Burns can be caused by electricity, intense heat or chemicals. Burns can range from mild to severe depending on the cause of the burn, what part of the skin was damaged, and the length of time the skin was exposed to the damaging agent. Although many burns can be treated easily with basic first aid, severe burns require medical attention to avoid infection and serious tissue damage.
Burn Degrees
Burns can be classified based on their severity, using a system of three different "degrees." First aid depends on the severity of the burn. According to Family Doctor, a first degree burn affects the outer skin layer and causes the burned area to be red and painful and experience some swelling. Second degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin tissue and are more painful. They usually cause the skin to blister become red and blotchy. Third degree burns are the most serious as the damage goes beyond the skin. The burned skin may look white or charred. Third degree burns may not actually be painful, however, because the underlying nerves may be damaged.
First Degree Burns
The Mayo Clinic indicates that for a first degree burn the burned area should be put in cool water (such as the cold water from a tap) for 10 to 15 minutes. You should also apply a protective ointment, such as antibiotic or aloe vera ointment. Finally, wrapping a dry gauze bandage loosely over the burn will give it added protection.
Second Degree Burns
Second degree burns require more intensive treatment. Initially the burn needs to be submerged into cool water for at least 15 minutes. Once the burn has dried, apply antibiotic cream and then put a non-stick dressing (Family Doctor recommends Telfa) over the burn. Use gauze or tape to keep the dressing in place. Make sure that you change the dressing each day and re-apply antibiotic ointment.
Third Degree Burns
Because third degree burns are so severe, they require immediate medical attention. Third degree burns should not be run under cool water or be treated like first or second degree burns. If necessary you can cover the burn with a cool cloth, but make sure that the burn is immediately looked at by a medical professional. Try to keep the burned area above heart level until it has been properly attended to.
Special Cases
Electrical burns also require immediate medical attention because the electrical current can damage tissue underneath the skin. This means that the damage may be more severe than it appears to the eye. For burns caused by chemicals, flush the burned area with cool water and remove and clothing or jewelry that may have become contaminated. Avoid applying any creams because they could react with any chemical residues, making the burn worse. See a doctor as soon as possible if you are unsure about the severity of a chemical burn.
