Treating a Minor Skin Burn

Each and every one must have felt the pain of a burn at least once in their life. According to a research agency, two million people worldwide receive skin burns each year. Children under the age of four years and the elderly are at the highest risk for burns. Burns usually affect the skin, but other body parts can be injured, such as the airways and lungs, from inhaling hot fumes and gases.

What is a burn?

A burn is an injury to the skin tissue, usually caused by contact with intense heat, electricity or chemicals. Skin damage resulting from burns can be minor or can present a life-threatening emergency, depending on the heat's intensity and length of exposure to the skin.

What are the types of burns?

Depending upon the severity of burns they are categorized in to three categories namely first degree burns, second degree burns and third degree burns.

• First-degree burns: These remain on the surface of the skin and tend to appear red. Although first-degree burns can cause great pain, they seldom result in lasting problems or require medical attention.
• Second Degree Skin Burn: In this case, the top layer and second layer of the skin (epidermis and dermis) are damaged and blisters may develop. A minor second degree burn is generally less than 15 percent of total body area.
• Third degree burn: These are the deepest and most serious kind. The skin becomes white and leathery, but it does not feel very tender when touched.

What are the symptoms of burns?

The common symptoms of burns include:

• Blisters
• Pain
• White or charred skin
• Peeling skin
• Red skin
• Wheezing
• Swelling.

What are immediate steps that should be taken?

Follow these steps to administer first aid for minor burns:

• You should hold the burned area under cold running water for about five minutes (or till the pain goes away). Don't put ice as it can cause a burn victim's body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound.
• Don't apply ointments to any deeper burns that have caused a change in your skin color or blister
• After flushing or soaking, cover the burn with a dry sterile bandage or clean dressing to keep air off the burn and protect the skin. Don't use a material like fluffy cotton that may get lint in the wound.
• Avoid scratching the skin.
• If the burn is very painful, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
• Monitor the burned area for blistering. If blisters develop, leave them alone. The skin underneath the blister is actually healing while the blister protects it from further damage and infection. If the blisters open on their own, clean with water and apply antibiotic ointment.
• Do not forget to have a tetanus injection if you have not had a booster within the last 5 years.

What are the follow up steps?

Once you have completed the first aid procedure, you can use the following tips for recovery:

• Milk is a good remedy for recovery of minor burns. Just soak the affected skin area in cold whole milk for approximately 20 minutes.
• Lavender oil it is a very effective antiseptic, and is also pain killing. Apply it after 2 days have gone by
• Fresh papaya applied on the skin aids in faster healing as it contains enzymes that help to remove dead cells from the wound.
• Make use of the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves. Apply the gel twice a day to help skin heal.
• Apply honey to the wound as it prevents infection and will heal the wound.
• Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help.

How do I prevent burns?

There are a number of steps that you can take to ensure minimum risks of burns

• Teach children about fire safety and the hazards of matches and fireworks.
• When cooking, keep small children away from hot drinks, pans and kettles, barbecues and other open flames.
• Keep hot foods and drinks, irons, and curling irons away from the edge of counters and tables.
• Keep lit candles, matches, and lighters in a safe visible place.
• Check electrical cords regularly for loose connections or worn covers.
• Have a fire extinguisher available and install smoke alarms in your home.
• Don't allow anyone to smoke in bed, or better, ask smokers to go out of the house for a smoke.

Despite all the precautions, if accidents do occur, it is very important to provide proper and immediate skin burn treatment so that the skin can heal without any complications. Once the burn is healed, you should apply sunscreen or cover the area with clothing or a hat.