Burns to the skin are categorized based upon the depth of the burn:
1. 1st Degree Burn – the top layer of skin becomes red, dry and very painful. There may be swelling at the site. 1st degree burns usually heal within 5-6 days with some scarring. Superficial burn.
2. 2nd Degree Burn – involves the top layer of skin. The skin is red and has blisters that may open and weep clear fluid. The skin may appear mottled and some swelling may occur. Very painful. 2nd degree burns usually heal within 3-4 weeks with some scarring. Partial thickness burn.
3. 3rd Degree Burn – destroys all layers of the skin and any or all underlying structures (fat, muscle, bone and nerves). Brown or black (charred) tissues above with white underlying. Extremely painful due to burns to the nerves. 1st and 2nd degree burns usually surround 3rd degree burn sites.
Treatment for Burns:
1. STOP THE BURNING -remove the patient from the source. Remove any clothing near the burn site.
2. COOL THE BURN - use cool water. If you do not cool the burn, it will continue to burn the tissues under the skin. Never use ice or ice water on any burn other than a small superficial burn.
3. COVER THE BURN – use dry sterile dressings or a clean cloth placed lightly over the burn to stop contact with the air, to reduce pain and protect from infection.
Chemical Burns – Many chemical burns in your home and working environment cause burns. Any chemical that you can identify and know that it does not react with water (i.e. lime) can be flushed from the body with large amounts of water for at least 15 – 20 minutes.
Electrical burns – Patient must be removed from the electrical source. Before doing so, ensure that the electric source is cut off. Remember that if you touch a person that is being electrocuted, you will receive the same electric current. Electricity follows the path of least resistance, i.e. blood vessels, nerve pathways. A reddened area will appear at the site where electricity entered the body. There may be an explosive exit wound where the electricity exited the body.