Burns

What are the different types of burn?

Heat (or thermal) burns caused by contact with flames, hot liquids or appliances

Chemical burns caused by corrosive chemicals

Electrical burns caused by contact with electrical current or lightning

Sunburn caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun.



What determines the seriousness of a burn?

There are three categories of burn:
1. Superficial burn – a burn that affects only the outer surface of the skin. This type of burn is pink or red, with mild swelling and some pain. Usually, medical help is necessary only if a superficial burn covers a large area.
2. Partial thickness burn – a burn that damages, but doesn't completely destroy the full depth of the skin. It appears dark red and causes swelling, blisters and severe pain. Immediate medical attention is needed.
3. Full thickness burn – a burn that damages or destroys all layers of skin, hair follicles, muscle, nerves and other tissue. Immediate medical attention is needed.

What should I do if someone has been burned?

Whenever possible, put on a pair of disposable, preferably sterile gloves before touching someone with a burn. If disposable sterile gloves aren't available, use another type of barrier (such as a thickly folded dish towel or clean handkerchief), and wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching the person.

Never apply lotions, creams, ointments (including burn ointments).

Stop the burning process and immediately flood the affected area with cold water.

Do not touch the affected area or burst any blisters

Remove anything that may constrict the affected area if it swells.

Do not remove any material that is stuck to the burn.



Superficial burns

Stop the burning process by removing the person from the heat source

Hold the affected area under cold, running water until the pain is reduced and if necessary, add ice cubes to the water so it remains cold: never apply ice cubes directly to a burn.

If the burn is small, leave it uncovered, otherwise cover it with clean, non- fluffy material (such as cling film) so that it won't become infected.



Chemical burns

If the burn has been caused by a chemical:

Remove the chemical by flushing with large quantities of water for at least 20 minutes

Cover the area with a sterile gauze or other clean, non-fluffy material (such as cling film)

Take the person to hospital, along with a sample of the chemical, if possible



Electrical burns

When a person comes into contact with an electrical current, they usually suffer a shock and perhaps burns. These burns occur at the places where the current has gone in and out of the body. Any person who has come into contact with electricity may be in a critical condition, and at risk of a heart attack.

High-voltage injuries

If a person has been in contact with a high-voltage electrical current (1000 volts or more), such as power lines or overhead cables, you should stay at least 20 metres away until you have been told officially that the electricity has been turned off.

Low-voltage injuries

Disconnect the attachment plug from the electrical socket. If this is not possible, stand on a dry object and push the victim away from the source of the current using a dry broomstick.

Never touch a person who is in contact with a faulty appliance until the power has been turned off.

Sometimes electrical burns are hard to see – the skin may show little damage but the tissue underneath may be badly burned.



How can I prevent burns and electrical shocks at home?


Cover unused outlets with plastic covers

Keep all electrical appliances away from water

Do not overload electrical circuits with extension cords

Install smoke detectors and check them regularly

Store the fire extinguisher in an accessible place, and make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it