First Aid For
Burns

First aid for burns needs to be swift. As you know burns are unbelievably painful and serious damage can occur in seconds. Here's what you need to know.

There are 3 levels of a burn.

First Degree Burns are a minor burn. A sunburn is a good example of a first degree burn. It only effects the out layer of skin (the epidermis). There will be no broken skin.

Second Degree Burns is where the second layer of skin (the dermis) has been effected. Blisters can develop and the skin can appear blotchy and red.

Third Degree Burns are the most severe of all burns. They effect all layers of skin and can involve fat, muscle, tissue and even bone. Third degree burns are painless can be charred black or chalky white in appearance.

This page, First Aid For Burns, is available as a PDF download.

You will need the free software program Adobe Reader to view these files. You can download that here.

We have a great section on burns. You might what to have a quick look to get a fuller picture on burn recognition and different treatments.

Causes

• Scalds. The most common of all burns. Boiling water, hot tea or coffee, hot water taps and steam from kettles or pots.
• Electrical burns.
• Chemical burns. There is the obvious exposure to chemicals out in the world but one can also suffer burns from many of the products used on the hair, face, body and nails.

First Aid Treatment

Signs of a first degree burn:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• The skin will be sensitive to touch and blanche white when light pressure is applied

Treatment for first degree burns:

• Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes. Or until the pain subsides. If you are not near water use cold compresses. Do not use ice. This can lead to frostbite and further skin damage.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage: Do not use fluffy cotton or cotton balls. This can irritate the skin. Loosely wrap the burn being careful not to apply pressure to the burned skin. The gauze keeps air off the burn reducing pain and protects blisters. Do not break blisters they protect the skin and broken they increase the chances of infection.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: Grab the Tylenol, the aspirin, the Aleve or Motrin. Whatever you normally take to reduce pain and swelling. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers due to its association with Reye's Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.
• A topical burn gel can be applied.

Signs of a second degree burn:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Blisters on the skin
• Skin takes on a red and blotchy appearance

Treatment for second degree burns:

• Cool the burn: Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes. Or until the pain subsides. If you are not near water use cold compresses. Do not use ice. This can lead to frostbite and further skin damage.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage: Do not use fluffy cotton or cotton balls. This can irritate the skin. Loosely wrap the burn being careful not to apply pressure to the burned skin. The gauze keep air off the burn reducing pain and protects blisters. Do not break blisters they protect the skin and broken they increase the chances of infection.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: Grab the Tylenol, the aspirin, the Aleve or Motrin. Whatever you normally take to reduce pain and swelling. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers due to its association with Reye's Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition
• A topical burn gel can be applied.

Signs of a third degree burn

• Painless
• Can involve fat, muscle, bone and tissue
• Skin can appear charred or white and powdery
• Can include difficulty breathing, carbon monoxide poisoning or other toxic effects if smoke inhalation occurred
• Third degree burns are usually surrounded by first and second degree burns

Treatment for third degree burns (and severe second degree burns):

• Call 911 immediately.
• Do not remove burnt clothing. But do check to see that the patient is not in contact with any smoldering clothing, material, heat or smoke.
• Do not immerse large areas of the body in cold water. This can induce shock in the patient.
• Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If the patient is not breathing check to see if the airway is open and begin CPR.
• Cover the area of the burn. Use cool moist sterile bandages. If that is not available use clean, cool, moist towels, cloths or better still sheets.
• Separate fingers and toes. If fingers and toes have been burned gently separate them with sterile, non-adhesive gauze.
• Elevate the burned area. If possible elevate the burned area protecting it from pressure and friction.
• Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the victim flat elevate the feet about 12 inches, and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. DO NOT place the victim in the shock position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.
• DO NOT apply ointments or creams. Ointments, cream, butter or any other home remedy can interfere with proper healing.
• DO NOT allow the burn to become contaminated. Avoid breathing or coughing over the burn.
• DO NOT disturb blisters or dead skin. Blisters protect the skin. Broken blisters can become infected.
• DO NOT use a pillow under the patient's head. If the patient has an airway burn and they are lying down this can close the airway.