The skin covers the body to protect vital organs. Human skin is composed of three layers---the epidermis, dermis and the hypodermis. When the skin is burned it reddens, swells or can peel away. Burns are painful and sometimes the treatment be extensive. The recovery process can be from a few days to a few months---depending on severity. Burn treatment is used to help the patient survive, prevent or reduce scarring or prevent further medical complications.
Superficial Burn
A superficial burn can also be referred to as a first-degree burn. This type of burn is quite common. Someone may get a first degree burn by touching a hot frying pan, curling iron, hot water or hot metal. A superficial burn can also happen from too much sun or UV exposure. This type of burn may be hot to the touch, show a reddened surface, is slightly painful and sometimes will blister. Initially running it under cold water may help soothe the skin. Moisturizers that contain aloe vera or calamine as well as over-the-counter pain medication can also assist with the pain.
Second-Degree Burn
Second-degree burns are the result of a burn that has damaged both the outer layer of the epidermis while also affecting the dermis and sometimes other glands. These types of burns often scar and leave significant discoloration in the skin. The initial signs can be a bright red skin area that could be weeping fluid, such as blood and water. Victims should not try to wash the area or wrap it, instead seek medical help. Generally a skin debridement is used to remove dead, peeling skin. Reconstructive surgery or a skin graft may need to be performed to repair and help heal the skin.
Third- and Fourth-Degree Burn
A third-degree burn can also be referred to a full thickness burn. This type of burn generally destroys all of the skin layers and is life-threatening if not treated properly and quickly by medical personnel at a specialized burn and trauma unit. Because a third-degree burn often reaches down into the fat or muscle of the body, swelling occurs rapidly, leading to further complications, including infection. Burn centers, in collaboration with medical staff, initially work to treat infection, maintain a patient's vital signs and assess for organ damage. Third-degree burns may be wrapped in bandages and wounds may be packed and filled with antibiotic salve to promote healing. Many patients may be admitted to a burn or intensive care unit until their vital signs are normal and they are able to recover fully at home.
Fourth-degree burns occur in severe cases where the patient succumbed to substantial burns without having the flames or burn source diminished immediately. At this point, the burn may have reached deep under the skin to the bones, ligaments---even muscles. In this case, if the patient survives, the likely alternative may be to amputate a limb or remove parts if the body to promote healing and prevent shock or the spread of infection.
Electrical
Electrical burns can cause a first-, second- or third-degree burn, but the treatment begins as soon as the accident happens. With electrical burns---safety should be the primary issue for initial treatment. Making sure that the electrical source has been disconnected is the first step. Checking that the victim is not connected to the electrical source will also prevent someone assisting her from getting electrocuted or burned. Follow-up treatment requires a medical evaluation that could include, basic skin wrapping with sterile pads, debridement or a skin graft. Minor electrical burns may heal on their own.
Inhalant or Chemical Burns
Inhalant and chemical burns affect the skin but they can also damage the mucous membranes and sometimes the lungs. For first-degree burns caused by a chemical or mixture of solutions that has burned the skin, flushing the wound is recommended. Inhalant burns are extremely serious. The victim should be removed from the source at once and taken to a fresh outdoor air source. Prompt medical attention is essential, as intravenous fluids and possibly surgery may be needed to stabilize the victim.
