Burns and Scalds: Causes, First Aid, Treatments, and Prevention

 

What is a Burn?

A burn is an injury caused to the skin and other tissues by dry heat, such as fire, hot iron, or sun exposure.

Based on the severity and skin penetration of the burns, it can be classified into three main degrees.

• First-Degree Burns (Superficial)

These are superficial burns and affect only the outer layer of the skin. The burn site appears red, painful, and dry without any blisters.

• Second-Degree Burns (Partial-Thickness)

Second-degree burns are partial-thickness burns that affect both the outer and underlying layers of the skin. They result in a burn site that appears red with blisters, is swollen and painful, and has potential scarring.

• Third-degree burns (Full-Thickness)

These full-thickness burns destroy all the layers of the skin and can damage even the muscles and bones. The burn site appears white or charred. In third-degree burns, there might be a lack of sensation or pain in the burn site due to damage to the nerve endings. These types of burns are the most serious ones and require immediate medical attention.
 

What is a Scald?

When the skin gets exposed to moist heat which may be steam, boiling water other liquids, and even molten metal, though scalds are typically less severe than burns, depending on the time of exposure and temperature of the liquid,  it can be mild or severe. The boiling water burns are often accompanied by redness of the site, pain, and blister formation. These types of burns are very common in kitchens and households which are more prone to accidents involving hot liquids and steam.
 

First Aid for Burn and Scald Injuries

• Stop the burning process as soon as possible and remove the source away from the person

• Remove any clothing or jewellery near the burned area. 

• Cool the burn site with cool running water for 20 minutes. Avoid using cold/iced water, creams, or other greasy substances

• After cooling the burn, cover the injured area with a clean, sterile, cloth or gauze that will not stick to the burn to protect it from infection and further complications.

• Do not pop the blisters as it may lead to an increase in the chance of infections.

• Certain over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can be used to relieve the pain and inflammation on the burn site. It is necessary to follow the dosage instructions on the label.

• Raise the affected area, if possible to reduce swelling.

• Keep an eye out for any signs of infection like increased swelling, redness, pus, or fever.

When to go to the hospital?

• Third-degree burns or the size of the burn is greater than the size of the person’s hand.

• Burns on face, neck, hands, feet, any joints or genitals.

• Burns from any harmful chemicals or electricity.

• Burns with signs of infection 

• Severe pain that can’t be controlled with over-the-counter medications.

• Any signs of shock that include cold and clammy skin, rapid sweating, shallow breathing, weakness, and dizziness.

Treatment for Burns and Scalds.

Most of the burns heal on its own in 10 -12 days. Severe and extensive burns should be monitored by a qualified medical professional with regular dressings on the site. Intravenous fluids are administered to the victims with severe burns to prevent dehydration and shock. Topical ointments like silver sulfadiazine crema or hydrocortisone cream may be prescribed by the doctor to reduce swelling and inflammation in case of second-degree burns. Hot water burn treatments for adults may also include topical antibiotics like Neosporin to treat infection. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any topical medications.
 

Burns and Scalds: Prevention 

• Keep the hot liquids, pots, and pans to the centre of the table, away from the edge of counters or stoves to avoid spills.

• Always use appropriate gloves, potholders, and oven mitts while handling hot cookware or other appliances.

• Check the electrical cords and other appliances regularly to prevent electrical fires or other mishaps.

• Unplug all the electrical devices like the iron box, curling iron, etc while not in use to prevent accidental knockovers.

• Be aware of the flammable items in your environment like nail polish and remover, a glass of wine, perfumes, other manicure products, etc. 

• Supervise the young children around hot liquids and other cookware. Use latches and stove knob covers for protection.

• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing in cases of prolonged sun exposure.

• Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket handy at home in case of any small fires.

• Promote fire safety instructions and the use of smoke detectors.