Burns

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First Degree Burns

Possible Causes:   Overexposure to sunlight (sunburn), contact with hot objects or substances.
Symptoms:   Redness, warmth, tenderness, or pain, and mild swelling.
Treatment:   Submerge the burned area immediately in comfortable, cold water (in for 20 minutes, out for 5 minutes).  Ice cubes may be added to the water to keep it cold. Do not put ice directly on a burn. When you cannot immerse the area, apply cold wet cloths to the area, changing them frequently. Continue the treatment until you can keep the burned area out of the cold without having pain recur.

  • The treatment will reduce swelling and relieve pain

  • Never use butter or other fats on any type of burn.


Second Degree Burns

Possible Causes: Contact with hot liquids (fat, Steam) or combustible material (gasoline), severe sunburn.
Symptoms: Formation of blisters in addition to redness, swelling, and pain.
Treatment: Submerge the area in comfortably cold water (as for a first degree burn). When most pain is relieved, cleanse the burned area and apply a sterile dressing to protect the blisters from breaking open.

  • Medical attention should be obtained if the burned area is large or if the blisters become infected.

  • Do not break the blisters; the intact blister is good protection against infection.

Third Degree Burns - Most Serious

Possible Causes: Contact with fire, scalding hot water or steam, or electricity.
Symptoms:

White or charred burned areas, or extensive second degree burn symptoms. Sometime painless due to destruction of nerve endings.
Treatment:

If you suspect third degree burns, DO NOT TREAT the burn. Cover the burn with a clean object such as a towel or a handkerchief.

  • Seek Emergency Medical Help Immediately.

  • If possible, lie down and keep warm because of shock.

Chemical Burns

Possible Causes: Exposure to caustic substances.
Symptoms:

There may not be any visible symptoms in a chemical burn.
Treatment:

Rinse the area immediately under a stream of cold water for 10 minutes. If a chemical should enter the eye, put your head , with your eyes open , under the running faucet for at least 10 to 20 minutes.

In case of any chemical burns, Seek Medical Attention Immediately.

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Last Modified 12/22/2005