Fedhealth reports that it is important to understand the difference between minor and serious burns and how not to treat burns.
These are the Fedhealth guidelines:
- First-degree burn:
Only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through.
The skin is usually red and there is often painful swelling.
These are considered minor burns.
If first-degree burns have been sustained over a substantial portion of any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention.
- Second-degree burn:
The first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of the skin has been damaged or burned.
Blisters will develop and the skin will take on an intense red and splotchy appearance.
There will also be severe pain and swelling.
Second-degree burns no larger than 7.6cm in diameter are also classified as minor burns.
If the burned area is larger, treat it as a major burn and seek medical help immediately.
- Third-degree burn:
A serious burn that causes permanent tissue damage and involves all layers of the skin.
Fat, muscle and bone may be affected.
Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white.
This is a serious burn that requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Different levels of burns often need to be treated differently.
For instance, submerging a minor burn under cool water is good, however, doing this to a severe burn could cause hypothermia or a drop in body temperature and result in shock or the deterioration of blood pressure and circulation.
Treating minor burns:
- Cool the burn.
Hold the burnt area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides.
If you do not have running water you can submerge the burnt area in cool water or cool it with cold compresses.
Cooling the burn will reduce the swelling as it conducts the heat away from the skin.
- Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage.
Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin.
Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
Avoid using fluffy cotton or other material as you do not want lint in the wound.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Fedhealth cautions that children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin.
It is better to speak to your doctor if you have concerns.
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment.
There may be some discolouration on the burnt area, however, if the pain increases or redness, fever, swelling or oozing occur this means it has become infected and you should seek medical help.
What not to do when treating burns:
- Do not use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause a person’s body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound.
- Do not apply egg whites, butter or ointments to the burn. This could cause infection.
- Do not break blisters. Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection.
- Do not remove burnt clothing.
- Make sure the burn victim is no longer in contact with smouldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
- Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old as this can cause more extensive discolouring or pigmentation changes. When outdoors apply sunscreen on the burnt area for at least one year.
