What is a burn?

A burn is an injury to the body’s tissue resulting from heat, chemicals, electricity or sunlight. The severity of a burn depends on the amount of tissue affected and the depth of the injury. Burns are often classified as:

• first degree (those causing damage to the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis)
• second degree (causing deeper damage to the dermis — the layer beneath it)
• third degree (those causing the deepest and most severe damage — destruction of entire skin and damage to tissues underneath).

How do you treat minor burns?

• The majority of burns are minor and can be treated at home or in a doctor’s clinic.
• If possible, remove jewellery and clothing from around the injury.
• If the burn is very painful, it is probably superficial. You must act quickly to reduce further injury to the skin. Immediately cool the area under cold running water for 10 minutes, or longer if pain persists. If this is not possible apply a cold-water compress.
• Cover the burn with clean, sterile (if possible), non-stick material.
• DO NOT use adhesive dressings, apply fat, ointment or lotions, break a blister or touch a burn.
• See your doctor or go to the emergency department of your local hospital.

How do you know if a burn victim should be hospitalised?

A person who is burned over a large area of the body (arm, thigh or chest) is likely to suffer shock and needs urgent hospitalisation. Hospitalisation is more likely to be needed in the following situations.

• If the face, hands, genitals, or feet are burned.
• If the person would have difficulty caring for the wound adequately at home.
• If the person is under 2 or over 70 years old.
• If internal organs are burned.

First aid for severe burns

• Lie the victim down, preferably on a rug or sheet to prevent the burned area from touching the ground.
• If possible, remove rings, watch or constricting clothing before the area starts to swell. Remove clothing soaked in boiling liquid. DO NOT remove clothing or anything that is sticking to the burn. It helps to protect against infection and prevent fluid loss.
• Call for an ambulance or arrange to take the victim to the emergency department of your local hospital.
• Cover the burn with clean, non-stick material, such as a freshly washed pillowcase. Fix it in place with a scarf or a piece of clean cloth.
• For burns to the face, make a mask from a clean pillowcase by cutting holes for the nose, mouth and eyes.
• Again, DO NOT use adhesive dressings, apply fat, ointment or lotion, break a blister or touch a burn.

Original material provided by mydr, October 2004. Edited by everybody.