Burn
A burn is an injury to the skin and sometimes the deeper parts of the body. It happens when the skin comes into contact with something very hot, very cold, or harmful chemicals. Burns can also come from electricity or strong sunlight. Burns can be small or large, mild or very serious. They need to be treated carefully to help the skin heal and to avoid infection or more damage.
When someone gets a burn, the skin can look red, blistered, swollen, or even charred. The pain can be mild or very strong depending on how bad the burn is. Sometimes, burns can cause serious problems. This is why knowing the basics of first aid for burns is very important. Helping quickly and safely can make a big difference to the person who is hurt.
What Is a Burn?
Our skin protects our body like a natural shield. It keeps germs out and helps control body temperature. When the skin is damaged, this shield is broken. A burn means the skin has been injured by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
There are different types of burns.
First-degree burns only affect the top layer of the skin. The skin might be red and sore, like a mild sunburn.
Second-degree burns go deeper and cause blisters or swelling. The skin may look shiny or wet.
Third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin and sometimes the nerves. The skin may look white, black, or charred and might not hurt because the nerves are damaged.
Knowing the seriousness of the burn helps to give the right first aid and to decide whether to get emergency help.
Causes of Burns
Burns can happen in many ways. Some common causes are:
– Hot liquids like boiling water or steam
– Fire and flames from things like candles, stoves, or fires
– Hot objects like irons or heaters
– Strong sunlight that can cause sunburn
– Chemicals such as household cleaners or acids
– Electricity from power sources or lightning
– Cold, like frostbite, which can also damage the skin
Each cause can hurt the skin differently and needs careful treatment.
What to Look for in a Burn Injury
If someone has a burn, you might notice:
– Red or peeling skin
– Blisters or bubbles
– Swelling
– Pain or tenderness
– Charred or blackened skin in very serious burns
– Signs of shock like feeling dizzy, pale skin, or fast breathing
Sometimes, burns can be hidden under clothing or hair. If you think a person is hurt but can’t see the skin clearly, gently check if they feel pain or have any injury.
Why Burns Are Important in First Aid
Burns can be serious. They may cause pain, infection, or permanent damage if not treated well. Sometimes burns can be life-threatening, especially if they cover a big area on young children, older people, or someone who is sick.
First aid can help by stopping the burning process, cooling the skin, and protecting the wound. It can also keep the person comfortable and safe until they get professional medical care.
Helping someone with a burn quickly and calmly reduces pain and helps the skin heal faster.
First Aid for Burns
The first thing to do when someone has a burn is to make sure the area is safe. This means moving the person away from the source of the burn if it is still there. For example, get them away from fire or hot objects.
Next, cool the burn by running cool (not cold) water over it. Do this gently for about 20 minutes. Cooling helps stop the burning and eases pain.
Do not put ice on a burn. Ice can damage the skin more.
After cooling the burn, cover it with something clean and loose. You can use a clean cloth or a special burn dressing if you have one. This helps protect the skin from germs and keeps it from drying out.
Avoid breaking any blisters that have formed. Blisters help protect the skin underneath and stopping them breaking lowers the chance of infection.
Do not put creams, lotions, butter, or oils on the burn. These things can cause infection or make the burn worse.
Keep the person calm and comfortable. Check if they need help with breathing or feeling faint. If the burn is serious, they might need emergency help.
When to Call Emergency Services
If you see someone with a burn and you think it is serious, call 000 straight away. Serious burns need quick care from doctors.
Call 000 if:
– The burn covers a large area of the body
– The burn is deep or looks very bad (skin is white, charred, or leathery)
– The burn is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over a major joint like a knee or elbow
– The person is having trouble breathing
– The person is very young, elderly, or has other health problems
– The burn was caused by electricity or chemicals
– The person looks very sick, dizzy, or faint
Emergency services can give the person the best care and take them to hospital if needed.
General Safety Tips About Burns
It is good to think about how to stop burns before they happen. This includes:
– Being careful with hot drinks and cooking appliances
– Keeping matches, lighters, and chemicals out of children’s reach
– Checking water temperature before bathing or washing
– Wearing sunscreen to protect against sunburn
– Using protective clothing or equipment when handling chemicals or electricity
If you look after children or elderly people, make sure their environment is safe from burn hazards.
Remember that burns can happen quickly, so staying attentive and careful helps prevent accidents.
Looking After a Burn Over Time
After the first aid, the burn might need ongoing care. Keep the burn clean and watch for signs of infection like redness spreading, more pain, swelling, or yellow pus.
If the burn is healing slowly, or if there are signs of infection, see a doctor or health professional.
Healing takes time. The skin may peel or itch as it grows new layers. Avoid scratching to stop harm.
Some burns leave scars. If this worries you, ask a health worker for advice.
Summary
A burn is damage to the skin caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns vary in how bad they are, from mild red skin to deep, serious injury.
If someone gets a burn, make the scene safe, cool the burn with water, and cover it loosely. Do not use ice, creams, or break blisters.
Seek emergency help by calling 000 if the burn is large, deep, or causing serious problems.
Preventing burns is important by staying safe around heat, chemicals, electricity, and sunlight.
First aid helps the skin heal and makes the person feel better. Always stay calm and get help when needed.