How to treat a serious burn

Burns are a very common household injury, and a small or minor burn is going to sting a while but it is going to heal on its own. However, severe burns not only require special care because of the possibility of severe scarring, but also to reduce the chances of infection.

Types of burns:

1st-degree burn

A first-degree burn is the least serious type, involving only the outer layer of skin. It may cause:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain

You can usually treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn. If it involves much of the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint, seek emergency medical attention.

2nd-degree burn

A second-degree burn is more serious. It may cause:

• Red, white or splotchy skin
• Swelling
• Pain
• Blisters

If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or covers the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.

3rd-degree burns

The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and underlying fat. Muscle and even bone may be affected. Burned areas may be charred black or white. The person may experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Other toxic effects, if smoke inhalation also occurred

 First Aid for severe burns:

• Protect the burned person from further harm:  If you can do so safely, make sure the person you're helping is not in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat. But don't remove burned clothing stuck to the skin.

•  Check for signs of circulation:  Look for breathing, coughing or movement. Begin CPR if needed.

• Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive items:  especially from around burned areas and the neck. Burned areas swell rapidly.

• Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water:  Doing so could cause a serious loss of body heat (hypothermia) or a drop in blood pressure and decreased blood flow (shock).

• Elevate the burned area:  Raise the wound above heart level, if possible.

• Cover the area of the burn:  Use a cool, moist, bandage or a clean cloth.