First-degree (superficial) burns: these are the lightest burns you can suffer from and affect only the skin. The burned area is red, slightly swollen, painful, dry and without blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage from these burns is rare.
Second-degree burns: these involve the skin and part of its underlying layer. Scald injuries or flames often cause them. The burn appears red, blistered, swollen and painful.
HOW DEEPLY IS YOUR
SKIN AFFECTED?Third-degree burns: third degree burns destroy the outer and inner layers of the skin and may also damage underlying tissue, bones, muscles and tendons. The burn site appears white or charred. There is no sensation in the area because nerve endings have been destroyed.
You can easily get burned, and chances are that whether it is from fire or a domestic heat source, it will happen as fast as lightning and take you by surprise. Find out what to do, as long as it is not a severe third-degree burn, caused by chemicals or larger areas are affected, in which case you need instant medical attention.
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.
Even for first- and second-degree burns, you should seek medical advice if the burned area is large or if after initial pain relief the burned area again shows signs of infection such as redness, heat, swelling, pain, itching or burning.
Medical attention is always necessary if a child is burned, if the burn is on a sensitive part of the body (e.g. the face), or if you have any questions or concerns.
For third-degree burns, you should always seek medical attention immediately.
Proper care with these products will help your skin return to a healthy
and unimpaired state.
Fortunately, many burns can be prevented. Most of them happen in the heart of the home – the kitchen. Here are a few tips to help you make your kitchen a safer place.
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 simple precautions can protect you and your family.
Take care when handling kettles, pots and lids of pots containing boiling liquid. Steam can easily scald your wrists and hands.
It‘s a good idea to turn handles toward the back or centre of the oven so that children cannot tip saucepans over.
Keep hot liquids like soup, coffee or tea away from the edges of worktops and tables.
If you should suffer a burn, follow the steps under Treatment and keep your wound covered so that it will have ideal moist wound healing conditions. If a blister should appear, leave it alone and do not open its protective roof.
Seek medical help if you are not able to clean your wound properly.
If you have diabetes, proper wound care is of special importance. Always discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor and/or podiatrist, even for the care of minor wounds and skin cracks – especially on your feet.
Please note that none of the tips above replace professional medical advice. Consult a health expert if you are uncertain about how to treat your wound properly.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. If you have (or suspect you have) a health problem, consult your doctor. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
For further information about Elastoplast products, please contact us at consumer.relations.uk@beiersdorf.com
Please read the instructions for use given in our product packaging with care.
Burns can easily happen in our day to day lives, learn how to recognise the different degree of burns and how to best treat burns and scalds.
