Three degrees of burns require different treatment in order to ease the pain, prevent infection and promote healing. Burns are painful, debilitating and sometimes disfiguring yet the more serious consequences are minimised with the correct and timely treatment.

First-degree burns are reddening of the skin accompanied by varying degrees of pain depending on where the burn site is. Hot water or other liquids, hot surfaces and mild sunburn commonly inflict these burns. While not inherently dangerous, the pain and discomfort are sometimes enough to induce mild shock which does require consideration. The immediate treatment for a first-degree burn is cold water or an ice pack. Do not place ice directly on the burn site, it is best to wrap the ice in a towel or cloth. Commercially available ice packs kept ready in your refrigerator are very effective for pain relief.

Severe sunburn, contact with flame, hot liquids or contact with chemicals are some of the usual causes of second-degree burns. Improper treatment can result in permanent skin damage or infection, and shock is more likely to complicate treatment due to pain. You can easily identify a second-degree burn because skin is bright red and blotchy with blisters. It will also look wet because of the loss of fluid through the damaged skin.

The treatment for second-degree burns where blisters are not open requires removal of tight clothing from the burned area before any swelling occurs. Use scissors if necessary to prevent opening the blisters and causing more discomfort. Wash the area by running cool water or lightly place a cold-water compress on the skin do not use ice. Take care not to break blisters this will reduce the chance of infection. Avoid ointments, petroleum jelly, butter or other home remedies' because these will not allow dissipation of heat. Raising arms or legs will help reduce any swelling and for any second-degree burn larger that a few inches, seek medical help.

For second-degree heat burns where blisters are open it is important that you do not attempt to remove clothing stuck to the burn area, or use running water. Carefully cover the burn area using a dry and non-fluffy bandage or gauze pad and avoid using tape. Seek medical help as soon as possible and treat for shock as necessary.

Chemical burns are a little more serious because the burn may be only one element of the danger. It is important to immediately remove affected clothing and jewellery before

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