Almost every person experienced the pain of some kind of burn. Fortunately, most of the burns that we experience are frivolous and do not require medical attention, such as a mild sunburn or accidentally touch a hot pot or frying pan on the stove. However, other burns can cause serious injury or even death.
Burns have four different causes: heat (fire and scaling), electrical, chemical, and radiation. All of these burns can vary in severity, and some, such as electric burns, can lead to serious secondary injuries or medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or broken bones from falling.
Appropriate treatment for a burn of any type is determined by its severity. There are four severity classifications, each of which is more serious and requires more intensive treatment. Classifications:
First degree - This type of burn affects only the first layer of skin, causing red and some discomfort, and is usually considered minor. The most typical first-degree burn is sunburn, which is actually a radiation burn and is easily treatable with a variety of available topical medications and a dose or two over-the-counter pain killers. It is advisable to avoid exposure to the sun until the condition passes to avoid further damage to the skin and discomfort. The treatment of other first-degree burns is similar, with substantial relief in just a day or two.
Second degree - The second degree burn extends deeper and into the second layer of skin. Although more serious and, of course, more painful than first-degree burns, these burns are present in different ways, require more time for treatment and require more attention. There is significant redness and blisters of the skin. While a first-degree burn is dry to the touch, second-degree burns are moist. This burn is improperly cleaned, there is a possibility of infection with such cellulite, a potentially dangerous condition if it is not treated. Second-degree burns can be caused by any number of accidents that have been in too long contact with a hot surface, fire, scaling of very hot water, or an electrical or chemical burn. Even a severe sunburn or radiation therapy can lead to a second-degree burn. Fortunately, second-degree burns usually do not lead to scarring.
There are, however, cases in which a heavier second-degree burn damages deeper tissue. This second-degree burn level is a yellowish or white skin, may or may not be a blister and rather dry to the touch. These burns can cause scarring and may require excision (removal) of the affected tissue and cause a skin graft. The recovery period can take up to two months.
Third degree burns - These burns spread through all layers of the dermis and are extremely serious. The skin feels leathery and discolored from white to brown. Since a third degree burn has extensive damage to the nerves, they are usually painless after an initial injury. Treatment is much more radical, including the removal of damaged tissue, often shortening of the affected muscles, and in severe cases, amputation. Third-degree burns always lead to scarring. Treatment requires several months, and patients cannot be restored to complete normal work.
Fourth degree burns - Only burn burns are classified as fourth-degree burns. A fourth degree burn spreads through the skin layers, fat, muscle and bone. These burns are characterized as very dry to the touch and black or charred in appearance with eshar (burned tissue fall). Treatment always requires removal of damaged tissue and often amputation. Long-term effects are a significant deterioration and even death.
The determination of the overall severity of a burn is also related to the percentage of the total surface area of the body (TBSA). As a rule, the size of one palm is about 1% of TBSA. The depth of the burn is also a factor in determining the severity. When a burn covers less than 10% TBSA, it is considered minor. Burns covering 10 to 20% of TBSA are classified as moderate, and burns covering 20% or more of human TBSA are major. Other major and illegal burns, considered major, can be caused by high voltage, exposure and inhalation of a known toxic and / or caustic agent or significant burns to the face, joints, hands or feet. Small burns can be managed at home, moderate burns are managed in a hospital, and major burns require management at a burn center specializing in the treatment of multiple burns.
Of course, the best way to treat burns is prevention. It is estimated that at least half of all burns can be prevented. Taking some basic precautions can significantly reduce the risk of burns. Perhaps one, if the simplest steps you can take is to lower the thermostat onto the water heaters. This is especially true if there are young children in the house. Setting a temperature no higher than 120 degrees can impede scaling, while providing plenty of hot water and even saving you money on the operating costs of your water heater.
Electric fires are one of the most frequent causes of fires in a house. To avoid a fire, electrical wiring is checked by an electrician if you notice that you often turn off switches or blown fuses. One of the simplest, but still the least dangerous measures you can take to prevent electrical fires, is never overloading outlets or circuits. Limit the use of extension cords and make sure that you do not exceed the maximum load of a particular switch, fuse or socket.
It is also recommended to regularly check your heating system. You can not only prevent a fire in the house, but also stop the tragedy on carbon monoxide. If your house has a fireplace or wood stove, make sure that the chimney is clean and free from creosote builup. Creosote naturally accumulates in chimneys as hot products of fire rise to a colder chimney, condense and stick to the chimney. Smoke fires are 100% preventable. Proper maintenance, cleaning and burning the right type of wood are important.
Regular household cleaners, especially drain cleaners, may look benign, but mixing inappropriate chemicals can be a disaster, such as serious disfigurement, respiratory burns, or chemical burns on the face and eyes. Always carefully read the instructions regarding potentially dangerous interactions.
The treatment of burn injuries has come a long way in the last few years, but burns can be one of the most serious, debilitating and life-threatening injuries. A little knowledge, caution and common sense can greatly help you and your family safe.
