Some people swear they are a total klutz in the kitchen and they end up cutting themselves or burning themselves. Indeed one of the downsides to cooking up a storm in the kitchen can be getting a burn, but did you know there are also other types of burns? Do you know how to manage a burn? Read on!
Causes of burns
- Thermal: from contact or radiated heat
- Chemical: from chemical substance inhalation, ingestion or contact
- Electrical: from electrocution
- Radiation: from ionizing radiation
First degree burn
First degree burn is also known as a minor burn. Only the first layer of skin is burnt (the epidermis), and it will appear pink or red, and be painful. A small amount of swelling may also be present.
- Cool the burn
- Use a burn cream
- Cover the burn
- Seek medical attention
Second degree burn
Second degree burns involve more than the first layer of skin. These types of burns are a lot deeper and have burnt through the epidermis into the dermis. There will be blistering, ooziness, redness, and a severe amount of pain.
- Do not remove clothing
- Cool the burn
- Cover the burn
- Seek medical attention
Third degree burn
This is the most serious type of burn and it is also known as a full thickness burn. The tissue has been burnt beyond the dermis and into the fat layers, muscle even down the bone in some areas. Third degree burns result in permanent tissue damage and require emergency attention.
- Seek medical attention
- Administer first aid DRABCD: danger, response, airways, breathing, circulation, and defibrillation
- Do not remove clothing
- Cover the burn
What are the complications from a burn?
More severe burns can result in permanent tissue damage, fluid loss (dehydration) and scarring. Any burn can leave the tissue susceptible to infection, and so all burns should be dressed and treated appropriately. Burns can also be quite painful or uncomfortable.
Cool the burn
Immediate treatment for a burn is to place in under cool running water. This can be at a sink or under a shower, depending on the size and location of the burn. Never place ice directly onto a burn wound.
Use a burn cream
There are some burn creams available at pharmacies that are suitable for minor burns. Follow the directions on the tube and use a fresh tube to prevent infection.
Cover the burn
Having a burn means that your skin has a completely impaired barrier at the wound site. Keep your wound covered with a clean dressing to prevent infection and to protect the site. The dressing should not stick to the burn. Using gauze and a bandage makes a great dressing for arms and legs, or an ‘island’ dressing for torso areas.
Do not remove clothing
For second and third degree burns, clothing may have burnt onto and melted into a burn wound. Do not attempt the remove clothing as this may cause further damage. First aid can be administered over the damaged clothing if necessary until further medical assistance arrives.
Seek medical attention
Seek urgent medical attention for second degree burns. If someone has sustained a third degree burn, it is likely they are in an emergency situation needing urgent medical care and you should call an ambulance. Speak to your GP if you are concerned about a first degree burn or if the burn is quite large, or the patient is very young or old.
*This article is intended to be a guide only and does not replace proper first aid training or professional medical advice. To book an appointment with a Dermatologist call us today on 1300 123 368.
