First Aid and Emergencies
Burns
Burns are classified as first-, second-,
or third-degree depending on their depth, not on the amount of pain or the extent
of the burn. A first-degree burn involves only the outer layer of skin. The
skin is dry, painful, and sensitive to touch. A mild sunburn is an example.
A second-degree burn involves several
layers of skin. The skin becomes swollen, puffy, weepy, or blistered.
A third-degree burn involves all
layers of skin and may include any underlying tissue or organs. The skin is
dry, pale white or charred black, swollen, and sometimes breaks open. Nerves
are destroyed or damaged, so there may be little pain except on the edges, where
there may be second-degree burns.
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| A second-degree burn will cause skin to swell
and blister, and it may also weep fluid. A third-degree burn may cause skin
to look pale white or charred black. |
Install smoke detectors on each story of your home. Check
and replace the batteries regularly.
Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Have it inspected
yearly.
Set your water heater at 49°C (120°F) or lower
to avoid burns.
If your clothing catches fire:
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Do not run, because running will fan the flames. Stop,
drop, and roll on the ground to smother the flames. Or smother the flames
with a blanket, rug, or coat.
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Use water to douse the fire and cool the skin.
To avoid kitchen burns:
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Use caution when handling hot foods.
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Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
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Smother burning food or grease with a pot or pot lid.
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Supervise children closely.
Third-degree
burns require immediate medical treatment. Call a health professional
and apply Home Treatment:
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Make sure the source of the burn has been extinguished.
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Have the person lie down to prevent shock.
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Cover the burned area with a clean sheet.
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Do not apply any salve or medication to the burn.
First- and second-degree burns
can be treated at home as follows:
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Run cold tap water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes.
Cold water is the best immediate treatment for minor burns. The cold lowers
skin temperature and lessens the severity of the burn. Do not use ice,
because it may further damage the injured skin.
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Remove rings, bracelets, watches, or shoes from the burned
limb. Swelling may make these items difficult to remove later.
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Leave the burn alone for 24 hours. Don't cover the
burn unless clothing rubs on it. If clothing rubs the burned area,
cover the burn with a gauze pad taped well away from the burn. Do
not encircle a hand, arm, or leg with tape. Change the bandage after
24 hours, and then every 2 days.
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Do not put salve, butter, grease, oil, or ointment
on a burn. They increase the risk of infection and don't help the
burn heal.
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After 2 to 3 days of healing, apply the juice from
an aloe leaf to soothe minor burns.
If the burn causes blisters
to form:
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Do not break blisters. If blisters break, clean the
area by running tap water over it and applying a mild soap. Apply
an antibiotic ointment, such as Polysporin or Bacitracin, and cover
the burn with a sterile dressing. Don't touch the burned area with
your hands or any unsterile objects. Remove the dressing every day,
clean the burned area with mild soap, and cover it again.
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Take aspirin or ibuprofen to help relieve pain. Don't
give aspirin to anyone younger than 20.
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For all third-degree burns.
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If you are in doubt about the extent of a burn, or in doubt
whether it is a second- or third-degree burn.
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If a second-degree burn involves the face, hands, feet,
genitals, or a joint and is more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter.
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If the burn encircles an arm or leg, or if it covers more
than of the body part involved.
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If the pain lasts longer than 48 hours.
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If signs of infection develop:
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Increased pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness.
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Heat or red streaks extending from the area.
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Fever of 37.8°C (100°F) or higher with
no other cause.
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If a child younger than 5, an older adult, or a person
with a weakened immune system or a chronic health problem (such as cancer,
heart disease, or diabetes) is burned.
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