Before taking a look at the different kinds of burns, it is important to understand the skin and what each degree of burn refers to.
The human skin comprises of 3 layers. The outer layer is called the epidermis, second layer is called dermis and the innermost layer is called hypodermis.
1st Degree Burn = Superficial Burn, it means that the epidermis (first layer) is affected but however, the skin is not damaged.
2nd Degree Burn = Partial thickness burn, the epidermis is damaged and blisters form.
3rd Degree Burn = Full thickness burn, all layers of the skin are affected but no blisters are formed. However, the skin becomes waxy.
BURNS
First aid for burns involves immediate actions to limit damage and promote healing. Here are the steps you should take right away for different types of burns:
1. First-Degree Burns (superficial burns affecting only the outer layer of skin):
The burn will be red, painful, and dry, but there are no blisters, no skin damage and no blisters. Example of this is sun burn.
Immediate Steps:
Step away from the source of the burn.
Gently flush the area with cool water to reduce the temperature (avoid using ice). Keep under running water for at least 20 minutes or until the pain subsides.
Remove clothing from the wound unless it’s sticking; if it is, leave it for medical professionals to remove.
Take off any jewellery before the area can swell.
Cover the burn with a clean non-stick sterile bandage or cling wrap if available.
Do not use greases, sprays, butter, or ointments on the burn, as they can trap heat
2. Second-Degree Burns (partial thickness burns involving the outer and inner layers of skin):
The site appears red, blistered, swollen, and painful.
Immediate Steps:
Follow the same steps as for first-degree burns.
Do not pop any blisters to avoid infection.
Seek medical attention promptly.
3. Third-Degree Burns (full-thickness burns that destroy the epidermis and dermis layers, and may damage underlying tissues):
o The area appears white or charred.
o Third-degree burns may not hurt because nerve endings are damaged.
CALL FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY!
Monitor the casualty as he may enter a state of shock or may stop breathing.
If person enters shock, firstly treat any potential bleeding to stop outflow of blood as shown in the videos above.
The make his lie down on a rug or blanket and lift his legs a level above his heart.
Then cover the person with a blanket to preserve his temperature.
Remember to not put anything directly on the burn as it may stick to it.
