First Aid Burn Treatment

First Aid Burn Treatment by Lelsi 2011/04/16 00:29
Burns are injuries to tissue that can be caused by fire, the sun, chemicals, heated objects or fluids, electricity, or other means. You can treat most minor burns at home using first-aid measures, while deep or widespread burns need immediate medical attention.To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the extent of damage to body tissues. The three burn classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care:

First-degree burn

The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through. The skin is usually red, with swelling, and pain sometimes is present. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint, which requires emergency medical attention.

Second-degree burn

When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.

Third-degree burn
The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

Lelsi 2011/04/16 00:37
If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.

For minor burns, including first-degree, burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no large in diameter take the following action:
Things You'll Need:
-Cool Water
-Bandage
-Loose Fitting clothing
-Aloe Vera
-Chamomile lotion
-Pain releivers
-Honey
-Lavender Oil
-Milk

- The very basic step is to run the burn under cold water. While doing this asses the burn. Never use a ice cube to cool the burn. Burns can become frostbite injuries if you use ice to cool it.
- Next you will want to apply a loose bandage, that does not self adhere to your skin. This will keep the burn from coming in contact with the air or potential harm for proper first aid for a burn.
- To relieve pain take asprin or other over the counter measures. First aid for a burn does not require anything else than to just relieve the pain while the burn heals.
- To help soothe the burn and possible heal it faster put some aloe vera extract onto it (this is especailly good for sunburns).
If you have a second degree burn do not apply any lotion of any type to it if the blisters have been broken. This will only help to lead to infection. Other salves to try are honey, chamomile lotion, and lavender oil. Just put onto the burn and apply a clean bandage.
You can also try a soak in cool milk as well. For first aid for a burn just soak it about 20 minutes in the milk. Next give it a quick rinse with cool water. The fats and lipids in the milk will help the burn to heal.

- Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.

Lelsi 2011/04/16 00:41
Caution
- Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause a burn victim's body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound.
- Don't apply butter or ointments to the burn. This could cause infection.
- Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection.

For major burns, call 911 or emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
-Don't remove burned clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.

-Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock).

-Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin CPR.

- Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.

- Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.

- Get a tetanus shot. Burns are susceptible to tetanus. Doctors recommend you get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If your last shot was more than five years ago, your doctor may recommend a tetanus shot booster.