Burns

A condition in which the tissue damage is caused by too much sun, hot liquids, flames, chemicals, electricity, steam, or other sources is called burns. While burns can be mild, they can be life-threatening and require immediate treatment.

Physicians usually recommend different treatments for burns because they depend on the severity of the condition, overall health, age, and how widespread the burns are. Sometimes, people are treated in specialized centers. When it occurs, people usually need treatment for months.

Types

The burn symptoms appear differently among people because they depend on how deep the skin damage is. Check below some types of burns:

First-degree burn (also known as superficial burn) – In such cases, burns are addressed with self-care measures. When it occurs, damage happens to the epidermis only (the outer layer of the skin). Usually, people experience pain, redness, and other skin color changes.
Second-degree burn (partial-thickness burn) – This type negatively affects both the epidermis and the second skin layer called the dermis. As a result, people usually experience swelling and red or splotchy skin. Some people may develop severe pain and blisters.
Third-degree burn (also called full-thickness burn) – In such cases, the burn affects all skin layers and, in some cases, the fat and muscle tissue. Usually, the burned area is black, brown, or white and may look leathery. In severe cases, this type of burn may cause damage to the nerves.

Immediately go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if burns:

Are deep and involve all skin layers
Cause the dry and leathery skin
Look charred or have white, brown, or black patches on the skin
Are larger than 3 inches (approximately 8 centimeters) wide
Cover the hands, feet, face, neck, groin, buttocks, or a major joint
Causes quick swelling

You should see a doctor if the following symptoms happen. Examples include:

Headaches or nausea
Trouble breathing
Major burns caused by gunpowder, an explosion, or certain chemicals
A fever than is greater than 103 degrees F (39 degrees C) and vomiting
Sunburns that cause confusion, dehydration, or fainting
Have infections

You should take first-aid measures until emergency assistance arrives. For instance, minor burns need medical care if they affect the eyes, mouth, hands, or genitals. Emergency care is usually required for babies and older adults, even with minor burns.

Causes

Check below some causes of burns:

Fire
Hot liquids
Hot metal, glass, or other items
Electrical currents
Nonsolar radiation (such as from X-rays)
Sunlight
Chemicals, including strong acids, lye, paint thinner, or gasoline
Abuse

The previous list does not contain all the causes of burns. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.

Risk Factors

Check below some factors that could increase your risk of burns:

Workplace factors – Those who work with flames, chemicals, or other inflammable substances are at higher risk of developing burns. However, burns occur mostly in adults.
Dementia – Those who suffer from this condition are more prone to have burns from hot water or drinks, foods, fats, and cooking oils.
Young people – Children and infants are unable to get away from heat sources. Thus, burns often come from car seats, bath hazards, and the kitchen.
Alcohol – Heavy alcohol drinking significantly increases the risk of burns.

What Are The Possible Complications of Burns?

People with burns may also experience some complications. Check below some examples:

Infections (such as bacterial infections, tetanus, pneumonia, and others)
Fluid loss (including low blood volume, also called hypovolemia).
Extremely low body temperature (hypothermia)
Trouble breathing
Irregular heartbeats (also known as arrhythmia)
Scans and skin color changes – Sometimes, scans can be caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue. It is called a hypertrophic scar or keloid. Moreover, Black people are at higher risk of developing this type of scarring.
Pain – Burn scars can be very painful. Furthermore, some people may also experience itching or discomfort associated with nerve damage.
Bone and joint issues – Shortening and tightening of the skin, muscles, or tendons may occur due to burns. Sometimes, it is called a contracture.
Mental disorders (such as depression, anxiety, and others)
Skin cancer – In some cases, this type of cancer may occur in scars from previous burns. If you have a sore that does not heal, immediately contact your healthcare professional.

How to Prevent Burns?

Generally, most burns are preventable, such as kitchen-related injuries from hot drinks, soups, and microwaved food. Check below some steps that may help prevent burns:

Kitchen, Car Seat, and Bath Hazards

Do not leave items cooking on the stove unattended
It is advised to turn pot handles toward the rear of the stove
You should not carry or hold a child while cooking
Do not let pets and children reach hot liquids
Regularly check the temperature of food before eating it
Do not cook while wearing loose-fitting clothes
You should block heat sources if a small child is present, including stoves, outdoor grills, and fireplaces
It is recommended to check the car seat for hot straps or buckles before placing the child

Electrical Devices

Unplug space heaters, irons, and other devices when not using them
Do not let electrical appliances come into contact with water
You should cover electrical outlets that you are not using with safety caps
Keep away from pets and children with electrical wires and cords

Fire Prevention

It is advised to quit smoking, but if you do not quit, you should never smoke in bed
Before leaving a room or sleeping, it is recommended to blow out candles
Make sure you have smoke detectors and that they work
Every time, keep a fire extinguisher handy

Chemical Hazards

You should wear protective eyewear and gloves every time you use chemicals
It is not allowed to keep chemicals, lighters, and matches within the reach of children. Furthermore, you should not use lighters that look similar to toys.

Diagnosis

Commonly, a physical examination is enough to diagnose burns. However, if burns cover more than 10% of the body surface area, people are usually transferred to a burn center. Sometimes, physicians may perform some tests to check for other injuries. They usually perform laboratory tests (such as blood tests), X-rays, and others.

Treatment

In general, minor burns can be successfully treated at home, and they heal within a few weeks. For more severe burns, doctors usually prescribe medicines, wound dressing, therapies, and sometimes surgery. The treatment goal is to lessen pain, remove dead tissue, and prevent infections.

First Aid for Major Burns

Check below some tips that you can perform until the emergency arrives:

It is advised to protect the person from further harm.
Make sure that he/she is breathing
Remove all jewelry, belts, and other tight items, especially if the affected area is the neck.
Raise the burned region
Watch for shock symptoms, including cool or clammy skin, weak pulse, and difficulty breathing.

Medical Treatment

Check below some medications and other products often used to heal major burns:

Water-based treatments – For example, whirlpool baths to remove dead skin.
Fluids – This treatment involves intravenous (IV) liquids to prevent dehydration and organ failure.
Pain and anxiety medications – Sometimes, people need Morphine and anti-anxiety medications to relieve severe pain.
Bun creams and ointments – healthcare professionals usually prescribe topical medicines that contain Bacitracin and silver Sulfadiazine to heal wounds and prevent infections.
Dressing – During this procedure, physicians use a specific wound dressing to prepare for healing.
Antibiotics – This group of medicines is used to treat bacterial infections. While most people with burns receive IV antibiotics, an oral form is also available.
Tetanus shot – This medicine is often used to prevent a life-threatening bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness. This toxin may even lead to death.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

When burns cause damage to the joints, people need physical therapy exercises to stretch the skin and help joints remain flexible.

Surgery and Other Treatments

In some cases, people with major burns need the following treatments. Examples include:

Breathing assistance – In severe cases, people need a tube that is inserted into the windpipe and help keep oxygen supplied to the lungs.
Feeding tube – In some cases, people are not able to eat themselves. Therefore, you may need nutritional support that involves a feeding tube inserted through the nose to the stomach.
Skin grafts – This is a surgery used to replace scar tissue caused by severe burns. Healthy skin is usually taken from deceased donors or pigs (often used for short periods).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to heal burns quickly?

Cool water and compresses
Antibiotic ointments or creams
Aloe vera
Honey
Reduce exposure to the sun
Do not pop the blisters
Administer over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers when needed

For more details, consult with your healthcare professional.

What are the primary symptoms of a burn?

For example:

Pain
Redness
Swelling
Blistering
Skin color changes

If any of the previous symptoms occur, immediately contact your healthcare professional.

What happens if burns are left untreated?

Those who experience burns may also experience multiple complications, especially if they do not get treatment. Check below some examples:

Infections
Scarring
Keloid formation
Pain
Organ failure
Nerve damage
Hypothermia
Sepsis
Dehydrating
Respiratory problems
Compartment syndrome

Consult with your doctor about ways to prevent burn complications. Ask your healthcare professional if you have additional questions.