Understanding Burns: Prevention, Types, Treatment, and Severity

Understanding Burns: Prevention, Types, Treatment, and Severity

Burn injuries can result from various sources like fire, scalding hot liquids, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or even sun exposure. This comprehensive guide aims to cover essential aspects related to burn prevention, different kinds of burns, treatment methods, their severity, and initial first aid steps.

Preventing Burns:

• Be cautious around open flames, such as candles, stoves, and grills. Place them out of reach, especially if children are present.
• Maintain safe storage practices for flammable materials and cleaning agents.
• Install smoke detectors and practice fire drills regularly.
• Unplug appliances when not in use and never leave cooking unattended.
• Wear protective clothing while working with hazardous materials.
• Check water temperature before bathing kids — keep it lukewarm.

Types of Burns:

• First degree burns: Involve only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and appear red without blisters. They typically heal within three days.
• Second degree burns: Affect both epidermis and dermis layers, causing reddened skin, blister formation, and mild pain.
• Third degree burns: Damage all skin layers, show blackening or charring, and may cause loss of sensation due to nerve damage.
• Fourth degree burns: Extend into underlying muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and bones; they require specialized care since these deeper tissues must also heal.

Treatment of Burns:

• Cool burns by immersing affected areas in cool or room temperature water for 10–30 minutes instead of using ice directly on the wound.
• Remove any constrictive jewelry or tight clothes close to the burned area, ensuring you do not remove blistered skin.
• Administer over-the-counter pain relief medications like paracetamol (if age appropriate).
• Cover minor burns loosely with sterile gauze or cling film dressings after cleansing with saline solution.
• Seek immediate medical help for deep, large, or third-degree burns.

Severity of Burns:

The extent and depth of burns determine the injury's severity, which is defined in terms of percentage body surface area (PBSA):

• Minor burns affect less than 10% BPSA and usually heal quickly
• Moderate burns involve between 10 - 30 % BPSA
• Major burns exceed 30% PBS non-electrical or more than 2% electrical
• Critical burns encompass extensive involvement, often involving multiple systems beyond just the skin

First Aid for Burns:

In addition to cooling the affected area, follow these general guidelines in case of minor burns:

• Clean the wound gently with soap and water once swelling subsides
• Apply antibiotic ointments or creams as necessary
• Change bandages daily or whenever wet until healing occurs
• Monitor signs of infection such as increased redness, fever, pus, or foul odor. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.