What are burns? Injuries due to heat/ chemicals/ electricity/ radiation Common heat injuries due to fire, hot liquids, steam Burns due to heat / chemicals - through skin contact Severe burns affect muscles, fat and bones Older people/ children - particularly vulnerable Categories of burns First, second and third degree Categorization depends on severity of tissue damage Check extent of burn before deciding self treatment Seek help if burn is over a couple of inches in diameter, or If it involves large sections of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint First-degree burns Injuries are superficial / mild Swelling& redness of the injured area Pain develops No blisters seen Burned area becomes white on touch Takes 3-6 days to heal Treatment Remove patient from heat source Remove the burnt clothing Run cool water over burnt area Gently clean the injured area Gently dry Apply anti biotic such as Silver Sulphadiazine Use a sterile bandage to cover burns Take tetanus vaccination, if required Second-degree burns Burns extends to middle skin layer, dermis Swelling, redness and pain observed Burnt area may turn white on touch Blisters develop, that ooze a clear fluid Scars may develop Restricts movement, if injury occurs at joint Dehydration may occur Healing time varies, depends on extent of injury Treatment Clean the affected area thoroughly Gently dry Apply antibiotic cream over affected area Make the patient lie down Keep burnt body part at a raised level Skin graft may be required Physical therapy may be essential to aid mobility Splints may be used to rest affected joints Hospitalization is essential Third-degree burns Damage occurs to all 3 skin layers Destroys adjacent hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings Lack of pain due to destroyed nerves Injured area does not turn white on touch No blisters observed Swelling occurs Skin develops leathery texture Discoloration of skin observed Scars develop Crusty surfaces (Eschars) develop-impairs circulation Dehydration occurs resulting in shock Symptoms may worsen with time Disfigurement may result Healing depends on extent of injury 90% body surface injury results in death 60% injury in elderly, fatal Treatment Requires immediate hospital care Dehydration treated through intravenous fluid supply Oxygen is administered Eschars are surgically opened Periodically run clean cool water over burns Nutritious diet helps to heal quickly Regular monitoring essential Mental Depression treated by anti-depressants Prevention Install smoke alarm in your home Employ 'children friendly' safety measures at home Avoid synthetic clothing while cooking Carry out fire drills at home and work place
