Burns

            Burns may be caused by dry heat (fire), moist heat (steam or hot liquids), electricity, or corrosive chemicals.  They are classified by the degree of the burn.  A 1^st degree burn involves only the epidermis and is characterized by reddening of the skin and perhaps some swelling.  An example of this is a sunburn.  Some pain may be noted.  It will generally heal on its own without scarring.  A 2^nd degree burn goes through the first layer and into the second layer of the epidermis.  The affected area will be reddened, blisters will appear, deep intense pain will accompany it, and swelling will occur.  When treated with reasonable care, they general heal with little scarring.  A 3^rd degree burn involves all the tissue layers.  There are usually areas charred black or areas that are dry and black.  Severe pain accompanies areas where the nerve fibers have not been damaged.  If the nerve fibers are damaged, no pain may be felt.  As this type of burn heals, dense scarring usually forms and most often skin grafts are required to replace the damaged areas.  Infection is a major concern as a major defensive barrier for bacteria is no longer there.  In addition, burned areas are not able to regulate body temperature adequately so body heat loss is often a major concern as well.  Below you will find procedures for treating minor burns over small areas.  For all other burns, including 2^nd degree burns over large areas or any 3^rd degree burns, seek medical attention immediately.  Again, this is NOT a substitute for formal hands-on training, but for information.

h             Remove the source of the burn

·       Clothing that has been soaked by boiling water or chemical agents should be removed

·       If firmly attached to the skin, remove excess around burn but leave stuck portion in place

h             Immerse the burn in cold, preferably running, water for at least 10 minutes.

·       If affected area is large, cover with clean towel or sheet soaked in cold water

·       DO NOT cover area with petroleum jelly, butter, or other substance as these products retain the heat and increase damage.

h             After cooling, cover the affected area with a clean, dry gauze or cloth dressing

·       DO NOT burst any blisters that may form, if they do so on their own, cover with clean, dry gauze

h             Elevate a burned limb to keep swelling to a minimum

·       If wearing jewelry, remove to avoid constriction if swelling occurs