There are three levels of burns:
-First degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. They cause pain, redness and swelling.
-Second degree burns affect both the outer layer and the underlying layer (below) of the skin. They cause pain, redness, inflammation and blistering. They are also called partial thickness burns.
-Third degree burns affect the deep layers of the skin and are also called full thickness burns. They can cause whitish, dark or charred discoloration of the skin. The skin may become numb.
Considerations:
-Severe burns need immediate medical attention. Receiving it can help avoid scarring, disability and deformities.
-Burns on the face, hands, feet and genitals can be particularly serious.
-Children under 4 years of age and adults over 60 years of age are more likely to experience complications and death from severe burns, because their skin tends to be thinner than in other age groups.
Symptoms:
-Blisters (either intact or punctured with liquid leaks).
-Pain (the degree of this is not related to the severity of the burn. More serious burns may be painless).
-Peeling skin.
-Shock (you should observe if there is paleness and cold, clammy skin, weakness, bluish lips and nails, and decreased mental clarity.
-Inflammation.
-White, red or charred skin.
If your airways have been burned, you may have:
-Burns on the head, face, neck, eyebrows or nose hairs.
-Burned mouth and lips.
-Cough.
-Difficulty breathing.
-Dark mucus, with black spots.
-Voice changes.
-Wheezing.
Action Sequence:
They occur accidentally, if you act correctly from the beginning, the injuries and consequences of the accident will be minor. Personal safety should be the priority when providing first aid, therefore: PROTECT YOURSELF.
-Let’s stay calm, let’s ask for help if we don’t have the necessary knowledge.
-The first thing is to isolate the heat or energy source by extinguishing the flame, cutting off the electrical current or disconnecting the cable.
-Wash and cool the burned area with room temperature water for four or five minutes. Water helps stop the action of heat and cleans the wound. For burns caused by chemical substances, rinse (with a shower) for at least 30 minutes.
-Do not remove clothing near the burn, it may be stuck to the skin. The skin generally becomes inflamed after a burn, so it is important to remove any objects that could compress it (rings, bracelets, etc.)
-Keep the burn covered with clean cloths and keep it warm to preserve your body temperature.
-Keep the affected parts if they are head, neck, face, upper or lower limbs elevated to reduce the edema and pain produced.
-Do not use home remedies (vinegar, oil, toothpaste, tomato, coffee, etc.), although they may temporarily relieve pain, they can have a negative impact.
-If you have suffered a burn, you must be recognized by healthcare personnel so that they can assess the injury and indicate the most appropriate treatment.