Burn treament

How Common Are Burns?

Each year, close to half a million individuals seek emergency care for burn injuries. Children, especially, face a high risk of accidental burns, with over 300 children receiving treatment daily for burn-related injuries.

Who is at Risk of Burns?

Burns can happen to anyone, but children, teenagers, and the elderly are particularly susceptible. Common causes in these groups include accidents while cooking or contact with hot substances. Young people are also at risk due to exposure to sunburns, lighters, fireworks, and other hazards.

Types of Burns

Burns are classified by severity:

• First-degree burns: Affect only the top layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness and mild pain, without blisters.
• Second-degree burns: Extend deeper into the skin, affecting both the epidermis and dermis. They may cause redness, pain, swelling, and blistering.
• Third-degree burns: Damage all three layers (epidermis, dermis, and fat). These burns may appear white, black, or red with a leathery texture and may not be painful initially due to nerve damage.

Symptoms and Causes

What Causes Burns?

Burns can be caused by:

• Heat: Fire, hot liquids, and steam.
• Chemicals: Acids, drain cleaners, or cement.
• Radiation: Often from prolonged sun exposure.
• Electricity: High-voltage or exposed electrical sources.

Common Symptoms of Burns

Burn symptoms vary with severity, but typical signs include:

• Pain
• Blisters
• Swelling
• Charred or peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

How are Burns Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers assess burns by examining their depth and the total affected area. Burns can be classified as:

• Minor: First- and second-degree burns affecting less than 10% of the body.
• Moderate: Second-degree burns affecting about 10% of the body.
• Severe: Third-degree burns, even those covering as little as 1% of the body.

Treatment for Burns

Treatment depends on burn severity:

• First-degree burns: Run cool water over the area, avoid ice, and apply a light dressing with antibiotic cream.
• Second-degree burns: Similar to first-degree care, but healthcare providers may prescribe specialized antibiotic creams to prevent infection.
• Third-degree burns: Require immediate medical attention, often involving skin grafts and IV fluids to manage blood pressure and prevent dehydration.

Complications of Burns

Severe burns, especially third-degree, can lead to complications like:

• Arrhythmias (from electrical burns)
• Dehydration
• Scarring and contractures
• Infection, potentially leading to sepsis or amputation
• Organ failure or serious infection risks

Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of burns:

• Always test water temperature before bathing.
• Use back burners and turn pot handles inward while cooking.
• Install and regularly check smoke detectors.
• Keep lighters, matches, and chemicals locked away from children.
• Wear sunscreen to protect from UV rays.

Recovery and Outlook

With appropriate care, most first- and second-degree burns heal within 2-3 weeks. However, recovery from severe burns requires physical and occupational therapy to maintain mobility. Psychological support may also be essential, as PTSD and depression can follow burn injuries.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact a healthcare provider if:

• Burns occur on sensitive areas, such as the hands, feet, face, or genitals.
• Burns don’t improve within two weeks.
• You experience blistering, fever, or signs of infection.

Questions for Your Doctor

Consider asking about:

• The severity and best treatment options for your burn.
• Ways to minimize infection and scarring.
• How to prevent future burn injuries.