Burns from heat or chemical burns can range from minor injuries to severe. It is common to get minor injuries from burns at home or work such as touching a hot stove, curling iron or from hot water. A chemical burn occurs when your skin or eyes come in contact with irritant such as an acid or a base.
Burns are divided into First, Second, Third and Fourth degree burns. First degree burns involve only the outer layer of skin which may be red, painful and swelling. These normally heal in 2 to 3 days and can be treated at home. Second degree burns affect the second layer of skin and are very painful, may produce blisters. Third degree burns damage all skin layers and may cause little or no pain due to nerve and tissue of skin being damaged. The burned skin can look white or charred. Fourth degree burns extend through the skin to injure muscle, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and bones.
CAUSES: (Heat burns)
- Hot or boiling liquids
- Hot steam
- Fire burns
- Touching hot items
CAUSES: (Chemical burns)
- Car battery acid
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Pool chlorination products
- Denture cleaners
- Household or industrial chemicals in liquid, solid or gas form
DIAGNOSES:
- Evaluating the depth, size, affected body area, age and health of the burn victim
- Level of pain and amount of swelling present
- Length of time your skin was in contact with the chemical
- Whether the chemical was inhaled or swallowed
- Amount and strength of the chemical used
- Whether the chemical was gas, liquid or solid
HOME TREATMENT:
- Cool the burn by running cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes until pain eases
- For chemical burns, flush area with large quantities of cool water
- Apply moisturizer or aloe vera lotion or gel
- Use over the counter pain reliever
- Do not break blisters. If blisters break, gently clean with mild soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment and cover with bandage.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
- The burn is larger than 2 to 3 inches
- The burn is deep
- Severe pain
- The victim has difficulty breathing
- Shows signs of infection, such as oozing, pus, increased swelling
- Development of large blisters
Do not remove any clothing that is stuck to the burn. Cover the burned area with a cool, damp cloth. Remove jewelry, belts, or constrictive clothing. Watch for signs of shock.
If you are suffering from burns, contact our office today to see an Irving Doctor.