.png)
burnin' up
- najrandilmohamud
- Feb 22, 2021
- 3 min read
In today’s blog post, we’re addressing a very common injury: 🔥 Burns 🔥 . Burns are most commonly associated with fire and heat but there is so much more to it.
First, let’s start by defining what a burn is. Burns are tissue damage that have been caused by heat, sun, radiations, chemicals or electrical contact. The gravity of a burn can vary a lot. A small and insignificant burn is called a minor burn whereas more dangerous and life-threatening ones are known as major burns. A rule of thumb to identify a minor burn is that the latter is smaller than 3 inches in diameter or doesn’t cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint.
Moreover, burns are classified in different degrees of burning. There are first degree burns, second degree burns and third degree burns.
Degrees of Burns
Burns are classified based upon their depth.
Layers of the skin
First Degree Burns
This type of injury is always superficial and only affects the epidermis part of the first layer of skin. They only cause some inflammation.
The main symptoms of a first degree burn are:
- Pain
- Redness
- Mild swelling
- Tender skin
The main causes are sunburns, scalds with for example hot water and electricity. Most of the time first degree burns can be treated home which we will cover in a later section. However, larger burns may have trouble healing and need medical assistance. As for electrical burns, it is recommended to see a doctor. Deeper layers of skins may be affected.
Second Degree Burns
This burn is much deeper and way more painful than a first degree burn. It affects the dermis, cause scarring and take several weeks to heal.
The symptoms are:
-Pain
-Red or deep brown skin
-Swelling
-White and/or splotchy skin
-Blistering
-Increased sensitivity
-Wet-looking or seeping wound.
Causes include scald injuries, flames, contact with a hot object, contact with harmful chemicals, stove accidents and boiling water. Second Degree Burns on exposed areas of the skin or on large sections of the body undoubtedly require medical attention.
Third Degree Burns
These are the worst kind of burns. They burn down all layers of the skin and all nerves and blood vessels of the injured area. Something to point out is that third degree burns are not very painful. Though, this might sound like a good thing, it is actually worse. As previously mentioned, the nerves are damaged which results in numbness.
Symptoms that help identifying third degree burns are:
-Black, brown or white skin on the injury site
-Leathery looking skin
-Numbness
-Blisters that do not develop
Further complications
In contrast to first and second degree burns, third degree burns carry multiple complications such as infections like tetanus, blood loss and shock. In rare occasions, burns can cause hypothermia and an excess loss of blood. Burns can also evolve. For example, a second degree that takes a long time to heal may become a third degree burn and need medical care.
When to seek medical assistance
Burns that cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, a major joint or a large area of the body
Deep burns affecting all layers of the skin or even deeper tissues
Leathery looking burns
Charred looking burns (patches of black, brown or white)
Burns caused by chemicals or electricity
Difficulty breathing or burns to the airway
Treatment
First degree burns are only superficial and only affect the epidermis. They don’t require a trip to the emergency room. While second degree burns sometimes need more intense care, they can be treated at home as well if small in size.
Some recommended home remedies are:
Cool Water (1st degree)
Cool compresses (not icy)
Antibiotic ointments and cream (2nd degree)
Aloe vera
Honey
Over the counter pain reliever (Advil, Motrin, etc..)
Bandaging the wound like any other wounds (how to bandage a hand)
What to avoid:
Sun Exposure
Popping blisters
Ice
Butter and oils
Egg whites
Toothpaste
These last “remedies” to avoid are myths and are to be avoided.
For third degree burns, patient often require surgery and physical therapy to rehabilitate.
Prevention
Healthline, a blog written by medical experts suggest plenty of ways to prevent all types of burns such as:
Turning pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Placing a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen.
Testing smoke detectors regularly.
Replacing smoke detectors every 10 years.
Keeping the water heater’s temperature lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Measuring bath water temperature before use.
Locking up matches and lighters.
Installing electrical outlet covers.
Keeping chemicals out of reach, and wearing gloves during chemical use.
Wearing sunscreen every day
To sum up, a wide variety of burns exist. While some are less dangerous than other, it is crucial to take preventive measures. Our skin is one of the most important organs as it comes in contact with the world and is full of nerves that allow us to feel things.
That is all on burns for this article
Until next week :)
Sources and more information on burns
Excellent explanations and treatment options!