A burn is an injury to the skin or deeper tissues caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. It damages the affected area, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes blistering or charring of the skin. Burns are classified by degrees of severity, ranging from first-degree (least severe) to third-degree (most severe)
First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin. Symptoms include redness, pain, and swelling. First aid involves running cool water over the burn and applying aloe vera or an over-the-counter burn cream.
Second-degree burns: Affect both the outer and underlying layer of skin. Symptoms include blistering, severe pain, and swelling. First aid involves running cool water over the burn, covering it loosely with sterile gauze, and seeking medical attention.
Third-degree burns: The most severe type, affecting all layers of the skin and potentially deeper tissues. Symptoms include white or charred skin, numbness, and difficulty moving. First aid involves calling emergency services immediately and covering the burn with a clean, dry cloth or sterile gauze.
First aid for burns generally involves the following steps:
1. Safety first: Ensure the safety of yourself and the victim. If it's safe to do so, remove the person from the source of the burn.
2. Cool the burn: Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes to reduce swelling and pain. Do not use ice, as it can further damage the skin.
3. Remove clothing and jewelry: If clothing or jewelry is not stuck to the burn, gently remove it to prevent further injury once the burn area has cooled. However, do not attempt to remove anything that is stuck to the burn.
4. Protect the burn: Once cooled, cover the burn loosely with a sterile gauze or clean cloth to protect it from friction, infection, and further damage.
5. Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
6. Seek medical attention: Depending on the severity of the burn, it may be necessary to seek medical help. For severe burns, electrical burns, chemical burns, burns to the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or burns covering a large area of the body, call emergency services immediately.
It is important to note that one shouldn’t attempt to perforate blisters that may form as a result of a burn injury as it may cause adverse effects to the patient.
Always remember that first aid is meant to provide immediate care and alleviate pain, but professional medical treatment may be necessary for severe burns.
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