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How to Treat Burns?

by sophiajames

Treat burns by cooling the area with running water for 10-20 minutes, covering it with a clean, non-stick dressing, and avoiding ointments or ice. For severe burns, seek immediate medical attention to prevent complications and promote healing.

Burns are a common injury that can occur from heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. They can be mild, moderate, or severe and need timely treatment to limit damage, bring down pain and prevent infections. Understanding the type of burn and how to treat it effectively is crucial for proper healing. This article gives you detailed guidance on how to treat burns and how to make sure your skin heals well.

If you have a severe or complicated burn injury, you need to seek professional care. If you are not sure about the treatment, consult the best dermatologists in Kolkata or consult skin specialist online.

Types of Burns

Before diving into treatment, it’s essential to identify the type and severity of the burn:

  1. First-Degree Burns: It affects only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, mild swelling, and pain.
  2. Second-Degree Burns: Both the epidermis and the layer beneath (dermis) are damaged. These burn blisters are very painful.
  3. Third-Degree Burns: It can extend through all layers of skin and potentially affect tissues below. These burns may be charred or white and painless because of nerve damage.
  4. Chemical and Electrical Burns: They can damage deeper tissues or organs and require immediate professional care.

Steps to Treat Burns

First-Degree Burns

  1. Cool the Burn: To reduce pain and swelling, run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10–20 minutes. Don’t use ice, as it can make the tissue damage worse.
  2. Clean the Area: Wash gently with mild soap and water to avoid infection.
  3. Apply a Moisturiser: Apply unscented moisturiser or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin.
  4. Cover the Burn: Cover the area with a clean, non-stick bandage.
  5. Manage Pain: If needed, take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol.

Second-Degree Burns

  1. Cool and Clean the Burn: Rinse the area with cool water to avoid breaking any blisters.
  2. Do Not Apply Home Remedies: Don’t use butter, oils, or toothpaste because they can trap heat and increase the risk of infection.
  3. Apply a Burn Dressing: Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing or gauze. Change it daily.
  4. Seek Medical Attention: If the burn covers a large area, and affects the face, hands, feet, or joints, consult a doctor promptly. 

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns need immediate emergency care. Follow these steps until help arrives:

  1. Do Not Cool the Burn: Cooling can cause hypothermia or shock in severe burns.
  2. Cover with a Clean Cloth: To protect the burn area from contamination, use a sterile bandage or clean cloth.
  3. Avoid Removing Stuck Clothing: Cutting around the fabric is safer to prevent additional injury.
  4. Keep the Person Warm: Maintain body temperature with a blanket.

Treating Chemical Burns

  1. Flush the Burn: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Remove Contaminated Clothing: Cut off clothing that has come into contact with the chemical.
  3. Avoid Neutralisers: Do not use creams or neutralising agents unless directed by a professional.
  4. Get Medical Help: Chemical burns can worsen and often require specialised care.

Treating Electrical Burns

  1. Turn Off the Power Source: Get the person away from the electrical current.
  2. Call for Emergency Help: Electrical burns can cause internal injuries.
  3. Check for Breathing and Heartbeat: If needed, begin CPR and wait for medical help.

Preventing Burn Infections

Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infections:

  • Keep the burn area clean and covered.
  • Dressings should be changed daily or as directed.
  • Look for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge.
  • Don’t scratch the healing skin to avoid scarring or further irritation.

When to Get Professional Help

How your skin heals after a burn depends on expert care. While minor burns can be treated at home, consult a doctor if:

  • The burn is large or on sensitive parts such as the face, joints, or genitals.
  • Blisters are large or broken.
  • You see signs of infection, like pus, fever, or increasing pain.
  • Healing is slow, or scars are forming.

Overall, the severity of burns can vary, but timely and appropriate care is necessary for recovery. Healing and minimising complications can be helped by cooling the burn, gently cleaning it, and keeping it covered. If you have severe burns or are worried about scarring, consult a professional dermatologist.

Take the first step toward better healing and prevention of complications. Look for the best dermatologists in Kolkata or consult skin specialist online for personalised care and treatment.

 

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