The term 'burn' doesn't just relate to the burning sensation that occurs with this injury, burns cause skin cells to die which leads to severe skin damage. Knowing how to treat burns is vital because the different categories of burns each require their own treatment.
What is a burn?
The term 'burn' doesn't just relate to the burning sensation that occurs with this injury, burns cause skin cells to die which leads to severe skin damage. Knowing how to treat burns is vital because the different categories of burns each require their own treatment.
Degrees of burn
First degree burns
Second degree burns
Second degree burns can be extremely painful and create more serious skin damage as they include the epidermis and part of the underlying dermis. The burned area is red, swollen and blistered and may become infected if not properly cared for. These burns can often be treated with basic first aid but depending on their location or size may also require medical attention.
Third degree burns
How to recognise an infected burn
Burns treatment
If it’s a severe third-degree burn, caused by chemicals or larger areas are affected, in which case you need instant medical attention.
3 step guide to treating burns and scalds
Move away from the heat source and secure the danger area first.
Switch off electrical appliances, fight flames or remove hot water or source of heat or flames before treating the casualty.
Do not apply ice. Cooling the burn with water is known to relieve pain and reduce swelling, as well as preventing blisters.
When to seek medical advice for a burn
While most burns are relatively minor and can be treated at home, others may require medical attention, and knowing the difference is essential. We recommend seeking medical advice if:
- The burned area is large (more than three inches) and deep.
- After initial pain relief the burned area again shows signs of infection such as redness, heat, swelling, pain, itching or burning.
- A child is burned.
- The burn is on a sensitive part of the body (e.g. the face or genitals).
- You have any questions or concerns.
For third-degree burns, you should always seek medical attention immediately.
What to put on burns
Proper burns and scald treatment with the following Elastoplast products will help your skin return to a healthy and unimpaired state.
Treating first degree burns
Most first-degree burns are relatively minor and are most often caused by brief contact with a hot surface or a minor scald from hot water. Another common form of first-degree burn is sunburn, caused by damage from the sun’s UV rays.
Typically, first degree burns recover on their own and do not require special treatment. However, it is recommended to cool the affected area under running water to relieve the pain and then apply Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment. If you have a sunburn, wear loose-fitting clothing for a few days and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Treating second degree burns
Use the Elastoplast Wound Spray to clean from bacteria to prevent infections. Afterwards, gently dry the affected area and apply a thin layer of Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment to support the healing process and cover your burn with an appropriate plaster or a sterile compress to protect it from external influences. Do not attempt to break any blisters that may occur.
Many second-degree burns will heal within a week or two if kept clean and cared for. Depending on the location and size of the burn, it may be advisable to visit your doctor, especially to prevent scarring or if you discover any sign of infection during the healing phase, such as redness, swelling, or pain.
Preventing burns
Fortunately, many burns can be prevented. Most of them happen in the heart of the home – the kitchen.
Of the many types of burns that can happen in your home, scalds may be the most unexpected. Children have thinner skin than adults and are therefore more likely to receive severe burns from hot liquid, but these simple precautions can protect you and your family:
- Always stay in the kitchen while food is cooking. Don’t get distracted by phone calls, someone calling from another room, etc.
- Wear protective oven gloves when taking something out of a hot oven.
- Turn pot and pan handles toward the back or centre of the oven so that they cannot be knocked over, because steam can easily scald your wrists and hands.
- Place hot liquids like soup, coffee or tea away from the edges of worktops and tables so that children cannot tip them over.
- Keep items such as dish towels, plastic bags, and long sleeves away from the heating surface.Never cook while holding a child or pet.
- Keep small children and pets away from the front of the oven.
- Never warm baby bottles in the microwave; they may heat unevenly and can burn your baby’s mouth.
- Place a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen.
- Test smoke detectors once a month.
For further information about Elastoplast products, please contact us at consumer.relations.uk@beiersdorf.com