What You Should Do If You Have A Burn

Burns are very common, they are caused by electrical, chemical, etc. accidents. It is important to know how to deal with a burn, what knowledge we should have and how to treat the wound.

Burning yourself at home is very common. They can range from mild to severe and can be fatal. Therefore, it is essential to treat different types of burns and to know what to do if this kind of injury happens to us.

There are 3 types of burns depending on their depth

different types of burns

First degree. They are superficial and affect the outer layer of the skin, they cause a lot of pain.
Second degree. They are deeper and affect the first and second layers of the skin. The damaged area appears bright red and may have blisters.
Third degree. These are the most serious of burns, they affect all layers of the skin, being the result of permanent tissue damage.

Treatment for a mild first degree burn

Cool the skin with cold water for 10 to 30 minutes. This prevents the burn from getting worse and continuing to burn other layers of the skin.
Use a gauze or cotton bandage, loosely, wrap the fabric around the burnt skin. This prevents air from entering the burned area and helps reduce inflammation and pain.
Avoid ice, ice cold water, cold baths, or showers for pain relief.
If the wound is painful, you can take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, this helps to relieve the pain.
Do not touch the burn or try to pop the blisters, infection may occur.

Treatment for a second degree burn

Wash off immediately in cold water for 5-10 minutes.
Do not shatter the blisters, instead disinfect with an antiseptic and apply an ointment for burns.
Then put on a clean, dry gauze.

Treatment for a third degree burn

These burns affect the hands, feet, face, genitals or major joints.

In case of burns of this type, you should consult a doctor immediately. In the meantime, do the following:

Remove the burnt clothing from the patient’s body.
Check the person’s vital signs, such as breathing, circulation, or pulse.
Wrap the affected area in a damp cloth or towel, making sure it is sterile.

Recommendations for treating other types of burns

If a person caught fire

heal the burn

The first thing to do is put out the fire and put a coat or blanket on it. Remove all clothing and items, except clothing that has been stuck to the body. Seek medical help immediately.

Electricity burn

You should wash off the burn with plenty of water – not cold – for 5 minutes. Do not take off the clothes at first, do it while washing the burn. Put on a sterile gauze or bandage and see a doctor immediately.

Chemical burns

If it gets in the mouth or in the eyes, wash it out thoroughly with water and seek immediate medical attention.

Avoid in case of burns

Do not place ice directly on the burnt skin, it causes frostbite and increases the damage already present on the skin.
Avoid applying any ointments or oils that can interfere with the natural healing process.
Do not pop any blisters that may form, as this can lead to infections.
Do not cover the lesion with cotton wool or tape, this will not allow the wound to breathe and may infect it.
Avoid removing burnt clothes stuck to the skin, it is essential to see a doctor to clean the area.
Do not touch severe burns, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Never smear the wound with toothpaste, butter, talcum powder or lotion; it will only make the wound worse.

Some remedies for injuries that do not require medical assistance

Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties that accelerate the healing of wounds and burns. You can apply the gel directly from the leaf to the burn area, it will help relieve and heal the wound.

Raw honey

It has antibacterial, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in the treatment and healing of burns. A little honey should be applied to the affected area.

Calendula

Calendula oil has antiseptic analgesic properties, so it reduces inflammation and helps heal wounds and burns. Calendula extract is available in the form of: cream, gel, lotion and oil.