree burns can be managed at home, while second and third-degree burns require professional medical attention.

3. Pain Management: Use OTC pain relievers for mild burns and seek prescriptions for severe ones.

4. Healing and Prevention: Avoid popping blisters, change dressings regularly, and take steps to prevent burns in the future.

By acting promptly, following proper wound care, and consulting medical professionals when needed, you can effectively manage burns, support recovery, and minimize long-term complications. Being informed empowers you to respond confidently, ensuring the health and safety of yourself and others.