Different Degree Burns of The Skin
1st, 2nd, 3rd
First-Degree Burn
First-degree burns is an injury that affects the first layer of your skin which is your epidermis. First-degree burns are one of the mildest forms of skin injuries, and they usually do not require medical treatment. First-degree burns usually heal within three to six days. You should still see your doctor if the burn affects a large area of skin, and if its on your face or a major joint.
Signs of a first-degree burn include:
- Redness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Minor Inflammation
Types of treatment are:
- soaking the wound in cool water for 5 minutes or longer
- take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
- apply aloe vera gel or cream to smoothe the skin
- use an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected are
*DO NOT USE ICE AS IT WILL MAKE IT WORSE*
Second-Degree Burn
Second degree burns are more serious because the damage extends beyond the epidermis layer of the skin. This causes the skin to blister and become extremely red and sore. Due to the delicate nature of such wounds, frequent bandaging is required to prevent infection. Some second degree burns take longer than three weks to heal, but most heal within two to three weeks. You should avoid cotton ball wraps and questionable home remedies.
You can treat a second degree burn by:
- running the skin under cool water for 15 minutes or longer
- taking over-the-counter pain medication
- applying antibiotic cream to blisters
Seek medical help if burns affect:
- face
- hands
- buttocks
- groin
- feet
Third-Degree Burn
Third degree burns are the worst burns. They cause the most damage, extending through every layer of the skin including: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous. The burn could reach the bloodstream, major organs, and bones, which can lead to death. Thuis damage is so extensive that you may not feel pain because your nerves are damaged.
Deoending on the cause, third-degree burns cause the skin to look:
- waxy and white
- charred
- dark brown
- raised and leathery
Never attempt to self-treat a third-degree burn. Call 911 immediately. You should raise the injury above your heart. Do not get undressed but make sure there's nothing sticking to the burn.
Carry the most risk for complications such as:
- infections
- blood loss
- shock
Preventing All Levels of Burns
The best way to fight burns is to prevent them all together. Most of them happen at home. Infants and young children are the most vulnerable to burns.
Tips you can tak:
- keep children out of the kitchen while your cooking
- turn pot handles to the back of the stove
- lock up matches and lighters
- install electrical outlet covers
- check and discard electrical cords with exposed wiresensure all smoking products are stubbed out completely
It is important to have a fire escape plan, and always crawl under the smoke in a fire.