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Burns and Scalds
 
What are burns and scalds?
A burn is damage to body tissues caused by heat (dry or moist), electricity, friction, or chemicals. A scald is a burn caused by hot water or steam. Burns are classed as first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree, depending on how deep into the body tissues they are. Treatment depends on the extent of the tissue damage rather than on the cause. Each year over a million people in the US are burned or scalded badly enough to need medical attention. Most of those who require medical attention are children or older people. Many of these burns occur in the home, and many could be prevented.

How do they occur?
First-degree burns are red and blanch white when pressure is applied. There is no blistering, because they involve only the outside layer of skin. Though painful, they take only 2 to 5 days to heal and do not leave scars. Sunburn is usually a first-degree burn.

Second-degree burns go deeper into the skin. Blisters may be present. Superficial second-degree burns are quite painful, and usually heal within 1 to 2 weeks without scarring. Deeper second-degree burns are less painful, but may take several weeks to heal. They often leave scars.

Third-degree burns destroy all the layers of the skin. Third-degree burns can be very serious.

Burns from electricity are a little different. They can cause damage to tissues deep under the skin, including the heart, with very little skin damage.

What are the symptoms?
In a first-degree burn, you may have redness, soreness, itching, headache, and fever. A second-degree burn will cause blisters, pain, rapid pulse, and sometimes shock. Third-degree burns can expose tissues under the skin, and cause pain, rapid pulse, and shock. You may also have a cough, sore chest, and sore eyes from smoke.

What is the treatment?
If you see someone get burned, or burn yourself, the sooner you act the better. First, remove the victim's jewelry and tight clothing. Next, immerse the affected area in cool clean water. This will prevent further damage. Keep it in cool water until the pain lessens or goes away. Do not put ice on the burn. Do not apply grease, butter, ointments, or medicated sprays to burns. Gently dry off the burn. If there are no blisters, just cover the burn with a nonstick sterile dressing. If there are blisters, apply an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin to the burn. Then apply a nonstick sterile dressing. Do not pop any blisters. They will go away as the skin heals itself. Gently change the dressing and clean the area at least once a day, more often if it gets dirty. If the burn is painful, take aspirin or acetaminophen.

Extensive burns, deep burns, chemical burns, electrical burns, and burns involving smoke are very serious and can even be fatal. Take the victim to the emergency room for treatment, possible hospitalization, or transfer to a burn center. As a first aid measure, have the victim lie down and wrap the person in a warm blanket to minimize shock. Don't remove any clothing but cover exposed burned areas with a clean, dry, nonfluffy cloth to protect the damaged tissue from infection. Secure the cloth with a loose bandage, not tape. Treatment, depending on the extent and nature of the burn, may include covering the burned area with dressing or leaving it exposed, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and skin grafting.

How can I take care of myself?
  • Turn your water heater setting down to 120°F.
  • Keep pot handles turned away from the stove front. Don't wear loose sleeves around your stove.
  • Never leave your child alone in the bathroom or kitchen. Do not carry hot liquids or food near your child and do not allow your child near stoves, hot oven doors, hot barbecue grills, heaters, or curling irons.
  • Use covers on electrical outlets to prevent electrical burns.
  • Avoid having loose electric wires or dangling electrical cords in your home. Make sure electrical cords are not frayed. Do not overload extension cords.
  • Use portable heaters with caution. Keep bedding, clothing, curtains, and other materials at least 3 feet away from space heaters. Turn off the portable heater every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
  • Don't leave household chemicals where they can be knocked over or spilled.
  • Always wear sunscreen when outdoors.
  • Do not smoke in bed. Never leave a burning cigarette unattended.
  • Keep ashtrays away from furniture, clothing, and curtains. Never empty smoldering ashtrays or ashes into a trash can.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
  • Never leave a burning candle or fireplace fire unattended. Keep candles away from bedding, curtains, paper, or other materials that can catch fire.
  • Keep fireplaces and chimneys clean and repaired. Each fireplace should have a fire screen.
  • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and replace the batteries a least once a year.
  • Have an escape plan in case of fire in your home. Keep a charged fire extinguisher within easy reach on each level of your home. Know how to use it.

Call your health care provider if a burn:
  • involves the hands, feet, face, genitals, or a large joint
  • is bigger than 2 to 3 inches
  • is an electrical burn (deep tissue damage may exist)
  • shows signs of infection such as redness around the area, swelling, heat, or pus
  • causes a fever
  • does not heal within a couple of days.




  Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

  HIA File PRV4669F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


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