>>What are burns?
Injuries due to heat/ chemicals/ electricity/ radiation
Common heat injuries due to fire, hot liquids, steam
Burns due to heat / chemicals - through skin contact
Severe burns affect muscles, fat and bones
Older people/ children - particularly vulnerable
>>Categories of burns
First, second and third degree
Categorization depends on severity of tissue damage
Check extent of burn before deciding self treatment
Seek help if burn is over a couple of inches in diameter, or
If it involves large sections of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint
>>First-degree burns
Injuries are superficial / mild
Swelling& redness of the injured area
Pain develops
No blisters seen
Burned area becomes white on touch
Takes 3-6 days to heal
>>Treatment
Remove patient from heat source
Remove the burnt clothing
Run cool water over burnt area
Gently clean the injured area
Gently dry
Apply anti biotic such as Silver Sulphadiazine
Use a sterile bandage to cover burns
Take tetanus vaccination, if required
>>Second-degree burns
Burns extends to middle skin layer, dermis
Swelling, redness and pain observed
Burnt area may turn white on touch
Blisters develop, that ooze a clear fluid
Scars may develop
Restricts movement, if injury occurs at joint
Dehydration may occur
Healing time varies, depends on extent of injury
>>Treatment
Clean the affected area thoroughly
Gently dry
Apply antibiotic cream over affected area
Make the patient lie down
Keep burnt body part at a raised level
Skin graft may be required
Physical therapy may be essential to aid mobility
Splints may be used to rest affected joints
Hospitalization is essential
>>Third-degree burns
Damage occurs to all 3 skin layers
Destroys adjacent hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings
Lack of pain due to destroyed nerves
Injured area does not turn white on touch
No blisters observed
Swelling occurs
Skin develops leathery texture
Discoloration of skin observed
Scars develop
Crusty surfaces (Eschars) develop-impairs circulation
Dehydration occurs resulting in shock
Symptoms may worsen with time
Disfigurement may result
Healing depends on extent of injury
90% body surface injury results in death
60% injury in elderly, fatal
>>Treatment
Requires immediate hospital care
Dehydration treated through intravenous fluid supply
Oxygen is administered
Eschars are surgically opened
Periodically run clean cool water over burns
Nutritious diet helps to heal quickly
Regular monitoring essential
Mental Depression treated by anti-depressants
>>Prevention
Install smoke alarm in your home
Employ 'children friendly' safety measures at home
Avoid synthetic clothing while cooking
Carry out fire drills at home and work place
