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A thermal burn can be caused by fire, coming in contact with hot objects, flammable vapor that ignites causing an explosion, or contact to the skin by steam or other forms of hot liquid.
In order to care for a burn properly until medical attention can be received, you must first determine the degree of the burn. First, second and third degree burns are different and need to be treated as such.
A first-degree burn is superficial, burning only the outer layer of the skin. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, pain and mild swelling. Healing usually occurs in a week without scarring.
To care for a first-degree burn you may relieve pain by immersing the burned area in cold water or by applying a wet, cold cloth. Continue applying cold water, on and off, until the area is pain free. This process can take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes. Cold water not only relieves pain, it will actually stop the progression of the burn into deeper areas of tissue.
Since moistening the skin helps to relieve itching and peeling, you may also apply an aloe vera gel or moisturizer to the skin. Aloe vera is an effective analgesic.
A second-degree burn penetrates the entire outer layer of the skin into the inner skin layer. The characteristics of a second-degree burn are the forming of blisters, swelling and fluids beginning to seep from the burned area. Severe pain accompanies these symptoms, because the capillary blood vessels in the skin are damaged.
Do not open the blisters on the skin of a burned area. The blister is nature’s way of providing a sterile, waterproof covering when a burn has damaged skin. Therefore, open blisters expose the burn victim to a much greater risk of infection.
Again, immersing the burned area in cold water on and off for 10 to 45 minutes is recommended to relieve pain, as is the use of ibuprofen for pain and swelling.
Additionally, it is recommended to elevate a burned extremity to reduce gravity-induced swelling. Though applying a thin layer of anti-biotic ointment to a burned area does not sterilize the area it may decrease the amount of bacteria that can enter an open burn. Other types of ointment, sprays or home remedies are not recommended for use on a Second-degree burn. Substances such as these are not sterile and can easily lead to infection.
Never place a wet dressing on a burn. A wet dressing can seal in heat causing even more tissue damage and will need to be removed by a physician by scraping the dressing away which will cause extra unnecessary pain to the burn victim.
The most severe burn is the third-degree burn. This type of burn penetrates all the skin layers deep down into the muscle and fat tissues. The appearance of the skin has a waxy or leathery look. It may look charred or gray as well. The victim of a third-degree burn feels no pain because the nerve endings have been damaged. Only pain from surrounding first and second-degree burns can be felt.
Respiratory damage may also occur with a victim of third-degree burn. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Until medical attention arrives you may cover the burn with a dry, non-sticking, sterile dressing or clean cloth only.
Do not apply cold water or any type of ointment or spray on a third-degree burn.
The victim of a third-degree burn may also be prone to shock. It is best to elevate the legs of the burn victim and keep them warm by covering them with a clean sheet or blanket until medical assistance arrives.
In all cases of burn it is wise to have the burned area examined by a physician to protect the burn victim from the high risk of infection.
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