Types of burns
Although it is impossible to tell when a burn will occur, it is always good to be prepared. Below is some provided information about all the different types of burns that can happen and how they can be treated. Read this carefully, as your knowledge can help save lives.
First degree burn
What it is:
A first-degree burn is a burn that affects the top layer of your skin. First-degree burns are a small forms of skin injuries, and they usually don’t require medical support. However, some first degree burns can be quite painful and may require immediate medical assistance.
Reasons for cause:
Sunburns: The sun produces (UV) rays that can burn the outer layer of your skin and cause it to redden, blister, and peel.
Scalds:Hot liquid spilled from a pot on the stove or the steam emitted from hot liquid may cause burns to the hands, face, and body.
Electricity: If you stick a finger or any object into the openings of a socket you can get burned from electricity
What to do in case:
When a first degree burn happens,
1. soak the wound in cold water for 5 minutes or longer. Then, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
2.After that apply lidocaine (an anesthetic) with cream to soothe the skin.
3.Then, using an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area.
If Serious, immediately seek medical assistance by calling 911 or going to a nearest emergency clinic/doctor.
Second degree burn
What it is:
A Second-degree burn is a partial thickness burn and is more severe than first-degree burns. These burns affect the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis, and also part of the second layer of skin.
Reasons for cause:
-
severe sunburn, such as when a person with very fair skin sits in the sun for a very long period
-
accidents with ovens and stoves (result of burnt body parts)
-
exposure to fire
-
contact with boiling water
What to do in case:
When a second degree burn happens :
1. Submerge the burned area in cool water. If the burn occurred on the chest or back, pour cool water from a bucket directly onto the burn.
2. Keep the cool water on the burn until medical help arrives. If the burns are minor, keep them in cool water for at least five minutes.
3. If the burns are extensive, you can apply a cool, wet cloth to the affected area—but only if the dressing is wrapped in plastic. Cloth tends to adhere to burns, and it can worsen the pain if a physician has to pull it off to treat the burn.
4. If the burns are minor, you can treat them in the same way you'd treat first-degree ones. You won't need medical help. Simply pat the area dry and place a loose sterile cloth over it.
If Serious, immediately seek medical assistance by calling 911 or going to a nearest emergency clinic/doctor.
Third degree burn
What it is:
Third-degree burns directly impact and cause deep burns within a body. The skin may come off as the color white and might be easily peelable. . These types of burns usually require skin grafts for wound closure
Reasons for cause
- Hot liquids.
- Any type of hot object
- Ashes from the fire
What to do in case:
When a third-degree burn happens :
1. Submerge the burned area in cool water. If the burn occurred on the chest or back, pour cool water from a bucket directly onto the burn.
2. Keep the cool water on the burn until medical help arrives. If the burns are minor, keep them in cool water for at least five minutes.
3. If the burns are extensive, you can apply a cool, wet cloth to the affected area—but only if the dressing is wrapped in plastic. Cloth tends to adhere to burns, and it can worsen the pain if a physician has to pull it off to treat the burn.
4. If the burns are minor, you can treat them in the same way you'd treat first-degree ones. You won't need medical help. Simply pat the area dry and place a loose sterile cloth over it.
If Serious, immediately seek medical assistance by calling 911 or going to a nearest emergency clinic/doctor.
