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Home » Consumer Information » Burn Injuries

Burn Treatment

To tell the difference between a mild and severe burn, you must first verify the degree and the amount of harm done to body tissues. Determining whether it is a first, second, or third degree burn will assist you with your decision of which emergency care to choose.

First degree burn treatment

Burns that require the least amount of critical care are those where only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is burned. The skin will normally turn red, and it will sometimes become inflamed and sore. However, this layer of skin has not been burnt through to the next. A first degree burn should be treated like a mild burn unless the burn is covering the majority of the patient's hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major joint (e.g., knee, elbow).

Second degree burn treatment

When a burn has gone past the first layer and reaches the second layer of skin (dermis), it is called a second degree burn. Blisters will form, and the skin turns a bright, blotchy red color. These kinds of burns cause intense pain and swelling.

If the burn injury is no bigger than three inches across, treat it as a mild burn. On the other hand, the site of the burn is greater than three inches in diameter or it is on the patient's hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or on a major joint, it should be cared for as a severe burn, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
For mild burns (first and second degree burns restricted to an area smaller than three inches, perform the following procedures:

  • Cool the burn under a faucet with cold water for no less than five minutes or until the discomfort is curtailed. If the burn is on a part of the body that makes this difficult, submerge it in a basin of cold water or use cold compresses. Cooling the burn will reduce its temperature, and swelling will subside in the process. Never apply ice to the burn.
  • Cover the burn with sterile gauze, but avoid using bulky cotton because it may cause irritation. To keep pressure at a minimum, the gauze should be loosely bound to the skin. Applying a bandage protects burned skin from being exposed to pollutants in the air, helps soothe pain, and guards blisters.
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. This should only be given to adults. Some common brands include Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and Tylenol.

Mild burns will usually heal properly using the previous suggestions, but you may notice a difference in pigmentation between the new skin and the skin surrounding it. It is important to beware of signs of infection such as sudden elevation in pain and redness, fever, swelling, or secretions of fluid from the burn area. See a doctor if any of these symptoms develop, and the condition of the burn appears to be worsening. Try to avoid tanning or any activity which could cause injury to the healed burn area for the next year; this could cause the skin to become even more discolored. As a precaution, sunscreen should be applied to the area whenever it is exposed to the sun for at least one year after it has completely healed.
For first and second degree burns, do not:

  • Place ice on the surface of a burn because frostbite may set in.
  • Apply butter or ointment to the burn because the wound may not heal correctly.
  • Pop blisters because this is an invitation for infection.

Third degree burn treatment

Third degree burns are pain-free, affect all three layers of the skin, and cause irreversible tissue and nerve damage. Sometimes, the burn may work its way through fat and muscle down to the bone. Third degree burn sites may become charred and black or look white and flaky. If the burn victim also experienced smoke inhalation, they may have carbon monoxide poisoning or problems breathing in and out.

For severe burns, call 911 or emergency medical care. While awaiting the paramedics' arrival, follow these instructions in this order:

  1. Leave burnt attire on the victim, but ensure that none of the clothing is still smoldering and that the victim is not exposed to smoke or heat.
  2. Do not dunk large burns in cold water, or shock may ensue.
  3. Check for signs of life such as breathing, coughing, or some other movement. If the victim is not breathing or there seems to be no evidence of circulation, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  4. Elevate the burned portion(s) of the body above the level of the heart if possible.
  5. Gently cover the burn with a:
    • Cool, damp, sanitary bandage
    • Moist, germ-free cloth
    • Moist, clean towel