Burns can cause serious injuries to the skin and underlying tissue. However, minor burns are less severe and usually can be treated at home. When treating a minor burn, there are several steps you should take to ensure the burn heals properly.
Burns
Burns are damages to the body's tissue caused by extreme heat, chemicals, electricity or other means. Burns can vary from minor to life-threatening. Signs of a burn include red and swollen skin, pain, blisters, leathery or tan skin and charred, blackened skin in severe cases. Being cautious around household items such as lighters, matches and stoves, especially if children are around, can help prevent burns.
Degrees of Burns
Burns are classified by degrees, ranging from first to fourth degree. First-degree burns are minor burns that only affect the skin's outer layer. It causes pain and redness and usually heals within a few days. Second-degree burns affect two layers of skin and can cause scarring. Third-degree burns damage both layers of skin as well as the tissue underneath. These burns can destroy nerves and cause numbness. A fourth-degree burn can severely damage nerves, muscles and bones.
Cool the Burn
Minor burns do not usually require a trip to the hospital as they can be treated at home with a first aid kit. The first step in treating a burn is to extinguish it. Additionally, remove any clothes or jewelry that are covering or around the burn. Once extinguished, cool the burn. Place burned areas of the body in room-temperature water for 15 to 30 minutes. Putting colder water or ice on the burn can actually make it worse.
Cover the Burn
Once the burn is cooled, apply a anesthetic cream or aloe gel to the area. These soothe and moisturize the burn to prevent dryness. Using other types of ointment or lotions can hold in heat, create more damage and cause infection. Once applied, wrap the burn in a gauze pad.
Medication
Once the immediate burn is taken care of, further treatment might be needed. If you continue to be in pain, take an over-the-counter pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
When the burn is healing, avoid picking or breaking blisters, which could increase your risk of infection. If a blister breaks, wash it, apply antibacterial lotion and cover the area again.
Member Comments