Burns

Recognizing and treating burns

One of the most physically painful experiences a person can have is from a burn, and it is important to know how to recognize different types of burns and treat them effectively. Untreated, or treated poorly, some types of even seemingly minor burns can result in serious long-term physical consequences. A burn to the skin can have many different causes and implications.

Sunburns

Sunburns are perhaps the most common type of burn; most of us have or will experience at least a minor sunburn at some point in our lives. But even sunburns can become serious. It is very important to always make sure that you are wearing enough sunblock to provide protection, and that you not spend any more time in direct sunlight than is necessary. These guidelines are especially important for fair-skinned people, who are more susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun.

First, Second and Third Degree Burns

Burns are often classified by degrees, according to the severity of the burn and how pervasive it is throughout the body. A sunburn can often be classified as a first-degree burn. First degree burns are the least serious. Second degree burns are more severe, and third degree burns are very serious and sometimes life-threatening. Treating burns appropriately is important. The first thing to understand is that you don’t have to know the degree of the burn to know how to start treating a serious burn. The second thing to know is that there a number of things you should not do.

You should never try to touch the burn, don’t remove stuck clothing from a burn, don’t try to lance a boil, and don’t move any burned skin off of the body. Doing any of these things can make the problem worse. Also, do not put salves on the burn, such as butter or creams; they serve no useful purpose and can make the matter worse. These cautions apply whether you are talking about a simple sunburn, first, second or third-degree burns, or chemical burns.

For serious burns, as much as possible, try to keep the victim comfortable and from going into shock until help arrives.