This document discusses burns and scalds, including definitions, causes, types, classifications, effects, and first aid treatment. Burns are damage to skin from heat, radiation, chemicals or electricity. They can be thermal, radiation, chemical or electrical burns. Burns are classified as first, second or third degree depending on skin layer damage. First aid involves cooling the burn, not removing stuck clothing, covering the burn, and seeking immediate help for severe burns. Prevention methods like avoiding unattended cooking and keeping hot items from children can reduce burn risks.

1. BURNS AND SCALDS
By Thato Lebona

2. ABOUT MYSELF
I AM THATO LEBONA, A THIRD YEAR STUDENT-TEACHER AT LESOTHO
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION THABA-TSEKA CAMPUS. MY PRESENTATION
IS ALL ABOUT BURNS AND SCALDS.

3. DEFINITION OF BURNS AND SCALDS
Burns and scalds: Are damage to the skin caused by heat. Both(burns and scalds)
are treated in the same way.
Burns are tissue damage that results from heat, overexposure to the sun or other
radiation, or chemicals or electrical contact.

4. CAUSES OF BURNS
 Fire
 Hot liquid or steam
 Hot metals, glass or other objects
 Electrical current
 Radiation, such as that from the X-rays
 Sunlight
 Chemicals such as strong acids

5. TYPES OF BURNS
 Thermal burns
 Radiation burns
 Chemical burns
 Electrical burns

6. TYPES OF BURNS (DEFINITIONS)
 Thermal burns
are the burns that are due to heat sources which raise the temperature of the skin and tissue cell death or charring.
Hot metals, steam, and flames, when coming into contact with the skin, can cause thermal burns.
 Radiation burns:
These burns are due to exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, or to other sources of radiation such as the x-ray.
 Chemical burns
They are due to strong acids, detergents, or solvents coming into contacts with the skin.
 Electrical burns
are those burns that are from electrical current, either alternating current or direct current.

7. CLASSIFICATION OF BURNS
 First degree burns(superficial burns)
 Second degree burns (partial thickness)
 Third degree burn (full thickness)

8. FIRST DEGREE BURNS(SUPERFICIAL BURNS)
They affect only the outermost layer of the skin called the epidermis. Area affected will be red and very painful.
Sunburn can be one of the examples of first degree burn.

9. SECOND DEGREE BURNS (PARTIAL BURNS)
They affect the epidermis and the underlying layer of the skin called the dermis. It is extremely
painful and the area will be red, peeling and swelling with the clear or yellow-colored fluid.

10. THIRD DEGREE BURNS(FULL THICKNESS)
They affect all layers of the skin and may even damage underlying tissues such as muscle and bones. It is relatively
painless due to nerve damage. Burn site appears to be black or charred with white exposed fatty tissue.

11. EFFECTS OF BURNS
 Pain and discomfort
 Infection
 Damage to tissues, nerves or organs
 Swelling and inflammation
 Difficulty in breathing, if the burn affects the airway
 Blisters
 Burns damage the skin’s protective barrier, therefore bacteria and any foreign attackers may easily sneak in.
 Sometimes burn can lead to bone and joint problems.

12. FIRST AID FOR BURNS
 Remove the source of heat or chemical causing the burns to ensure safety.
 For thermal burns, cool affected area with cool running water for at least 10-20 minutes to help reduce pain and
reduce tissue damage.DO NOT USE ICE OR VERY COLD WATER because it can actually cause further
damage to the skin.
 Remove any clothing around the burnt area not unless it is stuck to the skin.

13. FIRST AID FOR BURNS (CONT.)
 Cover the burn with a clean cloth or sterile cloth to protect it from infection
 If blisters form, do not pop them as they serve a natural barrier against infection.
 If the burn is severe, affects the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a very large area of unconsciousness, call
emergency services immediately for help.

14. PREVENTION OF THE BURNS
By reducing the risk of common household burns:
 People should not leave items cooking on the stove unattended
 Turn pot handles towards the rear of the stove
 Keep hot liquids, chemicals and fire out of reach of children
 Keep electrical appliances away from water

15. CONCLUSION
 Burns and scalds should be taken seriously due to their potential for pain, disability, and
complications. By providing immediate first aid, seeking medical attention when
necessary, and taking preventive measures, the risk of burns and scalds can be
significantly reduced, promoting the well-being and safety of individuals.

16. REFFERENCES
 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/
 https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/burns-and-scalds
 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-
injuries/burns-and-scalds/