Burns can be a very dangerous thing, especially if they are not treated quickly and properly. The first thing, and hopefully this goes without saying, is that you need to seek medical help immediately if you or someone near you gets burned. However, there are certain things that you can do while waiting for medical help to arrive that can lessen the damage of the burns.

It is generally understood that there are three different types of burns, classified by the severity of the burn. The severity of a burn may depend on many different factors, such as the age of the person, size, depth, and location of the burn. The three classifications are first degree, second degree, and third degree.

1st degree burns are the obviously least severe. They are characterized by redness or discoloration, mild swelling and pain. For example, overexposure to the heat could cause you to get first degree burns. Treatment for first degree burns include flushing with cool running water, applying moist dressings and loosely bandaging the burns.

2nd degree burns are more serious than first degree burns. They are generally deeper than first degree burns, look red and have blisters. It's also possible that there might be a loss of fluids through the damaged skin. Interestingly, second degree burns are usually the most painful because nerve endings are usually intact, despite severe tissue damage, meaning the victim will feel these burns more than third degree burns (as third degree burns will damage the nerve endings).

3rd degree burns are the deepest burns. They may look white or charred, and they will usually extend through all skin layers. Victims of third degree burns may have severe pain or no pain at all, depending on whether or not the nerve endings are destroyed. These are the most serious burns.

Despite the difference in the severity of the burns, initial treatment for 2nd and 3rd degree burns is usually pretty similar... you should apply dry dressings and bandage loosely. Do NOT use water as it may increase risk of shock in the burn victim.

You must be very careful with burn victims and seek medical help immediately, but in the meantime applying these techniques can help reduce the damage and suffering of the burn victim. Burns can be a very dangerous and potentially life-altering thing, and they need to be treated with the utmost care. If there is any doubt whatsoever, contact medical help immediately.

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