First Aid For Burn

First Aid for burns is decided based on the degree of Burns.

1. Cool, the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes, until the pain eases.
2. Remove any clothes or metal or tight items from the burnt area except the one stuck to the burnt skin & protect the burn from further harm.
3. Protect the burn with a sterile or non-adhesive bandage.
4. Do not apply ice, butter or ointments to the burned skin, which may cause infection.
5. Don’t break blisters. If it breaks, gently clean the area.
6. Take a counter pain reliever.
7. If it is a serious burn, call VMEDO helpline 9343-180000 for immediate medical help.

Causes of Burns:

Burns have a variety of causes, including:
1. scalding from hot, boiling liquids or steam.
2. Radiation.
3. Chemical burns like acids & paint thinner.
4. Electrical burns.
5. Fires, including flames from matches, candles, and lighters.
6. Excessive sun exposure.

Prevention of Burns:

1. Keep children out of the kitchen while cooking.
2. Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove.
3. Place a fire extinguisher near the kitchen.
4. Test smoke detectors once a month.
5. Replace smoke detectors every 10 years.
6. Keep the water heater temperature under 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Measure the bath water temperature before uses.
8. Lock up matches and lighters.
9. Install electrical outlet covers.
10. Check and discard electrical cords with exposed wires.
11. Wear gloves during chemical use & keep out of reach when not in use.

Types of Burn Levels:

Mainly there are 3 types of Burn levels: First, second & third degree.
The degree of burns is based on the severity of damage to skin, where first degree is minor & third degree is major.
1. First Degree burn includes red, minor pain with minor swelling & non-blistered burn.
2. Second-degree burns include red, white small blisters with thickening of the burnt skin.
3. Third-degree burns include thickness with a white, leathery appearance & for third degree of burns never attempt self-treatment.

Medical Treatment to Cure Burns:

Most minor burns will heal on their own with first aid & even home treatment is very useful. But if you suspect with the major injury with third-degree burns, you should require emergency medical care to prevent further complications.
Few treatments include:
1. Take a counter pain reliever by consulting doctor.
2. For First & second degree of burns apply antibiotic cream to for burn care.
3. Honey is one of the natural antibiotic, which helps to prevent the burn from infection. Apply honey topically, which can kill any existing bacteria & helps in relieving the pain.
4. Update your tetanus shot by consulting your doctor.
5. For severe burn injury, the patient may require Surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.

Frequently Asking Questions About burns

1. List out the common causes of burn injuries?

Burn injuries are caused by contact with hot/ flame objects, scalds including hot liquids or steam, chemicals, and electrical sources including radiation.

2. How is the treatment for burns decided?

The treatment for burns is decided based on the degree of burns or severity of damage to the skin.
Mainly there are three levels of burns, where first degree is minor & third degree is major.
1. First Degree burn includes red, minor pain with minor swelling & non-blistered burn, and most of the times these are treated in the home.
2. Second-degree burns include red, minor pain, white small blisters with thickening of the burnt skin and these can also be treated in the home. To avoid further infection medical assistance is required.
3. Third-degree burns include thickness with a white, leathery appearance & for third degree of burns never attempt self-treatment. And for third-degree burns, medical assistance is the must, which includes surgery, physical therapy & rehabilitation.

3. What are the first aid steps if I get burned?

1. Cool, the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes, until the pain eases.
2. Remove any clothes or metal or tight items from the burnt area except the one stuck to the burnt skin & protect the burn from further harm.
3. Protect the burn with the sterile or non-adhesive bandage.
4. Do not apply ice, butter or ointments to the burned skin, which may cause infection.
5. Don’t break blisters. If it breaks, gently clean the area.
6. Take a counter pain reliever.
7. If it is a serious burn, call VMEDO helpline 93431 80000.

4. List the different types of Burns?

Burns are classified into 3 major types, depending on the cause of burn.
1. Thermal Burns: Burns caused by flame, steam, by hot metal or hot liquid.
2. Electrical Burns: These are caused when the person is in contact with the direct electrical current which may cause temporary or permanent damage to the victim.
3. Chemical Burns: Burns caused by acids, chemicals, detergents or by inhalation of chemical fumes.

5. How long does it take for a third-degree burn to heal?

Usually, the third level burn is severe injury includes damage to muscles and other tissues under the skin & the healing time depends on the severity of damage to the skin. Third level burn includes hospitalization for a few days or weeks, surgery, temporary skin grafting, physical therapy & rehabilitation.

6. What is a skin graft?

A skin graft is a surgical procedure where the skin is taken/replaced from one area of a human body to cover another burned, injured area.

Also Read: Did you know the causes of allergy?

For any medical emergency including Ambulance, blood requirement, first aid tips call VMEDO helpline 9343-180000.

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