5 Things You Need to Know About Burn Treatments

1. Recognize a Burn

Most people will know when they have a burn because of the pain and injury to the skin. For children, you may not know what caused the burn, so you must be able to recognize the signs. A burn may cause a red, swelling area on the skin. A severe burn causes the skin to break open and bleed, or is removed altogether.

2. Categorize Your Burn

The three degrees of burns depend on the amount of burned tissue, how deep the burn goes, and the treatments necessary to heal the skin. First degree burns are the least serious and usually heal on their own in a few days. First degree burns cause the skin to become red or pink in color. Second degree burns are more serious than first degree burns. These burns cause injury to the tissues of your body. If you have a second degree burn, the skin produces bright red blisters. Third degree burns are the most serious of the three because they destroy organs, tissues and bones. These burns leave charred patches on your skin that are white, brown or black in color.

3. Easily Treat a First Degree Burn

Treat a first degree burn at home by applying cool water to the affected area for about ten minutes. This stops the burning sensation on your skin. Put the bandage on after treatment. Apply aloe vera or vitamin C, E and zinc to treat to the injury. The first degree burns usually heal completely and usually do not produce scarring.

4. Get Help for Second Degree Burns

You need antibiotics to fight off infection and assist in healing if you have a second degree burn. Your doctor will apply medication and bandages to the area. A second degree burn takes one to three weeks to completely heal and it may cause scarring.

5. Third Degree Burn Takes the Skin Off

A victim of third degree burns need to go to the hospital immediately. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing before swelling occurs, but don't take off the clothes if they are stuck to the wounds. Do not apply water or ice; wait for medical attention. Third degree burns require skin grafting and cosmetic surgery to heal the skin. The victim's nerves receive a lot of damage, therefore shock is possible because the victim feels no pain.