Burns

A burn is an injury to the skin or deeper tissues caused by heat, electricity, radiation, or friction. It can damage the skin, and in severe cases, it can even damage muscles, bones, and internal organs. The severity of the burn depends on its depth, size, and causes.

Types of Burn

1. Degrees of Burns

There are four degrees of burn, which depend on how deep they penetrate the skin:

1.  First-degree burn: First-degree burn is the mildest type of burn that affects only the outermost layer of the skin ( epidermis). It does not cause blisters or deep tissue damage, but it can be painful and uncomfortable. It is also known as superficial burns, and it usually heals within 4 to 6 days after doing proper care.

Treatment :

• Cool the minor burn skin with cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Apply aloe vera or ointments to smooth the dry skin.
• Keep the area clean and protected from the sun to prevent further damage.

Use counter pain relievers and do wound care of the victim.

2. Second-degree burn: A second-degree burn, also called a partial-thickness burn, is more serious than a first-degree burn because it damages both the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (underlying layer) of the skin. It causes blisters, severe pain, and swelling. There is a high risk of scarring and discoloration from second-degree burns.

Treatment :

• Do not pop a blister, as it protects from infection.
• Apply antibiotic ointments and wear non-sticky clothes.
• If the injury is severe, which is 3 inches deep, then seek medical attention.
• Always monitor the injury part, like an increase in redness or fever.

3. Third-degree burn: A third-degree burn, also known as a full-thickness burn, is a severe burn that destroys both the epidermis ( outer layer ) and dermis (underlying layer ) of the skin. Fire, hot surfaces, hot liquids, and chemicals cause it. Third-degree burns leave extensive damage and scarring, so the injured person must be treated immediately by doctors. The healing process for third-degree burns takes a long time, and the skin won’t heal on its own without proper treatment.

Treatment:

• Call emergency service (911) immediately
• Don’t apply cold water, ice or ointment because it can worsen the tissue damage.
• Cover the burn loosely with non-sticky clothes, dressing or clean clothes.
• Remove jewellery from the victim’s body as soon as possible

4. Fourth-degree burn: This is the most severe type of burn, extending beyond the skin layers into the fat, muscles, tendons, and even bones. It destroys the affected tissue and often requires amputation or reconstructive surgery. It is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency medical care.

Treatment :

• Immediately seek emergency medical service help to provide the fastest cure.
• Don’t attempt to treat the victim at home.
• Remove tight clothes it can worsen the tissue.
• Don’t apply Alovera or any medicine in the severely injured buried part.

2. Based on burns

1. Thermal burns: Thermal burns occur when the skin is damaged by direct exposure to high temperatures, such as open flames, hot liquids, steam, or heated objects like a stove or boiling water. Depending on the temperature and duration of contact, these burns can range from mild to severe and potentially cause pain, blisters, and deep tissue damage.
2. Chemical burns: Chemical burns occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with strong acids, alkalis, or corrosive substances, such as battery acid, bleach, or industrial chemicals, without proper protection. If not treated immediately, these burns can cause severe tissue damage, leading to pain, redness, blistering, and even permanent scarring.
3. Radiation burns: Radiation burns occur when the skin is damaged by prolonged exposure to various types of radiation, including ultraviolet (UV) rays, radiofrequency waves, X-rays, or microwaves. These burns can cause redness, peeling, blistering, and, in severe cases, deep tissue damage. Common examples include sunburn from UV radiation and burns from radiation therapy used in cancer treatment.
4. Electric burns: They occur when an electric current passes through the body, generating heat and causing severe damage to the skin, underlying tissues, muscles, nerves, and even internal organs. Examples include high-voltage shocks from power lines or faulty wiring.

According to American Burn Association research in the United States, the most common causes of burns are fire flames (40%), scalding from hot liquids (32%), hot objects (9%), and electrical (3%). This indicates that fire flames account for the majority of severe burn injuries, often resulting in house fires, explosions, or direct contact with flames.