Online CPR Certification Blog

Burns are one of those accidents that can happen in a split second but have long-lasting effects. We’ve all been there. Just last year, I was making a homemade pizza and got so excited about it that I grabbed the oven rack without oven mitts. Trust me, the last thing you want to do is make things worse because you’re not sure how to treat it. 

Whether you touched a hot pan, spilled some chemicals, or dealt with an electrical shock, each type of burn requires a specific kind of attention. So, don’t stress. Stick around as we guide you through the right steps to take for different degrees of burns. Ready to become your own first-aid hero? Scroll down to dive deeper.

Understanding Burns: The Basics

Anatomy of the Skin

Understanding the skin layers will help you get why different burns need different treatments. The skin’s three main layers are:

• The epidermis: The top layer, think of it like your skin’s shield.
• The dermis: The middle layer, where you find hair follicles and sweat glands.
• The subcutaneous layer: The deepest layer, made mostly of fat.

When you get a burn, it may affect one or all of these layers. So, getting the right treatment depends on understanding this.

Causes of Burns

You’re probably wondering how burns even happen in the first place. Here’s a handy list for you:

• Heat: Like grabbing a hot pan or getting splashed by boiling water.
• Chemical burns: Household cleaners like bleach or even some types of strong acids can cause chemical burns.
• Electricity: Electrical outlets, wires, and other appliances can zap you good.
• Sunlight: A day at the beach without sunscreen can hurt more than your pride!

Knowing the cause is crucial, as each burn type requires its own care. For example, chemical burns need immediate washing, while electrical burns demand a call to 911.

Identifying Types of Burns

What Kind of Burn Do You Have?

The treatment roadmap depends on the type of burn you’ve got. To make it easier, I’ve put together a table for you:

Table: Burn Types and Their Symptoms

Degree	Symptoms	Treatment Site
First	Redness, Minor Swelling	At Home
Second	Blisters, Painful	At Home/Doctor
Third	White/Charred, Numb	Emergency Room

Knowing the type helps you spring into action fast. So, read on to get the nitty-gritty for each burn type.

First Aid for All Burns

You’re probably anxious to know what to do right after the burn happens. No worries; here’s your immediate action plan:

• Cool the Burn: Run it under cold water, but not too cold. Aim for cool to lukewarm to avoid shocking your system.
• Cover it Up: Use a sterile bandage or a clean cloth. The idea is to protect it from bacteria.
• No Popping!: Those blisters might look tempting, but trust me, you’ll want to leave them alone.
• Pain Relief: An over-the-counter pain reliever can help. Stick to Tylenol or ibuprofen, but avoid aspirin for kids.

Take a deep breath; you’ve made it through the initial part. Now, let’s dive into specific treatments.

Treating First-Degree Burns

Image alt text: Treating Burns of All Degrees

Author credit: By Kronoman at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26501619

Ah, the first-degree burn. Not too serious, but man, it can sting!

Immediate Steps

• Cool it Down: Run it under cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps in reducing the heat and pain.
• Use Aloe Vera: It’s not just for sunburns, folks. Aloe vera has natural healing properties and can be your skin’s best friend.
• Pain Relief: An OTC painkiller can work wonders here. A dose of Tylenol can really help.

Ongoing Care

• Reapply Aloe Vera: Keep that skin moist. Dryness can slow down healing.
• Replace Bandage: Change it every few hours or if it gets dirty.

👉 When to See a Doctor: Persistent pain, signs of infection like increasing redness, or if the burn is on your face or a major joint—you’ll want a doctor to take a look.

Let’s not forget, the second-degree burns are a whole other ball game, so let’s get to that.

Treating Second-Degree Burns

These bad boys are a bit more complex because they go beyond the top layer of your skin.

Immediate Steps

• Be Gentle: Use cool—not cold—water to avoid shocking your already-traumatized skin.
• Apply Antibiotic Ointment: Neosporin is your go-to here; it’s like a security guard against infections.
• Use a Sterile Dressing: This keeps the burn clean and helps speed up healing.

Ongoing Care

• Manage Pain: You might need stronger painkillers, so consult your doctor.
• Watch for Infection: Redness, swelling, or pus are your red flags here.

👉 When to See a Doctor: If the burn is larger than 3 inches, on the face, hands, or other sensitive areas, or shows signs of infection, you’ll want to get it checked out.

But what if it’s a third-degree burn? Hold on tight, this gets intense.

Treating Third-Degree Burns

How Do You Treat Third-Degree Burns?

Third-degree burns are severe. Call 911 immediately. While waiting, elevate the burned area and cover it with a clean cloth. Do not attempt home treatment. These burns often require skin grafts, specialized wound care, and a long hospital stay.

Immediate Steps

• Call 911: This is not a drill; it’s an emergency.
• Elevate the Area: If possible, elevate the burn above heart level to reduce swelling.
• Wait for Help: You’re going to need the pros for this one, so hold tight and wait for emergency services.

Hospital Treatment

• Intensive Care: You’ll likely spend some time in the ICU.
• Skin Grafts: These may be necessary to replace damaged skin.

🚨 Don’t Try This at Home: Seriously, don’t even think about treating a third-degree burn at home. You need professional medical assistance.

Home Remedies: The Dos and Don’ts

I know the allure of DIY is hard to resist, but let’s go over some safe bets and definite no-gos.

Safe Bets

• Aloe Vera: Nature’s own skin soother.
• Cool Compress: Make sure it’s not freezing.
• Honey: Antibacterial and hydrating, but only for minor burns.

Definite No-Gos

• Ice: Can damage the skin further.
• Butter: Might feel good, but it traps heat and can cause infections.

Remember, home remedies for burns can complement but not replace professional treatment, especially for more severe burns.

Complications to Watch For

Okay, so you’ve treated your burn—great! But your job isn’t over. Be vigilant for these:

• Infection: Redness, pus, or increased pain are warning signs.
• Delayed Healing: If it’s been a couple of weeks and things aren’t improving, head back to the doctor.

Burn Prevention Strategies

If you don’t want a repeat performance, here are some tips:

• Safety First: Use oven mitts, wear gloves for handling chemicals, etc.
• Educate Kids: Teach them not to play with matches and to stay away from hot surfaces.

FAQs

Q: Is it okay to put ice on a burn?

A: No, ice can actually make the burn worse by restricting blood flow to the area, which can further damage the tissue. Stick with cool water instead.

Q: How long should I run cold water over a burn?

A: For first-degree burns, aim for 10 to 15 minutes under cool running water. This helps soothe the area and minimize damage.

Q: Can I use regular lotion to moisturize a burn?

A: It’s better to use products specifically designed for burns, like aloe vera gel or an antibiotic ointment, as regular lotions might contain ingredients that irritate the burned area.

Q: When should I cover a burn with a bandage?

A: You should cover the burn after it has cooled down and after you’ve applied an appropriate ointment. This helps to protect the area from infection.

Q: Do all burns blister?

A: Not all burns blister. Typically, blistering is a sign of a second-degree burn. First-degree burns usually involve redness and pain but don’t blister, while third-degree burns can be so severe they damage nerves and don’t blister either.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Treating burns isn’t as daunting as it seems if you know what you’re dealing with. From minor to major burns, you’re now armed with the knowledge to tackle them head-on. Remember, when in doubt, always seek professional medical advice. Stay safe!