Burns

Burns are caused by fire, heated liquids, steam, sun, chemicals, and electricity. In evaluating the type of first aid appropriate for a burn, the source and extent of the injury and degree of the burn should be determined. Burns are generally classified according to their depth and degree of tissue damage. 

First-Degree Burns: Limited to the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The skin is red and tender and there may be swelling without blistering. Not generally considered serious. 

Second-Degree Burns: Involve both the epidermis and underlying dermis. In addition to redness, tenderness, and pain, significant blistering occurs. These burns are not serious unless a large area is involved or secondary infection takes place. 

Third-Degree Burns: Involve destruction of the full thickness of the skin and also may damage underlying tissue. Skin may be blackened or white and leathery feeling. Although these burns are always serious, there often is no pain because the nerves have been destroyed. 
A first-degree burn, also called a superficial burn, only affects the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site appears red, painful, dry, and absent of blisters. Scarring is rare or minimal. The most common type of first-degree burn is mild sunburn.

The following are the most common signs and symptoms of a first-degree burn. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

First-degree burns cause redness, mild swelling (with few or no blisters), and pain. Some first-degree burns, such as extensive sunburns, cause restlessness, headaches, and fever.

• In most cases, first-degree burns are caused by the following:
• Mild sunburn 
• Flash burn - a sudden, brief burst of heat
  
  

Diagnosis of a burn is relatively easy. Moderate pain with superficial burns/first-degree, moderate to severe pain with partial-thickness/second-degree burns, usually no pain with full-thickness/third- and fourth-degree burns only the degrees are sometimes difficult to identify. If the burn does not heal normally, get medical advice. For extensive but superficial burns, keep dressings clean and dry and change them as needed. If signs of infection develop get medical help immediately. Signs of infection include increased pain, redness, swelling, and drainage from the burn, swollen lymph nodes, or red streaks spreading from the burn toward the heart. Make sure the victim is up-to-date on tetanus immunization Thermal burns, the most common type, are frequently the result of residential fires, automobile accidents, playing with matches, improperly stored gasoline, space heaters, electrical malfunctions, or arson. Burns can be caused by dry heat (like fire), wet heat (such as steam or hot liquids), radiation, friction, heated objects, the sun, electricity, or chemicals. Airway burns can be caused by inhaling smoke, steam, superheated air, or toxic fumes, often in a poorly ventilated space. Other causes include improper handling of firecrackers, scalding accidents, and kitchen accidents (such a child climbing on top of a stove or grabbing a hot iron). Burns in children are sometimes traced to parental abuse.

Drink plenty of fluids and use honey and cold tea. Also concentrate on diets rich in vegetables and fruits.

Apply an antiseptic solution to help prevent infection or an aloe cream to soothe the skin. Do not use old-time folk remedies, especially food or oil, to help heal the burn. They can keep the burn from healing and may cause infection. Get medical treatment for widespread first-degree burns.

Get medical help fast. It is necessary to stay relaxed in this situation especially if the burns are severe. Remember a healthy mind is the key to good health and that can only come with a stress free life style.