Skin Burn Treatment

The skin is an important organ that forms the outer covering of the body. Besides protection, the skin regulates body temperature and helps in excretion of waste in the form of fluids from our body. However, when our skin comes in contact with something that has high heat content, it may suffer damage caused due to a burn. Some skin burn treatments can be done at home. However, the diagnosis and treatment depends upon the type of skin burn.

Classification of Skin Burns

Depending upon the severity of injury, burns on the skin can be classified into one of the following categories:

First Degree Burn: In a first degree burn, the injury is superficial. It causes inflammation of the skin that is accompanied with redness, pain and slight swelling. These symptoms are usually cured by simple home remedies. Sunburn is an example of such an injury.

Second Degree Burn: Second degree burns are deeper than first degree burns. In addition to pain and swelling, second degree burns cause blisters and splitting of the skin layers. As in first degree burns, second degree burns rarely lead to scarring or lasting problems. However, they cause intense pain.

Third Degree Burn: In third degree burns, all the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) are destroyed. The underlying tissues and nerves are also damaged. Due to this reason, the burns look white and leathery. As the nerves are also damaged, one feels lesser pain. Nevertheless, this is most serious kind of skin burn that causes scarring, fluid loss, and infection. A physician should be called in immediately in case of a third degree burn.

Skin Burn Treatment

Treating First Degree Burns: Soak the burnt area in cold water for some time. Then treat the burn with an antibiotic cream or aloe vera. The affected area should also be covered with a dry gauze. In case the pain is intense, pain relievers like acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen should be taken. With simple skin burn care first degree burns heal within 3 to 6 days.

Treating Second Degree Burns: Like first degree burns, burns of the second degree should be washed with cold water, and then an antibiotic ointment or other skin products for burns should be applied. Cover the burn with a dry non-stick dressing. It is important to take a tetanus shot in case of a second degree burn. Burns of this severity have a tendency of developing infection. Hence keep checking the area for signs like swelling, pus, increased pain or redness. Change the dressing everyday and be on the lookout for such signs. In case you think you have developed infection, see a doctor right away. Also do not break the blisters as that may cause infection. As the burns heal, the skin itches. It is important to resist the urge to itch as that would only aggravate the injury and cause infection.

Treating Third Degree Burns: Avoid treating skin burns of the third degree at home. Take the victim to hospital right away. Do not try to remove any clothes that may be sticking to the burnt area. Also do not wash with water or apply any ointment to it. Until medical help is reached, keep the area covered with a clean cloth or sterile bandage.

Chemical Burns

In case one suffers from skin burns due to some chemical spilling on the skin, wash the area with water. This should be done so that the chemical is washed off the surface before it seeps deeper into the skin and cause greater damage to the underlying tissues. Remove any piece of cloth that has been contaminated by the chemical. Contact the local poison control center and check if any antidote is available for the chemical that caused the burn. In case the patient seems to have difficulty in breathing, take him to the hospital as his lungs could have been affected due to inhaling caustic fumes.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns are very common home accidents and children are most prone to them. As the name suggests, these injuries are caused due to burns from electrical appliances. If an electrical burn occurs, disconnect the power source immediately. Pull the victim away using a dry, non-metallic object. Do not touch him with bare hands. Even if the person suffers from minor burns, he should be taken to a doctor as he may suffer from internal injuries.

Precaution is the best way to prevent accidents. Keep inflammable objects well out of reach of children. Check smoke detectors regularly. Follow all instructions for fire safety. Despite all the precautions, if accidents do occur, it is very important to provide proper and immediate skin burn treatment so that the skin can heal without any complications.