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Signs and symptoms of thermal burns. Thermal Burns: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Guide

by alexxlab

What are the signs and symptoms of thermal burns. How can thermal burns be treated effectively. What are the best ways to prevent thermal burns. When should you seek medical attention for a thermal burn.

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Understanding Thermal Burns: Types and Causes

Thermal burns are injuries caused by exposure to excessive heat. They are the most common type of burn injury in the United States, affecting thousands of people each year. These burns can occur from various sources, including dry heat (like fire or hot objects) and wet heat (such as scalding liquids or steam).

Dry heat sources that can cause thermal burns include:

  • Open flames
  • Hot metals
  • Heated glass
  • Other hot surfaces

Wet heat sources leading to scalds can be:

  • Hot water
  • Boiling oil
  • Other heated liquids
  • Steam

It’s important to note that thermal burns can also affect the airways if a person inhales smoke, steam, or superheated air. This type of injury can be particularly dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Recognizing Thermal Burn Symptoms

The symptoms of thermal burns can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common signs include:

  • Pain in the affected area
  • Blistering of the skin
  • Swelling
  • Redness or whitening of the skin
  • Charred or blackened skin in severe cases
  • Peeling of the skin as it heals

For airway burns, additional symptoms may include:

  • Burns on the head, face, neck, or around the mouth
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Dark or black-stained mucus
  • Changes in voice

Is it possible to determine the severity of a burn based on its appearance?

Yes, medical professionals categorize burns into degrees based on the depth of skin damage:

  1. First-degree burns: These affect only the top layer of skin, causing redness and swelling.
  2. Second-degree burns: These impact both the top layer and the layer beneath, often resulting in blistering.
  3. Third-degree burns: These damage all layers of skin, potentially appearing white, charred, or leathery.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Thermal Burns

While minor burns can often be treated at home, certain situations require immediate medical care. Seek emergency help if the burn:

  • Covers an area larger than three inches
  • Affects the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or a major joint
  • Encircles a limb or digit
  • Results in little to no pain (indicating potential nerve damage)
  • Is accompanied by signs of airway involvement
  • Occurs in very young children or elderly individuals

Additionally, watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, changes in burn appearance, foul odor, or fever. If these symptoms develop, consult a healthcare provider promptly.

Treating Thermal Burns: First Aid and Medical Interventions

The appropriate treatment for a thermal burn depends on its severity. For minor burns:

  1. Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for about 10 minutes.
  2. Remove any clothing or jewelry from the affected area.
  3. Avoid applying oils or lotions, and don’t break blisters.
  4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or aloe vera to clean burns.
  5. Loosely cover the burn with a sterile bandage.
  6. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

For more severe burns, professional medical treatment may involve:

  • Cleaning and debriding the wound
  • Applying specialized dressings
  • Administering intravenous fluids
  • Providing pain management
  • Performing skin grafts in cases of third-degree burns

How can proper wound care prevent complications from thermal burns?

Proper wound care is crucial in preventing complications such as infections. This includes:

  • Keeping the burn area clean
  • Changing dressings regularly
  • Monitoring for signs of infection
  • Following medical advice for more severe burns

Preventing Thermal Burns: Safety Measures and Precautions

Prevention is key when it comes to thermal burns. Here are some essential safety measures:

  • Install and maintain smoke detectors in your home
  • Keep hot liquids and foods away from edges of tables and counters
  • Use back burners on stoves and turn pot handles inward
  • Set water heater temperatures to 120°F (49°C) or lower
  • Supervise children in the kitchen and bathroom
  • Use proper protective equipment when working with heat sources

Can establishing a family fire escape plan help reduce burn injuries?

Yes, having a well-practiced fire escape plan can significantly reduce the risk of burn injuries during a house fire. Key components of such a plan include:

  • Identifying multiple escape routes from each room
  • Designating a family meeting point outside the home
  • Practicing the escape plan regularly
  • Ensuring all family members know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch fire

Long-Term Effects of Thermal Burns

The long-term consequences of thermal burns can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. Potential long-term effects include:

  • Scarring and changes in skin appearance
  • Contractures (tightening of skin, muscles, or tendons)
  • Chronic pain
  • Psychological impacts such as anxiety or depression
  • Functional limitations, especially if joints are affected

How can rehabilitation help in recovering from severe thermal burns?

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery from severe burns. It may involve:

  • Physical therapy to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength
  • Occupational therapy to relearn daily living skills
  • Psychological support to address emotional trauma
  • Scar management techniques
  • Assistive devices to aid in function

Thermal Burns in Special Populations

Certain groups are at higher risk for thermal burns or may require special considerations in treatment:

Children and Thermal Burns

Children, especially those under 5, are at high risk for thermal burns. Their thinner skin burns more deeply and quickly than adult skin. Common causes of burns in children include:

  • Scalds from hot liquids or foods
  • Contact with hot surfaces like stoves or irons
  • Playing with matches or lighters

Prevention strategies should focus on childproofing homes and educating children about fire safety.

Elderly and Thermal Burns

Older adults are also at increased risk due to factors such as:

  • Decreased mobility and reaction time
  • Thinner skin that burns more easily
  • Possible cognitive impairments affecting judgment
  • Medications that may interfere with pain perception

Care for elderly burn victims often requires special attention to hydration, nutrition, and prevention of complications.

Innovations in Thermal Burn Treatment

Medical science continues to advance in the treatment of thermal burns. Some recent innovations include:

  • Spray-on skin cells to promote healing
  • Advanced wound dressings that incorporate antimicrobial properties
  • Laser therapy for scar reduction
  • Virtual reality for pain management during dressing changes
  • 3D-printed skin grafts

How might stem cell therapy impact future thermal burn treatments?

Stem cell therapy shows promise in burn treatment by potentially:

  • Accelerating wound healing
  • Reducing scarring
  • Promoting regeneration of damaged tissues
  • Decreasing inflammation and improving overall outcomes

While still in research stages, stem cell therapy could revolutionize burn care in the coming years.

The Role of Nutrition in Thermal Burn Recovery

Proper nutrition is crucial for healing from thermal burns. Burn injuries increase the body’s metabolic rate and nutritional needs. Key nutritional considerations include:

  • Increased protein intake to support tissue repair
  • Adequate calorie consumption to meet elevated energy needs
  • Vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and zinc, to support wound healing
  • Proper hydration to maintain fluid balance

Can dietary supplements enhance recovery from thermal burns?

While a balanced diet is primary, certain supplements may aid recovery:

  • Arginine and glutamine to support immune function and wound healing
  • Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
  • Antioxidants to combat oxidative stress

However, any supplementation should be under medical supervision, as individual needs vary based on burn severity and overall health status.

Psychological Impact of Thermal Burns

The emotional and psychological effects of thermal burns can be as significant as the physical ones. Common psychological issues include:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Body image concerns, especially with visible scars
  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • Sleep disturbances

How can support groups benefit thermal burn survivors?

Support groups can play a vital role in psychological recovery by:

  • Providing a safe space to share experiences and emotions
  • Offering practical coping strategies from others who have been through similar experiences
  • Reducing feelings of isolation and stigma
  • Providing access to resources and information about burn recovery

Many burn centers and organizations offer support groups specifically for burn survivors and their families.

Legal and Financial Considerations in Thermal Burn Cases

Severe thermal burns can have significant legal and financial implications. These may include:

  • Medical expenses, including long-term rehabilitation costs
  • Lost wages due to inability to work
  • Costs associated with home modifications for accessibility
  • Potential legal action if the burn was caused by negligence or faulty products

What resources are available to help with the financial burden of thermal burn treatment?

Several resources may be available to assist with financial challenges:

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Workers’ compensation for work-related injuries
  • Disability benefits
  • Charitable organizations specializing in burn victim support
  • Legal recourse in cases of negligence or product liability

Consulting with a social worker or legal professional specializing in burn injuries can help navigate these complex issues.

The Future of Thermal Burn Prevention and Treatment

As research continues, the future of thermal burn care looks promising. Emerging areas of focus include:

  • Advanced materials for protective clothing and equipment
  • Improved fire-resistant building materials
  • AI-driven diagnostic tools for more accurate burn assessment
  • Gene therapy to enhance skin regeneration
  • Bioengineered skin substitutes for grafting

How might nanotechnology contribute to thermal burn treatment?

Nanotechnology holds potential in burn care through:

  • Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for more effective wound treatment
  • Nanofiber scaffolds to support skin regeneration
  • Nanomaterials with enhanced antimicrobial properties to prevent infection
  • Nanosensors for real-time monitoring of wound healing progress

These advancements could lead to faster healing times, reduced scarring, and improved overall outcomes for thermal burn patients.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Have you ever accidentally burned yourself while cooking or starting a fire? You’re not alone. Burns are one the most common household injuries.

Almost half a million people in the United States go to the emergency room yearly with burn injuries. Burns can be caused by:

  • heat
  • electricity
  • radiation
  • chemicals
  • friction
  • cold

A thermal burn is most common when your skin comes into contact with a hot object, such as boiling water, a hot surface on your stovetop, or steam from your iron.

Thermal burns by scalding liquids or flames are especially common for toddlers and children. Almost a quarter of all burn injuries in the United States occur in children younger than 15 years.

What should you do if you or a loved one has a thermal burn? When should you go to the emergency room? How do you avoid burns? Let’s answer these and other questions you may have about thermal burns.

Thermal burns are the primary cause of all burn injuries in the United States. Dry and wet sources of heat can cause them. Burns from wet sources are called scalds.

Dry sources of heat are:

  • fire flames
  • hot metal, glass, or other objects

Scalds can be caused by:

  • hot water, oil, or other liquid
  • hot steam

You can burn your airways if you breathe smoke, steam, or superheated air.

Thermal burn symptoms depend on the location and the severity or degree of the burn. They are usually worse during the first few hours or days after the burn.

Symptoms of burns include:

  • pain
  • blisters
  • swelling
  • red, white, or charred (blackened) skin
  • peeling skin

Symptoms of airway burns are:

  • burns on your head, face, neck, eyebrows, or nose hairs
  • burned lips and mouth
  • coughing
  • shortness of breath or wheezing
  • dark, black-stained mucus
  • voice changes

Medical emergency

If you have any of the following symptoms after a thermal burn, call emergency medical services or go to the nearest emergency room:

  • symptoms of an airway burn
  • burn on your face
  • burn in a baby or an older person
  • little or no pain in the burn area
  • burn larger than three inches
  • pus oozing from the burn
  • pain getting worse with time
  • change in the thickness of the burn
  • bad smell coming from the burn
  • fever
  • shock (pale and clammy skin, weakness, blue skin or fingernails, confusion)

Doctors usually categorize burns based on how deeply your skin has been injured. These are called “degrees of burn.” You can have from a first- to a third-degree burn.

First-degree thermal burns

First-degree burns are also called “superficial burns” because they affect the top layer of your skin. They cause redness and swelling. Usually, these types of burns don’t require medical attention.

Second-degree thermal burns

Second-degree burns are more serious than first-degree burns. They are also called “partial-thickness burns.” They affect the top layer of your skin and the next layer below it.

This type of burn often causes your skin to blister. Over time, blisters can pop open, giving your skin a wet or moist appearance. Some second-degree burns can leave scars.

These burns are more painful and take longer to heal, but they typically don’t require medical attention.

Third-degree thermal burns

These burns affect all three layers of your skin. Because of that, they are also called “full-thickness burns.” Third-degree burns can make your skin look white or charred, dry, and leathery. These types of burns may cause little to no pain. This happens when there is extensive nerve damage.

Without skin graft surgery, these burns can cause severe scarring. Skin grafting takes healthy skin from another area of your body and moves it to the site of the burn injury.

First, assess the severity if you or your loved one has a burn. If the burn is severe, seek immediate medical attention.

If the burn is minor:

  • Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water for 10 minutes.
  • Remove clothing or jewelry from the affected area.
  • Don’t apply lotions and oils or break blisters — this can cause an infection.
  • It’s OK to use petroleum jelly or aloe vera, but make sure the burn area is clean.
  • Loosely bandage the burn.
  • Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.

If you treat your burn at home, continue to change bandages once a day until the burn heals. Also, look for signs of infection in the burn area, such as:

  • pus oozing from the burn
  • pain getting worse with time
  • change in the thickness of the burn
  • bad smell coming from the burn
  • fever

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.

First- and second-degree burns usually don’t require medical attention. But you should seek immediate medical help if your burn is:

  • larger than three inches
  • on your face, hands, or feet
  • on your buttocks or groin
  • on a joint (knee, shoulder, elbow, spine, ankle)
  • all the way around your limb or digit (finger or toe)
  • accompanied by other symptoms

Medical emergency

Never attempt to treat third-degree burns at home.

Call emergency medical services immediately. While you’re waiting for help, raise the burned area above your heart. Don’t get undressed, but make sure no clothing is stuck to the injury.

More than 73 percent of burn injuries happen at home. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your children from these dangerous accidents:

  • Don’t leave your kitchen unattended while cooking.
  • Use the back burners of your stove and keep handles turned away from the edge.
  • Always have pads readily available when cooking.
  • Ensure all burners and electric appliances are off when you’re done using them.
  • Never put hot drinks on low tables and on the edges of countertops where kids can easily reach them.
  • Set your water heater to 120° F (49° C)
  • Never leave children alone while they are bathing.

Thermal burns caused by contact with a hot object are among the most common household injuries.

There can be first-, second-, or third-degree thermal burns. First-degree burns show as redness and swelling. Second-degree burns usually cause blisters. Third-degree burns may have white or charred skin.

While first- and second-degree burns don’t usually require medical attention, you should treat third-degree burns in the emergency room.

Most burn injuries happen at home. Make sure to practice safe cooking and supervise your children around hot objects.

Burns & scalds – Injuries & first aid



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  1. 1.

    About burns and scalds


  2. 2.

    Treating burns and scalds


  3. 3.

    Recovering from burns and scalds


  4. 4.

    Complications of burns and scalds


  5. 5.

    Preventing burns and scalds


  6. 6.

    Symptoms of burns and scalds

About burns and scalds

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat. Both are treated in the same way.

A burn is caused by dry heat – by an iron or fire, for example. A scald is caused by something wet, such as hot water or steam.

Burns can be very painful and may cause:

  • red or peeling skin
  • blisters
  • swelling
  • white or charred skin

The amount of pain you feel isn’t always related to how serious the burn is. Even a very serious burn may be relatively painless.

Treating burns and scalds

To treat a burn, follow the first aid advice below:

  • immediately get the person away from the heat source to stop the burning
  • cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes – don’t use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances such as butter
  • remove any clothing or jewellery that’s near the burnt area of skin, including babies’ nappies – but don’t move anything that’s stuck to the skin
  • make sure the person keeps warm – by using a blanket, for example, but take care not to rub it against the burnt area
  • cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it – a clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on your hand
  • use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain
  • if the face or eyes are burnt, sit up as much as possible, rather than lying down – this helps to reduce swelling

The British Red Cross website has a video about first aid for burns.

Read more about treating burns and scalds.

When to get medical attention

Depending on how serious a burn is, it may be possible to treat it at home. For minor burns, keep the burn clean and don’t burst any blisters that form.

More serious burns require professional medical attention. You should go to a hospital A&E department for:

  • all chemical and electrical burns
  • large or deep burns – any burn bigger than your hand
  • burns that cause white or charred skin – any size
  • burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs or genitals that cause blisters

If someone has breathed in smoke or fumes, they should also seek medical attention. Some symptoms may be delayed and can include:

  • coughing
  • a sore throat
  • difficulty breathing
  • facial burns

People at greater risk from the effects of burns, such as children under five years old and pregnant women, should also get medical attention after a burn or scald.

The size and depth of the burn will be assessed and the affected area cleaned before a dressing is applied. In severe cases, skin graft surgery may be recommended.

Read more about:

  • recovering from burns and scalds 
  • complications of burns and scalds

Types of burn

Burns are assessed by how seriously your skin is damaged and which layers of skin are affected. Your skin has three layers:

  • the epidermis – the outer layer of skin
  • the dermis – the layer of tissue just beneath, which contains blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands and hair follicles 
  • the subcutaneous fat, or subcutis – the deeper layer of fat and tissue

There are four main types of burn, which tend to have a different appearance and different symptoms:

  • superficial epidermal burn – where the epidermis is damaged; your skin will be red, slightly swollen and painful, but not blistered
  • superficial dermal burn – where the epidermis and part of the dermis are damaged; your skin will be pale pink and painful, and there may be small blisters
  • deep dermal or partial thickness burn – where the epidermis and the dermis are damaged: this type of burn makes your skin turn red and blotchy; your skin may be dry or moist, and become swollen and blistered, and it may be very painful or painless
  • full thickness burn – where all three layers of skin (the epidermis, dermis and subcutis) are damaged; the skin is often burnt away and the tissue underneath may appear pale or blackened, while the remaining skin will be dry and white, brown or black with no blisters, and the texture of the skin may also be leathery or waxy

Preventing burns and scalds

Many severe burns and scalds affect babies and young children. Examples of things you can do to help reduce the likelihood of your child having a serious accident at home include:

  • keeping your child out of the kitchen whenever possible
  • testing the temperature of bath water using your elbow before you put your baby or toddler in the bath
  • keeping matches, lighters and lit candles out of young children’s sight and reach
  • keeping hot drinks well away from young children

Read more about preventing burns and scalds.

Treating burns and scalds

Appropriate first aid must be used to treat any burns or scalds as soon as possible. This will limit the amount of damage to your skin.

First aid for burns

You can apply the following first aid techniques to yourself or another person who has been burnt.

Stop the burning process

Stop the burning process as soon as possible. This may mean:

  • removing the person from the area
  • dousing flames with water
  • smothering flames with a blanket

Don’t put yourself at risk of getting burnt as well.

Remove anything from the burnt area

Remove any clothing or jewellery near the burnt area of skin, including babies’ nappies. However, don’t try to remove anything that’s stuck to the burnt skin as this could cause more damage.

Cool the burn

Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes. You should do this as soon as possible after the injury.

Never use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances like butter on a burn.

Keep warm

Keep yourself or the inured person warm. You can use a blanket or layers of clothing to do this. However, avoid putting these on the injured area.

Keeping warm will prevent hypothermia. This is where a person’s body temperature drops below 35C (95F). This is a risk if you’re cooling a large burnt area, particularly in young children and elderly people.

Cover the burn with cling film

Put the cling film in a layer over the burn, rather than wrapping it around a limb. A clean clear plastic bag can be used for burns on your hand.

Cling film should be used as a temporary measure until a burns dressing (if required) is applied. It can help to reduce the pain of the burn and allows healthcare professionals to look at the burn without having to disturb the film multiple times.

Treat the pain with a painkiller

Treat the pain from a burn with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions when using over-the-counter medication. Children under 16 years of age should not be given aspirin.

Sit upright

Sit upright as much as possible if the face or eyes are burnt. Avoid lying down for as long as possible as this will help to reduce swelling.

When to go to hospital

Once you have taken these steps, you’ll need to decide whether further medical treatment is necessary. Go to a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department for:

  • large or deep burns – bigger than the affected person’s hand
  • burns of any size that cause white or charred skin
  • burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs or genitals that cause blisters
  • all chemical and electrical burns

Also get medical help straight away if the person with the burn:

  • has other injuries that need treating
  • is going into shock – signs include cold, clammy skin, sweating, rapid, shallow breathing, and weakness or dizziness
  • is pregnant
  • is over the age of 60
  • is under the age of five
  • has a medical condition such as heart, lung or liver disease, or diabetes
  • has a weakened immune system (the body’s defence system) – for example, because of HIV or AIDS, or because they’re having chemotherapy for cancer

If someone has breathed in smoke or fumes, they should also seek medical attention. Some symptoms may be delayed, and can include:

  • coughing
  • a sore throat
  • difficulty breathing
  • singed nasal hair
  • facial burns

See recovering from burns and scalds for information on how serious burns are treated.

Electrical burns

Electrical burns may not look serious, but they can be very damaging. Someone who has an electrical burn should seek immediate medical attention at an A&E department.

If the person has been injured by a low-voltage source (up to 220-240 volts) such as a domestic electricity supply, safely switch off the power supply or remove the person from the electrical source using a material that doesn’t conduct electricity, such as a wooden stick or a wooden chair.

Don’t approach a person who is connected to a high-voltage source (1,000 volts or more).

Chemical burns

Chemical burns can be very damaging and require immediate medical attention at an A&E department. If possible, find out what chemical caused the burn and tell the healthcare professionals at A&E.

If you’re helping someone else, put on appropriate protective clothing and then:

  • remove any contaminated clothing on the person
  • if the chemical is dry, brush it off their skin
  • use running water to remove any traces of the chemical from the burnt area

Sunburn

In cases of sunburn, follow the advice below:

  • If you notice any signs of sunburn, such as hot, red and painful skin, move into the shade or preferably inside.
  • Take a cool bath or shower to cool down the burnt area of skin.
  • Apply aftersun lotion to the affected area to moisturise, cool and soothe it. Don’t use greasy or oily products.
  • If you have any pain, paracetamol or ibuprofen should help relieve it. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, where the temperature inside your body rises to 37-40C (98. 6-104F) or above. Symptoms include dizziness, a rapid pulse or vomiting.

If a person with heat exhaustion is taken to a cool place quickly, given water to drink and has their clothing loosened, they should start to feel better within half an hour.

If they don’t, they could develop heatstroke. This is a medical emergency and you’ll need to call 999 for an ambulance.

Recovering from burns and scalds

How long it takes to recover from a burn or scald depends on how serious it is and how it’s treated. If the wound becomes infected, seek further medical attention.

Burns that don’t need medical attention

If your burn or scald is mild and treated at home, it normally heals without the need for further treatment. Read more about first aid for burns and scalds.

While the skin heals, keep the area clean and don’t apply any creams or greasy substances. Don’t burst any blisters as this can lead to infection.

If you’ve scalded the inside of your mouth by drinking something hot, try to avoid things that can irritate the scalded area, such as hot and spicy food, alcohol and smoking, until the area heals.

Mild burns or scalds that only affect the uppermost layer of skin (superficial epidermal burns) usually heal in about a week without any scarring.

Burns that need medical attention

If you have a burn or scald that requires medical treatment, it will be assessed to determine the level of care required.

The healthcare professional treating you will:

  • assess the size and depth of the burn by examining the area
  • clean the burn, being careful not to burst any blisters
  • cover the burn with a sterile dressing – usually a pad and a gauze bandage to hold it in place
  • offer you pain relief if necessary – usually paracetamol or ibuprofen

Depending on how the burn happened, you may be advised to have an injection to prevent tetanus, a condition caused by bacteria entering a wound. For example, a tetanus injection may be recommended if there’s a chance soil got into the wound.

Your dressing will be checked after 24 hours to make sure there are no signs of infection. It will be changed after 48 hours, and then every three to five days until it’s completely healed.

Minor burns affecting the outer layer of skin and some of the underlying layer of tissue (superficial dermal burns) normally heal in around 14 days, leaving minimal scarring.

If the burn is severe, you may be referred to a specialist. In some cases, it may be necessary to have surgery to remove the burnt area of skin and replace it with a skin graft taken from another part of your body. 

More severe and deeper burns can take months or even years to fully heal, and usually leave some visible scarring.

Blisters

Expert opinion is divided over the management of blisters that are caused by burns. However, it’s recommended that you shouldn’t burst any blisters yourself.

If your burn has caused a blister, you should seek medical attention. The blister will probably remain intact, although some burns units at hospitals follow a policy of deroofing blisters. Deroofing means removing the top layer of skin from the blister.

In some cases, a needle may be used to make a small hole in the blister to drain the fluid out. This is known as aspiration and may be carried out on large blisters or blisters that are likely to burst.

Your healthcare professional will advise you about the best way to care for your blister and what type of dressing you should use.

Exposure to the sun

During the first few years after a burn, you should try to avoid exposing the damaged skin to direct sunlight as this may cause it to blister. It’s especially sensitive during the first year after the injury. This also applies to a new area of skin after a skin graft.

It’s important to keep the area covered with cotton clothing. If the burn or scald is on your face, wear a peaked cap or wide-brimmed hat when you’re out in the sun. Total sun block – for example, one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 – should be used on all affected areas.

The area can be exposed to sunshine again around three years after the injury, but it’s still very important to apply a high-factor sun cream (SPF 25 or above) and stay out of the midday sun.

Further information and support

You can find support and information from organisations like:

  • Changing Faces – a charity for people who have a visible difference or facial disfigurement, who can be contacted on 0300 012 0275 for counselling and advice

Complications of burns and scalds

Burns and scalds can sometimes lead to further problems, including shock, heat exhaustion, infection and scarring.

Shock

After a serious injury, it’s possible to go into shock. Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there’s an insufficient supply of oxygen to the body. It’s possible to go into shock after a serious burn.

Signs and symptoms of shock include:

  • a pale face
  • cold or clammy skin
  • a rapid pulse
  • fast, shallow breathing
  • yawning
  • unconsciousness

Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance if you think that someone who has been seriously injured is going into shock.

While you wait for the ambulance:

  • lay the person down (if their injuries allow it) and raise and support their legs
  • use a coat or blanket to keep them warm, but don’t cover their face or the burnt area
  • don’t give them anything to eat or drink

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two heat-related health conditions that happen when the temperature inside your body rises to 37-40C (98.6-104F) or above.

Both heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be very serious. They’re often caused by being exposed to too much sunlight or heat.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke include:

  • extreme tiredness and lack of energy
  • dizziness or fainting
  • feeling sick or vomiting
  • rapid pulse
  • headache
  • muscle pain
  • irritability
  • confusion

If a person with heat exhaustion is taken quickly to a cool place, given water to drink and has their clothing loosened, they should start to feel better within half an hour. If they don’t, they could develop heatstroke. This is a medical emergency and you’ll need to call 999 for an ambulance.

Infection

Wounds can become infected if bacteria get into them. If your burn or scald has a blister that has burst, it may become infected if it’s not kept clean. Seek medical attention for any burn that causes a blister.

Your wound may be infected if:

  • it’s uncomfortable, painful or smelly
  • you have a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or higher 
  • you have signs of cellulitis, a bacterial infection that causes redness and swelling of the skin

Seek immediate medical attention if you think your burn has become infected. An infection can usually be treated with antibiotics and painkilling medication, if necessary.

In rare cases, an infected burn can cause blood poisoning (sepsis) or toxic shock syndrome. These serious conditions can be fatal if not treated.

Signs of sepsis and toxic shock syndrome include:

  • a high temperature
  • dizziness
  • vomiting

Scarring

A scar is a patch or line of tissue that remains after a wound has healed. Most minor burns only leave minimal scarring. You can try to reduce the risk of scarring after the wound has healed by:

  • applying an emollient, such as aqueous cream or emulsifying ointment, two or three times a day
  • using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to protect the healing area from the sun when you are outside

Preventing burns and scalds

Many severe burns and scalds affect babies and young children. The following advice can help reduce the likelihood of your child having a serious accident.

In the kitchen

  • it’s best to keep your toddler out of the kitchen, well away from kettles, saucepans and hot oven doors – you could put a safety gate across the doorway to stop them getting in
  • use a kettle with a short or curly cord to stop it hanging over the edge of the work surface, where it could be grabbed
  • when cooking, use the rings at the back of the cooker and turn saucepan handles towards the back so your child can’t grab them

In the bathroom

  • never leave a child under five alone in the bath, even for a moment
  • fit a thermostatic mixing valve to your bath’s hot tap to control the temperature
  • put cold water into the bath first, then add the hot water – use your elbow to test the temperature of the water before you put your baby or toddler in the bath

Throughout the home

  • put your iron, hair straighteners or curling tongs out of reach while they cool down after you’ve finished using them
  • fit fireguards to all fires and heaters
  • keep matches, lighters and lit candles out of young children’s sight and reach

Hot drinks

  • keep hot drinks well away from young children – a hot drink can still scald 20 minutes after it was made
  • put hot drinks down before you hold your baby
  • after warming a bottle of milk, shake the bottle well and test the temperature of the milk by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist before feeding – it should feel lukewarm, not hot
  • don’t let your child drink a hot drink through a straw

Preventing sunburn

  • encourage your child to play in the shade – under trees, for example – especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest
  • keep babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday
  • cover your child up in loose, baggy cotton clothes, such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves
  • get your child to wear a floppy hat with a wide brim that shades their face and neck
  • cover exposed parts of your child’s skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days – use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above and is effective against UVA and UVB
  • reapply sunscreen often throughout the day – even water-resistant sunscreens should be reapplied after you come out of the water

Symptoms of burns and scalds

The symptoms of a burn or scald will vary depending on how serious it is. Some minor burns can be very painful, while some major burns may not hurt at all.

Symptoms of a burn may include:

  • red skin
  • peeling skin
  • blisters 
  • swelling
  • white or charred skin

The amount of pain you feel is not always related to how serious the burn is.

Your skin

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It has many functions, including acting as a barrier between you and the environment and regulating your temperature. Your skin is made up of three layers:

  • the epidermis (the outer layer of your skin) is 0.5-1.5mm thick – it has five layers of cells that work their way up to the surface of your skin, where dead cells are shed approximately every two weeks
  • the dermis (the underlying layer of fibrous tissue) is 0.3-3mm thick and is made up of a mix of three types of tissue – it contains your hair follicles and sweat glands, as well as small blood vessels and nerves
  • the subcutaneous fat, or subcutis (the final layer of fat and tissue) varies in thickness from person to person – it contains your larger blood vessels and nerves, and regulates the temperature of your skin and body

Types of burn

Burns are assessed by how seriously your skin is damaged. There are four main types of burn, which tend to have a different appearance and different symptoms:

  • superficial epidermal burns
  • superficial dermal burns
  • deep dermal or partial thickness burns
  • full thickness burns

However, in many cases different areas of a single burn will have features of more than one of these types.

Superficial epidermal burns

Superficial epidermal burns are where the epidermis is damaged. Your skin will be red, slightly swollen and painful, but not blistered.

Superficial dermal burns

Superficial dermal burns are where the epidermis and part of the dermis are damaged. Your skin will be pale pink and painful, and there may be small blisters.

Deep dermal or partial thickness burns

Deep dermal or partial thickness burns are where the epidermis and the dermis are damaged. This type of burn makes your skin turn red and blotchy. Your skin may also be dry or moist, become swollen and blistered, and it may be very painful or painless.

Full thickness burns

Full thickness burns are where all three layers of skin (the epidermis, dermis and subcutis) are damaged. In this type of burn, the skin is often burnt away and the tissue underneath may appear pale or blackened. The remaining skin will be dry and white, brown or black with no blisters. The texture of the skin may also be leathery or waxy.

Thermal burns: first aid, treatment

Causes of thermal burns

  • exposure to open fire on the skin or as a result of ignition of clothing
  • contact with hot metal, sintered objects or other objects (iron, frying pan, hob , asphalt splashes, etc.)
  • exposure to hot liquid or steam
  • reaction to damage to the body by electricity
  • exposure to the sun (sunburn)

Severity of thermal burns. Main symptoms

Thermal burn injuries are: I, II, III and IV degrees .

1st degree burns

1st degree burns are called superficial , or epidermal 1 . Only the top layer of the skin is damaged. Symptoms will be swelling, soreness or burning, red color of the skin. These burns can be treated on their own. As a rule, it is possible to restore the skin in a few days. After healing, the damaged area of ​​the skin will not differ in color from the rest of the skin, but temporary peeling may be present. 9. The damaging effect affects the deeper layers of the skin. Therefore, with such burns, along with reddening of the skin, swelling and pain, blisters with transparent contents form. Healing occurs within two weeks. Often, after complete skin repair, the damaged area will be either a darker or lighter shade compared to unaltered skin.

3rd degree burns

3rd degree burns called deep 1 . The burn process involves all layers of the skin, including subcutaneous fatty tissue.

Skin structure

In this case, the symptoms, depending on the cause of the thermal burn, will vary. So, upon contact with an open fire or a hot object, a crust (scab) of a brownish color forms on the surface, and when the skin is scalded with hot liquid or steam, it is wet, white-gray.

Blisters may also form in deep burns.

Recovery of burn injuries takes up to 1.5 months. Skin grafting is often required. Upon healing, a violation of skin pigmentation remains, well-marked scars are formed.

IV degree burns

Burns IV degree not only kill the skin and membranes covering the muscles (fascia), muscles and bones can also be affected 2 . A dark crust and areas of charring appear. Recovery is extremely slow, as a rule, surgical treatment, skin grafting is required. The issue of saving the affected parts of the body is being resolved.

Determining the area of ​​a thermal burn. Injury severity index (ITI)

In most cases, even with a visual examination, the doctor can diagnose a thermal burn. If the person is conscious, you can ask about what happened and clarify the specific cause of the thermal burn.

To select the tactics of treatment of burn wounds, it is necessary to perform a diagnosis of the severity of the burn injury.

In combustiology, a branch of medicine dealing with the study of burns, to determine the burn area use the “rule of the palm” and the “rule of nines”.

“Rule of the palm”

The area of ​​one palm of the patient is 1% of the entire body surface 2 . This rule is suitable for determining non-extensive burn injuries.

“Rule of nines”

In an adult, the area of ​​the skin of the head is 9% of the area of ​​the whole body. Upper limb – 9%, one lower limb – 18%, Front and back surface of the body – 18% each, genitals
and perineum – 1% 2 .

Injury severity index

For a special assessment of the damage area, the injury severity index (ITI) is calculated. This indicator is based on an assessment of the depth and extent of the lesion and is expressed in conventional units.

  • With burns of I-II degrees, 1% of the burn area is equal to 1 unit.
  • For IIIa degree burns, 1% of the burn area is equal to 2 units.
  • With burns of IIIb-IV degrees, 1% of the burn area is equal to 3 units.

Complications of burns

A serious complication of thermal burns is burn shock 2 , the main manifestations of which are:

  • vomiting
  • pressure drop
  • decrease or cessation of urine production by the kidneys (oliguria and anuria)
  • chills and palpitations
  • pallor and dryness of the skin
  • motor excitation

Light shock develops with a deep burn of no more than 20% of the body surface, ITP 30-70 units.

Severe shock – with a burn of 20-40% of the body surface, ITP 71-130 units.

Extremely severe shock – more than 40% of the body surface burned,
ITP more than 130 units.

The shock period lasts from 10 hours to 3 days, depending on the severity of the shock.

From the 4th to the 14th day, due to the general effect on the body of the decay products of dead tissues and bacteria, acute burn toxemia occurs .

Burn shock is treated in a hospital, where adequate anesthesia is performed, bladder catheterization is carried out, and water and electrolyte balance is corrected. Artificial ventilation is often required.

Local complications of thermal burns include infection with bacteria and fungi, loss of function of the affected body part, severe scarring and contractures.

Treatment of thermal burns

Most domestic thermal burns, given their small size and mild severity, do not require medical attention.

However, it is important to provide correct first aid.

First aid for thermal burns

  • Stop contact with heat as soon as possible or extinguish burning clothing with water or a blanket.
  • Cool the area of ​​thermal burns with cold water, ice, snow, cooling packs. This will allow to lower the temperature inside the tissues and reduce the damaging effects of heat.
  • The burnt part of the body is cut and removed. Adhering clothes are not torn off.
  • Formed blisters should not be pierced. You can use a sterile needle from a sterile syringe if the bubble is single and small. With multiple blisters, you need to seek medical help.

Ointments and creams for burns

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Treatment of light superficial burns

In the treatment of first degree burns, soothing creams, aerosols, solutions containing panthenol, dexpanthenol, tannin are used. Changes in the lesion are completely reversible and healing occurs within a few days.

Treatment of II-III degree burns

The formation of blisters indicates a violation of the integrity of the skin, and necrosis of the skin or other tissues of the body is a predisposing factor for the development of infection. Therefore, burns of the second or more severe degrees are susceptible to infection by pathogens .

To prevent the development of purulent complications, proper care and treatment of the burn surface is important, both before seeking medical help and after medical intervention.

A fresh burn wound surface must be washed in order to decontaminate and mechanically remove foreign particles and microorganisms. Usually, solutions of furacilin, potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine are used. Then a 5% iodine solution is applied along the edges of the wound. Moreover, it should be noted that there are special forms of iodine, which are called povidone-iodine.

Treatment of thermal burns with preparations based on povidone-iodine (Betadine®)

For disinfection of the wound surface, it is recommended to use solution of povidone-iodine ( Betadine ® ), which, unlike the above antiseptics, does not contain alcohol, approved for use on the entire surface of the burn, does not cause burning of injured tissues.

Povidone-iodine ( Betadine ® ) contributes to the death of bacteria, fungi, protozoan unicellular microorganisms, viruses 3 . At the same time, the drug is practically not absorbed into the bloodstream, which indicates a high safety profile.

Antiseptic, disinfectant ointment Betadine ® can be used to treat burns. The agent is applied to the burn surface 2-3 times a day with a thin layer. In the treatment of burns Betadine ® ointment can be left under the dressing. In the treatment of infected wounds under wipes soaked in a solution or ointment Betadine ® , during the first 5-7 days the edema and the amount of purulent discharge decreased, there was a decrease in pain 4 . The use of Betadine ® solution or ointment is permitted in adults and children from the age of 3 .

Instruction

Where can I buy Betadine® solution?

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Iodine-based ointment

Iodine-based ointment: mechanism of action, scope. Ointment Betadine® based on povidone-iodine for the treatment of various skin diseases.

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Treatment of thermal burns at the stage of healing and maturation of the scar

Along with antiseptic therapy, external healing agents based on lanthanum salts, sodium deoxyribonucleate can be used. In some complicated cases, antibiotic treatment may be required. After healing, for the preventive and therapeutic purpose of developing rough scars, preparations based on silicone, hyaluronidase, and glucocorticosteroids are prescribed.

Burn Injury Prevention

  • Small children should not be left alone.
  • Use protective covers for sockets.
  • Install thermostats on the water pipes.
  • Install protective screens on radiators.
  • Place mugs, plates, pots, pans with hot contents closer to the center of the table or on the far burners of the hob.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
  • Electrical appliances placed on countertops should be moved closer to the wall – away from the water source.
  • Observe safe tanning practices. Stay in the open sun until 11.00 and after 16.00. Use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I seek medical attention for a thermal burn?

Urgently call an ambulance if:

  • burn area more than 5% (5 palms) of body surface
  • burn of 3-4 degree
  • smoke inhalation occurred, respiratory tract burned
  • burns of the face or neck, inguinal region, two limbs burned
  • burn injury occurred a eye
  • a child or an elderly person received a thermal injury

If purulent complications appear during the treatment of even small burns, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.

Is it possible to wet the skin after a burn?

Immediately after a thermal injury, it is even recommended to cool the skin with pure cold water. If a burn of 1 and 2 degrees – hold under running water for 10-15 minutes. If the burn is 3 and 4 degrees, use a clean, damp bandage to cool the damaged area of ​​​​the skin. When cooling injured skin with water, do not rub or try to actively clean the wound.

It should be noted that during the healing period of burns, characterized by damage to the integrity of the skin, it is not recommended to contact with water, visit a sauna, bath, pool.

Can I bandage burnt skin?

Bandaging or a clean dressing is recommended for initial pre-hospital treatment of thermal burns and during the healing period. In this case, cotton wool or other pile materials should not be used.

Moshkova Elena Mikhailovna

Dermatovenereologist, Head of the CDO for the provision of paid services, St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution of Healthcare “City Dermatovenerologic Dispensary”, St. Petersburg

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References

  1. Clinical recommendations “Thermal, chemical burns. Sun burns. Respiratory tract burns, 2020.
  2. Mikhailovich V.A., Miroshnichenko A.G. “Guidelines for emergency physicians”, 4th edition, 2007.
  3. Instructions for the medical use of Betadine®, solution, RU P N015282/03.
  4. Mikhalsky V. V., Bogdanov A. E., Zhilina S. V., Prvidentsev A. I., Anikin A. I., Ulyanina A. A. «The use of the drug in the treatment of infected wounds». Breast cancer No. 29 dated 12/23/2010.
  5. Instructions for medical use of the drug Betadine ® , ointment, RU P N015282/02.

causes, degrees, types, signs, symptoms, first aid, treatment

Causes

Classification

Symptoms

Complications

Diagnosis

Treatment

Forecast

Burns – traumatic damage to the skin, mucous membranes and deeper tissues due to the action of high temperature, chemicals, radiation, electricity, radiation. The most common forms are thermal and chemical burns, as well as electrical burns. In this case, tissue damage to different depths and on different areas is possible, which directly affects the patient’s condition. The branch of medicine that deals with the study of such injuries and their treatment is called combustiology.

Reasons

A frequent cause of thermal burns is exposure to high temperatures on the skin – open fire, hot water or steam, other liquids with a temperature of more than 60 degrees, when touching a hot object.

Chemical burns are formed when chemically active substances come into contact with the body, most often it is acid or alkali. Burns from hogweed are common – they are photochemical, that is, under the influence of substances contained in the juice of this plant, in combination with the influence of solar ultraviolet radiation, blisters form on the skin – a typical burn symptom.

Electrical burns are usually small but deep and occur when a sufficiently large electric current is passed through the body. In places of contact of the body with current, damaged tissue areas are formed.

Radiation burns appear under the influence of various types of radiation, including ultraviolet radiation. A typical example is sunburn of the skin after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Respiratory tract lesions also occur. This happens when inhaling hot air, water vapor, chemical vapors, hot smoke. When swallowing hot liquids or chemicals, burns of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, esophagus, and stomach are possible.

There are combined injuries that occur when several factors act simultaneously, for example, inhalation of hot acid vapors has thermal and chemical effects.

When exposed to high temperature, other factors on the skin or mucous membranes, there is a violation of the vital activity of their cells up to their complete destruction. The time of exposure to the body of an irritating factor and its strength are always important – the depth of tissue damage, treatment options and prognosis directly depend on this.

Classification

In addition to the causes of the above, there is a classification based on the depth of tissue damage:

  • I degree – damage to the most superficial layers of the skin, manifested mainly by redness;
  • II degree – damage to the skin to its entire depth, with the formation of blisters with serous or bloody fluid, the appearance of edema, pain;
  • III degree – necrosis of the upper or deep layers of the skin, up to the subcutaneous fat, with the formation of a deep wound and blisters;
  • IV degree – tissue necrosis to a great depth, including muscles and bones, with their death.

I and II degrees refer to superficial injuries, since only the uppermost layers of the skin are damaged, which regenerate without any problems. III and IV degrees are deep, as the tissues located in the lower layers of the skin are damaged, and often deeper ones. In this case, the affected tissues are completely destroyed.

Also of great importance is the area of ​​the lesion, which can be approximately estimated by the relative sizes of body parts:

  • head and neck, chest, stomach, each arm, each thigh, each shin with foot – 9% each;
  • back surface of the body – 18%;
  • palm, perineum and genitals – 1% each.

In children, the head and neck are larger than in adults relative to the rest of the body, and their area is considered to be 21%. It can be convenient to use the palm of your hand to assess the areas of damage, although there are also special meters made from a film on which a grid is applied.

Clinical picture

Symptoms of burns are highly dependent on their type, area of ​​damage and extent. Signs of a first degree burn – the appearance of hyperemia, soreness, slight swelling is possible. After a few days, the epidermis regenerates, and no traces remain.

At the II degree of a burn blisters with liquid contents are formed, the skin around is hyperemic, a noticeable edema appears. This is due to the exfoliation of the affected upper layers of the epidermis with penetration into the gap of blood and lymph.

Grade III is characterized by the formation of blisters – vesicles, as in the 2nd degree, but individual vesicles can merge into single larger formations – bullae, and their contents are usually bloody. Carbonization of the surface layers is possible with the formation of a brown or black film. Swelling develops, severe pain occurs.

IV degree – the most severe, when all layers of tissues are completely destroyed, along with nerve endings, so there is no sensitivity in the affected area. This degree is characterized by a charred bleeding surface. This condition is extremely severe and is usually accompanied by shock.

If more than 10% of the body surface is damaged in adults and 5% in children, a burn disease is most likely to develop, which has the same symptoms, but their severity depends on the extent of the lesion. Symptoms are associated with the body’s reaction to the loss of a significant amount of skin and the launch of pathological processes in an extensive wound.

This disease occurs in several stages:

  1. The shock lasts from 12 hours to 3 days. It is manifested by a marble skin tone, fluctuations in body temperature, chills, vomiting, difficulty breathing, impaired blood supply, the amount of urine excreted is greatly reduced, it becomes dark in color. Perhaps psychomotor agitation, which is replaced by lethargy.
  2. Toxemia can last up to 2 weeks, and during this time, tissue decay products are absorbed into the blood. Manifested by an increase in body temperature, pallor, increased heart rate, possible development of cerebral edema and renal failure, myocarditis. Mental disorders begin – agitation, confusion, hallucinations may occur, sleep is disturbed. There may be disturbances in the work of the heart, the appearance of a cough, pain in the abdomen.
  3. Septicotoxemia is a conditional stage that develops at 9-10th day after the burn. It can last several months. It is characterized by the manifestation of symptoms of infection of wounds, which is not always or to varying degrees. Perhaps prolonged non-healing of the wound, the appearance of pus in it, appetite is also lost, general weakness persists.
  4. Recovery and rehabilitation is the stage at which there is an improvement in the condition and a gradual return to normal life.

The duration and degree of manifestation of these symptoms also largely depend on the initial health of the patient, his immunity, and the adequacy of the treatment.

Complications

All complications can be divided into primary and secondary. The first group includes those injuries that were received in conjunction with a burn. These are hematomas, fractures, bruises. Secondary complications can develop both on the background of treatment, and in its complete absence. And first of all, this is the addition of bacterial microflora, which can cause the formation of phlegmon, abscesses, osteomyelitis.

Some diseases of the internal organs may appear: pyelonephritis, otitis media, hepatitis, gastritis. Among the late complications that form after treatment are cicatricial deformities, contractures, neuritis, baldness, trophic ulcers. But a special place is occupied by post-traumatic stress disorder, which is more typical for children and the elderly.

Diagnosis

In diagnosis, there are usually no difficulties, since damage is visible to the naked eye. At this stage, the doctor only determines the area and depth of the lesion, which is important for choosing further treatment tactics and prognosis.

It is also important to establish the factor that caused the burns, and to determine whether the burn disease has begun to develop and at what stage it is.

If the patient is in shock or unconscious, urgent measures must be taken to relieve this condition.

Treatment

First aid for burns should be provided as soon as possible. It is important to immediately stop contact with the substance that caused the injury, and the burnt surface must be cooled for at least 15 minutes. Then you need to remove the clothes: the easiest and most convenient way is to cut them off. Apply a clean, and preferably sterile, bandage to the affected area. You can not use creams, fat, oil, ointments – this will cause problems with further wound healing.

Burning of the hand or other part of the body by a chemical requires prolonged rinsing with cool running water. If it is alkali, then a solution of citric acid is used, and if it is acid, then soda is needed for washing. Then the victim must be given an anesthetic tablet, and then immediately taken to the hospital.

In stationary conditions, two tactics are used to treat burns. With closed treatment, the entire burned surface is treated with an antiseptic, the largest blisters are pierced or incised with sterile instruments, all liquid is removed from them, and the skin remains in place. Thus, the wound surface is protected from microbes entering it.

In the first stage of therapy, painkillers and drugs with a cooling effect are used. Panthenol for burns is best applied as a spray, without touching the affected surface once again with your hands.

After the scab has gone off on its own, ointment dressings are applied to the wound surface. Be sure to use the stimulation of rejection of necrotic tissues in deep wounds. After complete cleansing of the wound, if necessary, skin grafting is done. Moreover, the treatment of burns in children is no different from the treatment of this condition in adults.

Open treatment is carried out only in specialized hospitals. Most often, patients come here with burns with boiling water, as well as after all kinds of industrial fires. Eye burns and face burns are also treated here, since such places cannot be covered with a good sterile bandage, and healing must take place in the air.

What to do with a burn at home, when the skin is only reddened and no blisters have appeared on it? First of all, the first-aid kit must contain a remedy for burns, which is approved for use not only in children, but also in adults.

Burn spray applied evenly over the affected area several times a day is ideal. The ideal option is products based on dexpanthenol. Burn cream is best used after strong sun exposure and is also based on dexpanthenol.

Forecast

Survival and further prognosis depend on the extent of the lesion, general condition, as well as the presence of other body injuries and diseases.

With superficial burns, the prognosis is always favorable, with severe damage, a long rehabilitation in a specialized medical institution is required.

However, even the provision of correct first aid, rapid delivery of the patient to the hospital and treatment does not always guarantee recovery. Mortality from this type of injury is still one of the highest.

The author of the article:

Starochkin Konstantin Anatolyevich

traumatologist-orthopedist, surgeon

work experience 14 years

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