How To Treat A Skin Burn? Know From Dermatologist

There are several types of burns from sunburns, heat burn, chemical burn, acid burn, to name but a few. Different types of burns affect the skin differently. Burns are categorised into three categories according to the severity. These are first-degree, second-degree and third-degree burns. Treatment and first-aid are given accordingly. Dr. Nivedita Dadu, Dermatologist and Founder, Chairman at Dr. Nivedita Dadu's Dermatology Clinic- Dadu Skin Clinic explains first-aid measures for skin burns.

First-Degree Skin Burns First-Aid

The first-degree burn affects the outer layer of the skin. The skin would be burnt, inflamed and you'd experience pain & a burning sensation. First-degree skin burn is less severe and usually, the skin heals within 7-10 days. To provide aid to first-degree burns,

• Soak the burnt skin in cold water.
• Apply an antibiotic gel on the burnt area.
• If you are experiencing acute pain, take a painkiller.

First-Aid for Second-Degree Skin Burns

Second-degree burns cause blistering, redness and soreness along with inflamed skin, pain and burning sensation. These could be both mild and severe depending upon the area of the burn. Also, the blisters contain a fluid which if got ruptured, the fluid can cause severe bacterial infection. If infection occurs, the skin would take more time to heal. Besides, there are chances of skin discoloration after healing. Thus, it needs to be managed properly. Here are some tips:

• Proper bandaging is necessary to prevent infection of the wound.
• Have antibiotics to allow faster skin healing.
• You can consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for treatment.

Third-Degree Burns

These are the most severe burn as it involves all the layers of skin causing a very deep burn. A person who has gotten a third-degree burn should immediately visit a hospital for treatment due to the increased risk of sepsis. The other risks involved are blood loss, volume loss, low temperature, etc. There could be several complications involved in third-degree burns and skin may take weeks or months to heal. Severe scars may remain even after healing. If third-degree burns are at the face or joints, one needs to get them treated as soon as possible to avoid severe scarring. Also, one may suffer a problem in joint movement if it has happened around joints.

NOTE: The only mode of treating a third-degree burn is getting immediate medical aid.

Also Read: Best Kitchen Ingredients For First Aid

Safety Measures To Follow To Prevent Burns

• Children are susceptible to burns. Therefore, parents must ensure to not let children come inside the kitchen or around any other thing that may cause burns.
• Carefully hold the handles of hot vessels to prevent burning.
• Be careful and reduce the chances of hot oil or water splash.
• Keep smoke-detectors and fire extinguishers at home and workplace. Keep checking them from time-to-time.
• Check the temperature of bathing water before using it to ensure that it is of bearable temperature and doesn’t burn the skin.
• Stay away from acids and other chemicals as they can cause severe burns.

These were some of the preventive measures told by dermatologist Dr. Nivedita Dadu. Skin burns are common in the kitchen but you must attend to them immediately to avoid scarring. Learn to distinguish between different degree burns so that you know the right aid for them.

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