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The Standard Precautions for Burns

Sep 9, 2011 | By Sriram Ramgopal
The Standard Precautions for Burns
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According to the American Burn Association, 450,000 burns occur each year that require medical treatment, and fires and burns are responsible for 3,500 deaths each year. While most burns are not life-threatening, they are painful and can have a variety of complications. Families and individuals can take a variety of steps to prevent burns from occurring. A few preventative steps can save property and even lives.

Scalds, Flames and Hot Objects

Scalds are burns that are due to hot liquids. Set your home water heater to no higher than 120 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent water from getting excessively hot. "Anti-scald" devices can also be installed for taps and showerheads. Parents holding their children should never drink hot beverages simultaneously to prevent any untoward accidents. Flames and hot objects are other sources of burns. When using a stove, keep pot handles from pointing outward. Never leave the stove unattended. Keep matches and other flammables away from children. A working smoke detector on every floor of a home can save lives.

Chemical and Electrical Burns

Chemical burns can occur from skin exposure or even from ingestion of corrosive agents. Dangerous chemicals should be stored in safe, child-proof containers and kept in a locked cabinet. All chemicals should be stored in properly labeled bottles — old food containers should never be used for this purpose. Wear gloves when handling toxic chemicals such as ammonia or bleach. To prevent electrical burns, have an electrician check your wiring every decade and use child safety plugs to prevent children from playing with electrical outlets. Never use electrical appliances while showering.

Sunburns

Sunburns can occur after a long workout, such as after bicycling or running for a long period, if you don't protect your skin. These are due to the effects of ultraviolet light. Sunburns appear as swollen, red, painful skin that is warm to touch. Sunburn can be prevented by covering up exposed skin and by using waterproof sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a strength of SPF 30 or more to prevent sunburns.

Degrees of Burns

First-degree burns involve only the topmost layer of the skin. They are painful, and the skin appears red and swollen. Mild sunburn is an example of a minor burn. Second-degree burns are those that extend to the next layer of the skin, the dermis. The pain is much more severe than first-degree burns. In addition, second-degree burns have blisters. Third-degree burns involve all the layers of the skin and are the most dangerous. They are not painful because of nerve damage, and the skin can appear black and charred.

Treating Burns

First-degree burns and second-degree burns that are smaller than 3 centimeters in diameter may be treated as minor burns. Cool water is helpful in reducing the pain and in cleaning the burn site. In addition, it reduces the local swelling. Ice packs or ice-cold water, however, should never be used because they can cause frostbite. The burn should then be covered in sterile gauze. First-degree burns usually heal in three to six days, and second-degree burns heal in about two to three weeks.
Second-degree burns larger than 3 centimeters and third-degree burns should be immediately treated in the emergency room. These burns can cause serious complications such as dehydration, infections and, if they involve the respiratory tract, breathing difficulty. Third-degree burns may need a very long time to heal.

References

Article reviewed by DawnF Last updated on: Sep 9, 2011

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