by A.L.Smith

Created on: June 02, 2009

Each year 1.25 million Americans sustain some type of burn, between 60,000 and 80,000 require hospital treatment. Accidents that happen at home are the number 1 cause of burns. Children and the elderly are the most often affected. A burn occurs when the skin is heated, even briefly, above 49 degrees Celsius.

Burns fall into four separate categories:

First degree;

Reddening of the skin occurs. These burns affect only the top layer of the epidermis. They heal quickly but the damaged skin may peel away. A common instance of a first degree burn is sunburn.

Second degree;

Blister causing burns that affect the skin more deeply. Some of the dermis ( deep layer of skin) is left intact to recover. These burns usually heal with little or no scarring.

Third degree;

Destroys the full thickness of the skin. The skin appears charred or white. Extremely deep third degree burns will leave muscle and bone exposed. These burns need specialized treatment and possibly skin grafts.

Electrical;

Electrical burns have been know to cause sever internal damage with very little skin damage. An electrical burn always requires medical attention.

The pain and discomfort associated with burns varies depending on the severity of the burn. First degree burns, such as sunburn, can cause mild pain, headache, and sometimes fever. Second and third degree burns can cause shock, lowered blood pressure, and a rapid pulse. When dealing with burns it is most important to take precaution against infection. Damaged skin can not protect against air born bacteria and contamination. If a burn becomes infected it must be treated with antibiotic drugs. If left untreated infection can become a fatal complication.

The following is a list of first aid treatments for both major and minor burns. If you have sustained a burn you suspect is second or third degree, seek medical attention immediately.

Minor burns:

Immediately immerse the burned area in cold water.

Apply a cold compress until the pain subsides.

Remove any jewelry or clothing from the area before it swells.

Dress the area with a non-fluffy material.

Major burns:

If the victim's clothing is on fire, douse with water or wrap them in a blanket.

Place the victim gently on the ground.

Do not remove any clothing that is stuck.

Cover exposed burned areas with a clean, non-fluffy cloth.

When treating burns, preventing further damage is important.

DO NOT:

Use adhesive dressing.

Apply butter or oil.

Apply lotion or cream.

Prick or break blisters.

Use fluffy materials on wounds.

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