Burns
You must know some detail about different types of burns before using any first aid treatments on burns. A wound caused due to contact with heat, cold, chemicals or electricity can come under the scope of burns. Burns can damage muscle, bone, skin and circulatory system. In various situations sufferer may face many potential complications like damage to nerves and resultant pain, electrolyte imbalance, shock and stress due to deformation of skin.
In order to differentiate a small burn from a dangerous burn, first of all one should find out the stage and severity of harm. Burns are categorized as first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree, some time further classes of burns are also described as fourth or fifth degree burns. This type of classification will aid to decide first aid.
The least dangerous burnings are superficial skin burns, in these burns only upper epidermis is damaged. It is identified by redness of skin with mild swelling and pinching pain. First degree burns can be easily handled with no serious medical attention, little care is required. If delicate parts of your body like face, eyes, hips or breast are involved do ask advice of your doctor.
Second degree burns are identified by with surface blistering of the dermis. It can be very pain full as nerves are damaged in this type of burns. Papillary dermis and deep reticular dermis layer experience most damage.
If damaged area is less than seven centimeters in diameter it will fall under minor burn category. If effected area is bigger than three inches or is on any delicate parts or you feel sever pain seek assistance of a burning medical center.
First aid measures:
Cool down the skin by rinsing burn under tap water for few minutes, it will relief pain. If you still feel pain submerge burned area in ice cold water, it will minimize swelling and pain. Never cover burn with a cotton swab as its fibers will stick to damage skin and cause further damage. Use an antiseptic porous gauze bandage, as it will prevent bacterial infections and let the skin breath.
A topical anesthetic is generally adequate in bringing off pain of pocket-size burns. Aloe Vera extract can be applied as healer on burn area.
In order to over come pain use any pain killer pills or systemic anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, Aleve, Tylenol Lidocaine and Mycitracin.
Small burns generally mend without additional medical handling. They could heal with skin colour alterations, as the recovered surface area perhaps of another color from the original complexion. Keep an eye on infection which is identified by enhanced pain, swelling or pus in blister and fever. Look for medical examination aid in case of infection. Never peel burn and take care of it even after recovery. Apply sun block on the surface area for leastways a year.
In case of second degree burn avoid application of butter, tooth paste or ice directly on skin as it could cause further harm. Application of greasy ointments can hinder natural healing of burn. Never puncture blister as it could be septic.
The most grievous burns are not painful, make lasting tissue impairment, adipose tissue, muscle and in sever cases bone may be burned . Regions possibly blackened or seem baked and white. In third degree burns victims may loss hair follicles and keratin. Grafting may be required in such conditions. Trouble in respiration and pulmonary damage is also expected due to inhaling of fumes or smoke.
First Aid Measures:
For Third Degree burns call emergency medical assistance. First aid measures for such burns are:
1. Never try to detach clothing from skin at your own.
2. Try to check any smoldering substances on body.
3. Never wrap victim in blanket to over come fire, always try to throw water on burn.
4. Address the burn by a cool, damp, antiseptic patch or moist towels.
5. Burns can end in serious trauma and damage to vital organs so always seek medical treatment.