Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [16]
Third-degree burns - all layers of the skin have been burned through including fat, muscle and even bone. Burned areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. For this type of burn, medical treatment is always required.
If treating first or second degree burns at home, watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical attention immediately. First and second degree burns heal well, but may cause permanent pigment changes to the skin. Avoid re-injuring the burn, and for a year afterward, avoid tanning which can cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Cover the area with sunscreen for at least a year.
Second Degree Burn
Treatment:
1. For first or second degree burns no larger than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) cool the burn by holding it under cold running water for at least five minutes, by immersing it in cold water, or by using cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Do not put ice on a burn.
2. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage, wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on the skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin
3. Take a pain reliever (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen). Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers.
For third degree burns:
1. Call 911 immediately. Until help arrives, do not put ice on the burn, this can cause frostbite, which can further damage the skin.
2. Do not apply butter or ointments to the burn; these can impair future healing.
3. Don’t break any blisters that may form; breaking them makes the skin prone to infection.
4. Don’t remove burnt clothing, doing so may further damage the skin, however, make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
5. Don’t immerse large severe burns in cold water, doing so can cause the victim to go into shock.
6. Elevate the burned body part or parts above the level of the heart if possible.
7. Cover the burned area with a cool, moist, sterile bandage, cloth or towel.
8. If the victim is not breathing, begin CPR.
Third Degree Burn
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns of the skin can be caused by exposure to acids or strong bases such as silver nitrate (AgNO3), hydrochloric acid (HCl), lye (NaOH), and lime (CaO). If you’re unsure whether a substance is toxic, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. If you take the victim for treatment, be sure to bring the chemical container or a complete description of the substance with you for identification.
Minor chemical burns usually heal without further treatment. Seek emergency medical assistance if:
• The victim shows signs of shock, such as fainting, pale complexion or breathing in a noticeably shallow manner
• The chemical burn penetrates through the first layer of skin, and the resulting second-degree burn covers an area more than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter.
• The burn occurred on the eye, hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint
• The victim has pain that cannot be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen or others
Treatment:
1. If the source of the burn is a powder, such as lime, brush it off the skin before flushing.
2. Flush chemicals off the skin surface with cool, running water for at least 20 minutes.
3. Remove clothing or jewelry that has been in contact with the chemical.
4. Apply a cool, wet cloth or towel to relieve pain.
5. Wrap the burned area loosely with a dry, sterile dressing or a clean cloth. Do not use fluffy cotton, which can stick to or irritate the skin.
Electrocution
Electrocution causes both electrical shock and electrical burns. Electrical burns may appear on the skin at all, but can extend deep within the tissues of the body. Electrocution can also cause heart rhythm disturbance, or cardiac arrest. Sometimes the electrical jolt causes the victim to be thrown or to fall, resulting in fractures or other