Treating Burns

Treating burns appropriately is important to reduce the risk of infection, to minimize scarring and to prevent other complications. Follow these steps to treat minor burns that occur in the home.

Treating Burns that are Minor:

First degree burns are burns that occur when the skin comes in contact with a source of electricity or heat. These burns cause redness and minor swelling. They can be painful. First degree burns involve only the outermost layer of skin, called the epidermis. To treat first degree burns, you must first cool the burned area by running cool water over the area for several minutes. Alternately, you can apply cold cloths, making sure to change them frequently. Once the burn has been cooled, you can apply a burn ointment, which can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies. Over the counter pain medications can be used to reduce pain, such as Tylenol. Do not apply butter or other old-fashioned remedies to the burn. These burns will heal quickly, generally in 3 to 7 days. You can apply an antibacterial cream or ointment such as polysporin, to prevent infection. Keep the burn site clean and dry until healed, and see your physician if you have concerns.

Second degree burns may be uncomplicated and may be treated at home, while deeper second degree burns should be seen immediately by a physician. Second degree burns invove the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, the layer of skin that lies under the epidermis. Second degree burns are more serious and may cause blistering of the skin. First aid treatment consists of cooling the burned area as described above. Blisters should be left intact and should never be punctured. Burns should be covered with sterile gauze and kept clean and dry. Doctors may prescribe creams containing sulfa, an antibiotic that prevents infection. Burns to certain areas of the body should always be seen by a physician, even if they are small and of the second degree variety; these areas include the hands, the genitals and the face. If second degree burns to these areas are sustained, emergency medical treatment should be sought immediately. Second degree burns take longer to heal and may leave scarring, depending on how severe the burn is and how far it extends into the dermis. There is more risk of infection with these types of burns.

Treating Burns that are Severe

Third degree burns extend through all layers of skin and sometimes to the bone, tendons, ligaments and other structures below. These burns are very serious and should always be treated in the emergency room. If someone is the victim of severe burns, remove the clothing over the burned areas and cover them with a clean towel or sheet. Remove their shoes or socks if their feet have been burned and take off any jewelery that is over a burned area. Apply cold compresses to cool the burns and stay with the victim until emergency help arrives.

Knowing how to provide emergency treatment for burns can decrease your anxiety should you ever need to help a victim who has sustained a burn injury. Most burns, excluding first degree and minor second degree burns, should be seen and evaluated by a physician.  Treating burns appropriately can help prevent infection and scarring.