Skin Burns first Aid treatment its types and simple home remedies

                   BURNS FIRST AID MANAGMENT

Burns are very common household injury. and it is very necessary to treat on emergency basis any delay or mismanagement can bring devastating results like infections. skin is protective organ of our body that’s why burning may cause dehydration and skin infections the major causes are chemicals, fire burns ,frictions, electricity. Burns has three types and first aid approach is different for each one.

First degree burns.

 A first-degree burn is the least serious type, involving only the outer layer of skin. Its main symptoms are:

·         Redness and Pain

You can usually treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn. The following steps should be followed

·         Cool the burn to help soothe the pain. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain eases. if the body part is not accessible under running water  then apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water.

·         Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area. Try to do this quickly and gently, before the area swells.

·         In case of child. He should be calmed and told that this problem does not need much attention.

·         Don’t apply ointments. Because they might cause infection. when the skin is cold it could be applied a moisturizing lotion.

·         Take sterile non adhesive cloth and cover the affected area.

·         If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen.                                                                                

·         Consider a tetanus shot. If the area become contaminated.

2nd-degree burn

A second-degree burn is more serious. Its major symptoms is:

·         Red skin

·         Swelling

·         Blisters

If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. It has to be manage by following lines.

·         Cool the burn to help soothe the pain. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain eases. if the affected area are not accessible  then apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water.

·         Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area. Try to do this quickly and gently, before the area swells.

·         Don't break small blisters (no bigger than your little fingernail). If blisters break, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a nonstick sterile gauze bandage.

·         Don’t apply ointments without doctor consultation. It may cause infection.

·         If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen.

·         Consider a tetanus shot.

·         Take patient to the hospital .See your doctor if you develop large blisters.

3rd-degree burns 

            

The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and underlying fat. Muscle and even bone may be affected. Burned areas may be charred black or white. The person may experience:

·         Difficulty breathing

·         Carbon monoxide poisoning

The following steps should be taken.

Call for emergency medical help for 3^rd-degree burns. Until an emergency unit arrives, take these actions:

·         If the victim shows flames in some places of his/her corporal surface control the fire completely with a sufficiently thick sheet or clothing.
Protect the burned person from further harm. If you can do so safely, make sure the person you're helping is not in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat. But don't remove burned clothing stuck to the skin.
Check for signs of circulation. Look for breathing, coughing or movement. Begin CPR if needed.
Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive items, especially from around burned areas and the neck. Burned areas swell rapidly.
Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a serious loss of body heat (hypothermia) or a drop in blood pressure and decreased blood flow (shock).
Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound above heart level, if possible.
Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, bandage or a clean cloth.        
 Do not give liquids or any food.

            Keep calm and keep the victim calm.
by Dr Aamir iqbal