Burns to the skin occur when someone comes in contact with an extremely hot surface or substance. While minor burns occur frequently in the home or workplace and can be self-treated using basic first aid, more serious burns require medical assistance.
Degrees
Burns are classified as first, second or third degree. First degree burns are the least serious type, exhibiting redness, swelling and causing some degree of pain. A second degree burn has similar symptoms, but to a stronger degree and also may cause blistering of the skin. Someone with a third degree burn may have excruciating pain or the skin may become numb. Instead of or in addition to redness, the skin may also turn white or black and may be charred.
Factors to Consider
The most serious portion of any burn should be taken as indicative of the seriousness of the entire burn. The area the burn covers also contributes to its seriousness. A first or second degree burn that covers over 10 percent of a child's body or 15 percent of an adult's body should be treated as a more serious degree of burn. Location also matters, with burns to the feet, hands, face or genitals being more serious than similar burns to the torso, back, arms or legs.
Treatment Differences
A minor first degree or second degree burn can be treated at home. Running the area under cool water for 15 to 20 minutes can prevent the burn from developing further and decrease the total seriousness of the burn. Moderate or severe burns should be seen by a doctor, even if they are of low degree. Third degree burns should always be treated in a hospital. Extensive second or third degree burns may require emergency measures such as skin grafts and fluid replacement. People who experience severe burns may need physical therapy after the skin heals.
Prognosis
Minor burns usually heal on their own within a few days or weeks. Moderate first degree and second degree burns may take weeks to heal. Severe burns of any degree may require months or even years to heal. Second and third degree burns are likely to leave a scar, with the most critical burns causing significant scarring. In the case of moderate and severe burns, secondary infection is also a problem. According to Medline Plus, people under 6 years old and over 60 develop complications more often from burns of any severity.
Warnings
Any burn should be treated based on the most serious part of the burn. If an individual is unsure about the severity of the burn, he should presume that it is serious and report to a hospital. Prompt treatment can help prevent scarring.
