How to provide immediate care for thermal burns. What are the different types of burns and their appropriate treatments. When to seek medical attention for burn injuries. How to prevent complications and promote healing for burn victims.

Understanding Thermal Burns: Types and Severity

Thermal burns are injuries caused by excessive heat, typically from fire, hot liquids, steam, or contact with hot objects. These burns can vary in severity, affecting different layers of skin and underlying tissues. Understanding the types of thermal burns is crucial for providing appropriate first aid and determining when professional medical care is necessary.

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). They are characterized by redness, minor swelling, and pain. These burns typically heal within a week without scarring.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns involve both the epidermis and the layer beneath it (dermis). They cause blistering, severe pain, and redness. Healing time can range from two to three weeks, and there may be some scarring.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are the most severe, penetrating all layers of skin and potentially affecting underlying tissues. The skin may appear white, brown, or black, and have a leathery texture. These burns require immediate medical attention and often necessitate skin grafts.

Immediate Actions for Burn Victims

When someone suffers a thermal burn, quick action is essential to minimize damage and promote healing. The following steps should be taken immediately:

1. Stop the burning process by extinguishing flames or removing the person from the heat source.
2. Help the person “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes are on fire.
3. Remove any smoldering material from the person’s body.
4. Carefully remove hot or burned clothing, cutting around any fabric stuck to the skin.
5. Take off jewelry, belts, and tight clothing to prevent constriction as the burn swells.

Proper Cooling Techniques for Burn Injuries

Cooling a burn is a critical step in first aid treatment. It helps to alleviate pain and reduce tissue damage. However, it’s important to use the correct methods to avoid further harm.

• Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10-15 minutes.
• If running water is unavailable, use cool compresses.
• Avoid using ice directly on the burn, as it can cause further tissue damage.
• For chemical burns, flush the area with copious amounts of water for at least 20 minutes.

Can you use ice to treat a burn? No, applying ice directly to a burn can cause further damage to the tissue and potentially worsen the injury. Always use cool water or compresses instead.

Protecting and Covering Burn Wounds

After cooling the burn, it’s essential to protect the injured area from further harm and potential infection. Proper covering techniques can significantly impact the healing process.

• Cover the burn with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth.
• For larger burns, a clean sheet or material that won’t leave lint in the wound can be used.
• Avoid applying butter, oils, lotions, or creams, especially those containing fragrances.
• A petroleum-based ointment can be applied 2-3 times daily to keep the area moist and prevent infection.

For second-degree burns with blisters, it’s crucial not to break them, as they serve as a natural barrier against infection. If blisters break on their own, clean the area gently with mild soap and water, then apply an antibiotic ointment before covering.

Pain Management for Burn Victims

Managing pain is an important aspect of burn treatment, as it can significantly impact the victim’s comfort and recovery. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective for mild to moderate burns.

• Acetaminophen (Panadol, Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

For more severe burns or if over-the-counter medications are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain relief options. It’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a healthcare professional if pain persists or worsens.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Burns

While many minor burns can be treated at home, certain situations require immediate medical attention. Recognizing these scenarios is crucial for ensuring proper care and preventing complications.

• Any third-degree burn, regardless of size
• Second-degree burns larger than 3 inches in diameter
• Burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints
• Electrical or chemical burns
• Burns accompanied by difficulty breathing
• Signs of infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or oozing)
• Burns that don’t heal within two weeks

Additionally, seek medical help if the burn victim is an infant or elderly person, as they may be more susceptible to complications.

Preventing Shock in Severe Burn Cases

In cases of severe burns, victims may be at risk of developing shock, a life-threatening condition where the body’s vital organs don’t receive enough blood flow. Taking steps to prevent shock is crucial while waiting for emergency medical services.

1. Lay the person flat on their back, unless they have a head, neck, or leg injury, or if it causes discomfort.
2. Elevate their feet about 12 inches, unless this causes pain or further injury.
3. Raise the burn area above heart level if possible.
4. Cover the person with a coat or blanket to maintain body temperature.
5. For facial burns, have the person sit up to help maintain their airway.

Monitor the person’s pulse and breathing until emergency help arrives. If you suspect shock, it’s crucial to call 911 immediately, as professional medical care is essential.

Long-Term Care and Healing for Burn Injuries

The healing process for burns can be lengthy, especially for more severe injuries. Proper long-term care is essential for promoting healing and minimizing scarring.

• Keep the burn area clean and dry, changing dressings regularly as directed by a healthcare provider.
• Apply prescribed ointments or medications as instructed.
• Protect healing burns from sun exposure, which can cause discoloration.
• Perform any recommended exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent contractures.
• Consider using silicone sheets or gels to minimize scarring once the wound has healed.
• Attend all follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.

For extensive or deep burns, rehabilitation may be necessary to regain function and mobility. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and in some cases, reconstructive surgery.

Nutritional Support for Burn Recovery

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in burn recovery. The body’s metabolic rate increases significantly after a severe burn, requiring additional calories and nutrients to support healing.

• Increase protein intake to support tissue repair and immune function.
• Consume foods rich in vitamins A and C to promote wound healing.
• Ensure adequate zinc intake, which is crucial for skin repair.
• Stay well-hydrated to support overall healing and maintain skin elasticity.

In some cases, a nutritionist or dietitian may be consulted to develop a personalized nutrition plan for optimal recovery.

Psychological Support for Burn Survivors

The emotional impact of burn injuries can be significant, particularly for those with visible scars or long-term physical limitations. Psychological support is an important aspect of comprehensive burn care.

• Encourage the burn survivor to express their feelings and concerns.
• Consider joining a support group for burn survivors.
• Seek professional counseling if signs of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emerge.
• Engage in activities that boost self-esteem and confidence.

Remember that healing is a process that encompasses both physical and emotional aspects. With proper care, support, and time, many burn survivors can achieve remarkable recovery and return to fulfilling lives.

Burn Prevention Strategies

While knowing how to treat burns is crucial, preventing them in the first place is even more important. Implementing safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of thermal burns in various settings.

Home Safety

• Install smoke detectors on every floor and test them regularly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and learn how to use it.
• Set water heater temperature to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scalding.
• Use back burners on the stove and turn pot handles inward.
• Keep children away from hot surfaces and liquids.

Workplace Safety

• Follow proper safety protocols when working with heat or chemicals.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment, including heat-resistant gloves and clothing.
• Ensure proper ventilation in areas where heat or chemicals are used.
• Participate in regular safety training and drills.

Outdoor Safety

• Use sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent sunburns.
• Exercise caution around campfires and grills.
• Keep flammable materials away from fire pits and outdoor cooking areas.
• Teach children about fire safety and supervision around heat sources.

By implementing these prevention strategies and maintaining awareness of potential burn hazards, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing thermal burns.

Advances in Burn Treatment and Research

The field of burn treatment is continually evolving, with new techniques and technologies emerging to improve outcomes for burn victims. Some recent advancements include:

• Bioengineered skin substitutes that promote faster healing and reduce scarring.
• Advanced dressings that create an optimal environment for wound healing.
• Laser therapy to improve the appearance of burn scars.
• Virtual reality technology for pain management during burn care procedures.
• Stem cell therapies to enhance skin regeneration.

Ongoing research in burn treatment focuses on developing more effective pain management strategies, improving wound healing processes, and reducing long-term complications. As these advancements continue, the prognosis for burn victims is likely to improve, leading to better functional and aesthetic outcomes.

The Role of Telemedicine in Burn Care

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in burn care, particularly for follow-up appointments and minor burn assessments. This technology allows patients to consult with burn specialists remotely, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits and improving access to expert care for those in rural or underserved areas.

• Remote assessment of burn wounds through high-quality images or video consultations.
• Virtual follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress.
• Telementoring for healthcare providers in remote locations to improve burn care delivery.
• Online support groups and counseling services for burn survivors.

As telemedicine continues to advance, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in comprehensive burn care, particularly in long-term follow-up and rehabilitation.

Building a Burn-Safe Community

Creating a burn-safe environment extends beyond individual efforts to community-wide initiatives. By working together, communities can significantly reduce the incidence of burn injuries and improve outcomes when they do occur.

Education and Awareness Programs

• Implement burn prevention education in schools and community centers.
• Organize public awareness campaigns about common burn hazards and prevention strategies.
• Provide first aid training that includes proper burn treatment techniques.

Policy and Regulation

• Advocate for and enforce building codes that require proper fire safety measures.
• Support legislation for product safety standards to reduce burn risks from consumer goods.
• Encourage workplace safety regulations that address burn hazards in various industries.

Community Resources

• Establish burn support groups to connect survivors and their families.
• Create community-based rehabilitation programs for burn survivors.
• Develop partnerships between healthcare providers, fire departments, and community organizations to promote burn safety.

By fostering a culture of burn safety and preparedness, communities can create environments where burn injuries are less likely to occur and where those affected receive the support and care they need for optimal recovery.

As we continue to advance our understanding of burn injuries and refine treatment approaches, the outlook for burn victims improves. However, prevention remains the most effective strategy. By combining individual awareness, community efforts, and ongoing medical research, we can work towards a future where severe burn injuries are increasingly rare and where those affected have access to the best possible care and support for recovery.

First Aid Treatment for Thermal Burns

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Call 911 if:
• For All Burns
• For First-Degree Burns (Affecting Top Layer of Skin)
• For Second-Degree Burns (Affecting Top 2 Layers of Skin)
• For Third-Degree Burns

• The burn penetrates all layers of the skin.
• The skin is leathery or charred looking, with white, brown, or black patches.
• The person is an infant or a senior.

1. Stop Burning Immediately

• Put out fire or stop the person’s contact with hot liquid, steam, or other material.
• Help the person “stop, drop, and roll” to smother flames.
• Remove smoldering material from the person.
• Remove hot or burned clothing. If clothing sticks to skin, cut or tear around it.

2. Remove Constrictive Clothing Immediately

• Take off jewelry, belts, and tight clothing. Burns can swell quickly.

Then take the following steps:

1. Cool Burn

• Hold burned skin under cool (not cold) running water or immerse in cool water until the pain subsides.
• Use compresses if running water isn’t available.

2. Protect Burn

• Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth.
• Do not apply butter, oil, lotions, or creams (especially if they contain fragrance). Apply a petroleum-based ointment two to three times per day.

3. Treat Pain

• Give over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Panadol, Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).

4. When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if:

• You see signs of infection, like increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or oozing.
• The person needs tetanus or booster shot, depending on date of last injection. Tetanus booster should be given every 10 years.
• The burn blister is larger than two inches or oozes.
• Redness and pain last more than a few hours.
• The pain gets worse.
• The hands, feet, face, or genitals are burned.

5. Follow Up

• The doctor will examine the burn and may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.

1. Cool Burn

• Immerse in cool water for 10 or 15 minutes.
• Use compresses if running water isn’t available.
• Don’t apply ice. It can lower body temperature and cause further pain and damage.
• Don’t break blisters or apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection.

2. Protect Burn

• Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage and secure in place with gauze or tape.

3. Prevent Shock

Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury, or it would cause discomfort:

• Lay the person flat.
• Elevate feet about 12 inches.
• Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible.
• Cover the person with a coat or blanket.

4. See a Doctor

• The doctor can test burn severity, prescribe antibiotics and pain medications, and administer a tetanus shot, if needed.

1. Call 911

2. Protect Burn Area

• Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage or, for large areas, a sheet or other material that that won’t leave lint in wound.
• Separate burned toes and fingers with dry, sterile dressings.
• Do not soak the burn in water or apply ointments or butter, which can cause infection.

3. Prevent Shock

Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury or it would cause discomfort:

• Lay the person flat.
• Elevate feet about 12 inches.
• Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible.
• Cover the person with a coat or blanket.
• For an airway burn, do not place a pillow under the person’s head when the person is lying down. This can close the airway.
• Have a person with a facial burn sit up.
• Check pulse and breathing to monitor for shock until emergency help arrives.

4. See a Doctor

• Doctors will give oxygen and fluid, if needed, and treat the burn.

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First Aid Treatment for Thermal Burns

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Call 911 if:
• For All Burns
• For First-Degree Burns (Affecting Top Layer of Skin)
• For Second-Degree Burns (Affecting Top 2 Layers of Skin)
• For Third-Degree Burns

• The burn penetrates all layers of the skin.
• The skin is leathery or charred looking, with white, brown, or black patches.
• The person is an infant or a senior.

1. Stop Burning Immediately

• Put out fire or stop the person’s contact with hot liquid, steam, or other material.
• Help the person “stop, drop, and roll” to smother flames.
• Remove smoldering material from the person.
• Remove hot or burned clothing. If clothing sticks to skin, cut or tear around it.

2. Remove Constrictive Clothing Immediately

• Take off jewelry, belts, and tight clothing. Burns can swell quickly.

Then take the following steps:

1. Cool Burn

• Hold burned skin under cool (not cold) running water or immerse in cool water until the pain subsides.
• Use compresses if running water isn’t available.

2. Protect Burn

• Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth.
• Do not apply butter, oil, lotions, or creams (especially if they contain fragrance). Apply a petroleum-based ointment two to three times per day.

3. Treat Pain

• Give over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Panadol, Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).

4. When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if:

• You see signs of infection, like increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or oozing.
• The person needs tetanus or booster shot, depending on date of last injection. Tetanus booster should be given every 10 years.
• The burn blister is larger than two inches or oozes.
• Redness and pain last more than a few hours.
• The pain gets worse.
• The hands, feet, face, or genitals are burned.

5. Follow Up

• The doctor will examine the burn and may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.

1. Cool Burn

• Immerse in cool water for 10 or 15 minutes.
• Use compresses if running water isn’t available.
• Don’t apply ice. It can lower body temperature and cause further pain and damage.
• Don’t break blisters or apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection.

2. Protect Burn

• Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage and secure in place with gauze or tape.

3. Prevent Shock

Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury, or it would cause discomfort:

• Lay the person flat.
• Elevate feet about 12 inches.
• Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible.
• Cover the person with a coat or blanket.

4. See a Doctor

• The doctor can test burn severity, prescribe antibiotics and pain medications, and administer a tetanus shot, if needed.

1. Call 911

2. Protect Burn Area

• Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage or, for large areas, a sheet or other material that that won’t leave lint in wound.
• Separate burned toes and fingers with dry, sterile dressings.
• Do not soak the burn in water or apply ointments or butter, which can cause infection.

3. Prevent Shock

Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury or it would cause discomfort:

• Lay the person flat.
• Elevate feet about 12 inches.
• Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible.
• Cover the person with a coat or blanket.
• For an airway burn, do not place a pillow under the person’s head when the person is lying down. This can close the airway.
• Have a person with a facial burn sit up.
• Check pulse and breathing to monitor for shock until emergency help arrives.

4. See a Doctor

• Doctors will give oxygen and fluid, if needed, and treat the burn.

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The secret of the ancient city in Syria, burnt by “heavenly fire” is revealed 0003

Society

10. 03.2020 15:57

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Denis Peredelsky

University of California, Santa Barbara

An international team of geologists and archaeologists has discovered evidence of a powerful cosmic impact that destroyed one of the world’s earliest human settlements, the city of Abu Hureyra. It was located in the north of modern Syria and was burned by “fire from heaven”.

UC Santa Barbara reports on the discovery. The archaeological site of Abu Hureyra has not been explored for a long time. Since the 1970s, access to it has been closed, since he himself almost completely went under water after the construction of a dam on the Euphrates River.

A large barrow remained from the city, which now rests at the bottom of Lake Assad. Archaeologists largely relied on the descriptions of colleagues made even before the appearance of this lake. Scientists of past years described in detail the remains of products and tools found in the settlement. This made it possible to establish that local nomads switched to agriculture almost 12. 8 thousand years ago.

This was probably one of the most significant events in the history of our planet. But at about the same time, a catastrophe happened: it turned out that Abu Hureyra had another, unknown story. Among the fossilized cereals, many fragments of melted glass were found. The remains of molten glass were also found on the ancient bones of people and animals, and the ruins of the city themselves were melted.

Analysis of this “glass” showed that this could only happen at extremely high temperatures, above 2200 degrees Celsius, that is, much higher than the temperatures that people could create in those days. Supporters of the “conspiracy theory” this gave reason to argue that the ancient city was destroyed by some kind of nuclear explosion. Of course, this is not so, but the event was clearly not out of the ordinary.

“Such high temperatures would completely melt a car in less than a minute,” says James Kenneth, professor emeritus of geology at the University of Santa Barbara. “This intensity could only be caused by an extremely strong, high-energy, high-speed phenomenon, something like a cosmic impact.” .

Based on material collected prior to the site’s sinking, Kenneth and colleagues make a bold statement in a new study: Abu Hureyra is the first site documented to have impacted a population center with fragments of a large asteroid or comet.

Probably all these fragments were part of the same cosmic body that crashed into the surface of our planet or exploded directly above it at the end of the Pleistocene epoch.

This event coincides in time with the extinction of most large animals, including mammoths, American horses and camels. At the same time, the mysterious North American Clovis culture also disappeared.

“Our new findings provide much stronger evidence for extremely high temperatures that could only be associated with a cosmic impact,” said Kenneth, who reported the first evidence of this kind in the region back in 2012.

Full study published in Nature Scientific Reports.

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ScienceHistorySpaceMuseums and monumentsSyria

Photo: Transcaucasia: Former USSR: Lenta.ru

A few days later, on December 1, in Nagorno-Karabakh, the transfer of several regions under the control of Baku will finally be completed. The process is difficult because of the long-standing enmity between the Azerbaijanis and the Armenians who inhabit the region. New borders are drawn literally on the go, sometimes forgetting to tell the locals that they will soon find themselves in another state against their will.

Anxiety and tension are growing due to the defiantly unworthy behavior of the Azerbaijani military, who desecrate the holy places in the occupied territories and post these “exploits” on the net. Karabakh Armenians leave their homes and flee. Officially, only the Armenian military should leave the NKR, but civilians also leave after them, as they are sure that nothing good awaits them under the Azerbaijani government. They take with them everything that can be taken, even the remains of relatives. Everything that cannot be taken away, they try to destroy so that the enemy does not get it.

Kalbajar region. Explosion of a military unit

Photo: Anatoly Zhdanov / Kommersant

The Kelbajar region, which was part of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) was called Shahumyan, came under the control of Baku on 25 November. The Armenian military, leaving these territories the day before, blew up their military unit.

Karegakh village, Lachin region

Photo: Anatoly Zhdanov / Kommersant

The Lachin region until recently was part of the Kashatagh region of the NKR and came under the control of Baku on November 20. Many local residents burned them down before leaving their homes.

Road in the mountains of the Kelbajar region

Photo: Dmitry Lovetsky / AP

Huge traffic jams from cars with refugees accumulate on the roads leading from the NKR to Armenia.

Refugees getting ready to leave

Photo: Anatoly Zhdanov / Kommersant

People try to take as many things as possible with them because they are not going to return.

Maraga village, Martakert region

Photo: Sergei Grits / AP

Everything that cannot be taken away, people try to destroy. In this picture, a man kills his pigs before getting on the bus and leaving his house.

Hadrut, Azerbaijani soldiers

Photo: Aziz Karimov / Reuters

The fears of Karabakh Armenians are fueled by publications on social networks about the atrocities and arbitrariness of the Azerbaijani military. They are not always confirmed, but some reports turn out to be true. For example, the other day a video appeared on the network, in which Azerbaijanis desecrated the grave of an Armenian to the laughter of an unknown cameraman.

Mosque in Aghdam

Photo: Aziz Karimov / Reuters

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev regularly declares that all monuments and temples of Karabakh, regardless of what culture and confession they belong to, will be protected by the state. But the Armenians do not believe him, remembering the Soviet years.

Dadivank Monastery

Photo: Dmitry Lovetsky / AP

The transfer of the Kalbajar region to Azerbaijan caused a special resonance not only because there were no hostilities there, but also because one of the main shrines of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Dadivank IX Monastery, is located there -XII centuries. In the Soviet years, the Azerbaijanis used it as a corral for cattle, the temple was looted and badly damaged, its restoration was completed only two years ago. Baku says pilgrims will be able to visit Dadivank, but the abbot of the monastery believes it is safer to close it and take the relics to Armenia.

Armenians remove artifacts from Tigranakert

Photo: Sergei Grits / AP

The Hellenistic Tigranakert fortress is another important cultural heritage site for Armenians that came under Azerbaijani control.

An Armenian cuts off a cross from the roof of his house before leaving.

Photo: Sergei Grits / AP

Residents of Karabakh try to take all the relics with them so that they are not desecrated.

Kilikli village cemetery

Photo: Andrei Borodulin / Kommersant

It comes to the point that some Karabakh people dig up the remains of their relatives in order to rebury them in Armenia. They are sure that they will not be able to return to their native graves, and they are afraid that the remains will be abused.

Photo: Sergey Grits / AP

Rumors appeared in the Azerbaijani media and social networks that the Armenians of Karabakh were mining the land before leaving. It is difficult to say how true they are, as many shells remained in the land of Nagorno-Karabakh after three wars.

Last supper before departure, Magara village, Martakert region

Photo: Sergei Grits / AP

The process of transferring territories to Azerbaijan is complicated by the fact that local authorities do not know until the last moment where the new border between states should go. As a result, the inhabitants of some villages learn that their land is being transferred to a neighboring state, literally the day before. Because of this, skirmishes regularly arise at the border.

Woman on the porch of her house before leaving

Photo: Dmitry Lovetsky / AP

The confusion is fueling rumors that the Azerbaijanis are trying to seize new territories beyond those specified in the agreements.

Refugees

Photo: Sergey Grits / AP

People are not resettled in a centralized way – they themselves go to relatives in Armenia or that part of Karabakh, which still belongs to the NKR. The lack of assistance causes great dissatisfaction with the authorities.

Ghost town Agdam

Photo: Andrey Borodulin / Kommersant

Azerbaijan will face huge expenses for the restoration of the acquired territories. And it’s not just about the recent destruction. Some settlements, such as the city of Agdam, have been completely or partially in ruins since the first Karabakh war in the 1990s.