Burns are skin injuries caused by heat from the fire, exposure to chemicals, solar radiation, or electric shock. Treatment for burns depends on the part of the body affected and the severity. Burns can be of varying severity, ranging from mild to life-threatening at some point.
Symptoms of Burns
Symptoms of burns vary depending on how serious the damage is to the skin. Signs from a more severe burn may take one to two days before they begin to appear.
1. First-degree burns.
This burn degree only affects the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Symptoms often appear at this level: skin redness, swelling, and pain.
2. Second-degree burns.
Second-degree burns are characterized by damage to the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis). This condition can cause the skin to blister, become swollen and red, and have severe pain. Burns of this degree can lead to the appearance of scar tissue.
3. Third-degree burns.
This type of burn has reached the layer of fat that is under the skin layer. The burned area will usually be black, brown, or white. In addition, the skin will also appear or feel rough.
Treatment of Burns
Most minor burns can be treated independently at home. It usually takes several weeks before the burn heals completely. Meanwhile, first aid and proper wound assessment are needed for severe burns.
The goal of treating burns is to control pain, replace dead tissue, prevent infection, reduce the risk of scarring, and restore function.
1. Medical treatment
After getting first aid for serious burns, health workers will usually provide medicinal products to help the healing process. Medical treatments for burns include the following:
- Water-based treatments. One technique can be ultrasound mist therapy to clean and stimulate wound tissue.
- Provide intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and organ failure.
- Anxiety and pain relievers.
- Wound dressing part that has a burn.
- Injections to prevent infection
2. Physical and occupational therapy
Physical therapy is often needed if the area affected by a burn is large enough, especially if it covers joints. Physical therapy can help stretch the skin so the joints can move freely. Several types of movement can also improve muscle strength and body coordination.
3. Operation procedure
- Someone who has a severe burn injury may need treatment as follows:
- Requires a respirator if burns occur around the face or neck.
- It needs the help of a nasogastric tube to insert food and medicine into the body.
- Plastic surgery for the reconstruction of affected body parts.
- Skin grafts.
Meanwhile, mild burns can be treated by running water on the wound, removing binding objects around the burn site, using ointments and bandages, and taking pain relievers. Remember to use sunscreen after the burn heals.
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Source:
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Burns. Mayo Clinic. [online]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370545