2. Classifiaction of burns
First-degree (superficial) burns
First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The
burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an
example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually consists of an
increase or decrease in the skin color.
Second-degree (partial thickness) burns
Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis
layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen
and painful.
Third-degree (full thickness) burns
Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis and may go into
the subcutaneous tissue. The burn site may appear white or charred
Fourth degree burns. Fourth degree burns also damage the underlying
bones, muscles, and tendons. There is no sensation in the area since
the nerve endings are destroyed..
3. Types of burns
Thermal burns are caused by heat. They can be caused by a flame, a hot object, steam
Electrical burns are caused by an electrical current passing through the body, such as from
coming into contact with a "live" electrical wire
Chemical burns are caused by liquid or dry chemicals such as ammonia, caustic soda, quick-
lime, or white phosphorus (WP
Burns can also occur when chemicals are spilled onto the body and generate a reaction that
creates heat. Chemical burns may be classified by their pH or acidity.
Radiation burns are caused by the sun, tanning booths, sunlamps, X-rays, or radiation therapy
for cancer treatment.
4. First aid for burns
chemical burn
Remove the chemical causing the burn while protecting yourself.
For dry chemicals, brush off any remaining material. Wear gloves or
use a towel or other suitable object, such as a brush.
Remove contaminated clothing or jewelry to prevent further
burning.
Rinse the burn immediately. Run a gentle, steady stream of cool tap
water over the burn for 10 or more minutes. A shower may be an
effective way to do this. Always protect your eyes.
Loosely apply a bandage or gauze.
If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or
acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Don't try to neutralize the burn with acid or alkali. This could cause
a chemical reaction that worsens the burn.
Don't put antibiotic ointment on the burn.
5. Electrical burn
Do not touch the "electrified person" with
your hands.
Unplug the appliance or turn off the main
power switch.
Try to remove the person from the electrical
source, if you cannot turn the power off. Do this
only if you can do so safely by:Standing on a
dry surface, such as a rubber doormat or a pile
of papers or books. Make sure you are not
standing in or near water.
Using a dry wooden object, such as a broom
handle, to push the person away from the
electrical source. Do not use anything wet or
made of metal
