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Different Types Of Skin Burns & Their Severity

Skin burns are frequent for people who regularly cook, work as chefs, as mechanics and other professions that require them to work with fire. Unfortunately, skin burns are often ignored and overlooked as common home injuries. But if these go untreated, they can cause severe health problems.

Our skin is the largest organ of the human body, and it also acts as the 1st level of defense against the external elements. But if the skin is not looked after or any injury or burn is left untreated, it can lead to infections and diseases.

What is a skin burn?

When the skin meets something very hot like an object, liquid or chemical or even radiation, it causes a skin burn. Skin burns can be classified into three different categories depending on the intensity of the trauma and the injury caused.

What Are the Different Types of Burns?

The 1st-degree burn

This skin burn is a superficial burn as it affects only the 1st or the uppermost layer of the skin or epidermis. Prolonged exposure to the sun causes sunburns, a type of 1st-degree burn.

The 2nd-degree burn

The 2nd-degree skin burn needs attention and cannot be overlooked or ignored. This type of burn affects a deeper layer of the skin, the epidermis, and the dermis, wholly or partially.

Although first-degree burns are not as serious as higher-degree burns, they can hurt quite a bit and can leave a scar if not properly treated.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

The 3rd-degree burn

The third-degree burn is dangerous and needs immediate attention as it goes deeper than the epidermis and dermis, i.e., it causes damage to the skin tissues. It may result in whitened or blackened or charred skin.

Hold the area under cool (not cold) running water for about 10 minutes is the most important treatment. If the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases. For a mouth burn from hot food or drink, put a piece of ice in the mouth for a few minutes. Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Protocol to follow for skin burn

In case of 1st-degree burn injury, it is best to treat it by cleaning the burnt region with cold compression or antiseptic cream. Do not rub ice. Consult a doctor in case of blisters or irritation of the skin.

Important Protocol

  1. Move the patient away from the source of burn or heat
  2. In case of scalding hot liquid or chemical having caused damage, clothing should be discarded immediately
  3. All accessories, jewelry, rings or tight clothes should be removed as the damaged region may swell up
  4. If the injured person feels weak or faints, they should lay down. But their injured area should be soaked in cold water
  5. Hold the wounded region under cold water for at least 20 minutes
  6. The burn region should be gently patted dry with a soft, clean towel
  7. A fresh, sterile dressing should be put on
  8. Do not try to pull at the clothing stuck to the burn region. It is best if the doctor does the same
  9. Apply aloe vera, antiseptic creams, and ointments

First-degree burns usually heal on their own without treatment from a doctor. However, if your first-degree burn is very large, if the victim is an infant or elderly person, or if you think your burn is more severe, go to an emergency room immediately.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

When to seek medical assistance?

While minor burns can be treated at home, burn injuries should not be ignored in certain situations. The affected person should seek medical help immediately in such cases. Below are some conditions when the burn injury requires immediate medical attention:

Burns should be treated by doctors only. If in an unfortunate situation, a person’s clothing catches fire, it is best to cover them with a blanket and do the stop-drop-roll ritual. Never douse the person with water. Proper first aid should be administered by a doctor only.

Also Read:  Psoriasis Skin Disease : Symptoms, Types & Treatment

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