What are Burns?

Electricity, corrosive chemical or heat source can burn and damage the skin. Depending on the degree of severity and amount of skin involved, burns can be classified further as:

1. First-degree burns – tenderness in the skin and their maybe some swelling and only outer layer of the skin is damaged.
2. Second degree burns – swelling maybe mild or moderate, red blisters accompanied by pain, and both outer dermis and dermis are damaged.
3. Third degree burns – there is extensive swelling but no blisters. Skin appears black, tanned, brown, red or white. There is usually no immediate pain and bleeding. Because of nerve damage all the skin layers are destroyed.

Symptoms of Burns

 

Causes of Burns

• Minor household accidents, touching a hot vessel, iron; steam or hot water is first degree.
• Depending on the severity sunburns can be first or second degree. Burns due to faulty wiring or acid and alkali is second degree.

Home remedies for Burns

1. Do not apply any burn ointment because they will increase the risk of infection and slow down healing.
2. Hold the burnt area under water for 10-15 minutes.
3. Do not puncture very small blisters.
4. After washing the burnt area, dry it carefully and bandage it with sterile gauze. You can even use polysporin or Neosporin antibiotic cream to soothe the area.

How can one prevent Burns

1. Have fire extinguishers in the kitchen, secure all electrical outlets, corrosive chemicals should be secured in containers
2. Be alert when you are cooking or ironing.