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Burns

FACTS:

• Burns are injuries that may be caused by cooking, hot grease or oil, electrical wires, hot water, chemicals, frostbite or fire.
• Any child with a burn that blisters or covers a large area should be seen by a doctor.
• The damage from a burn can vary greatly depending on how hot the burn source and how long the skin was exposed.
  

1. A first degree burn (or single thickness burn) normally heals within five to seven days. This type of burn is red in color and will turn white when pressure is added to it. This burn can cause some skin discoloration and usually heals without scarring.
   
2. A second-degree burn (partial thickness burn), is more serious than a first degree burn. The second layer or dermis under the skin is damaged. This may leave scarring. Blisters may form and should not be “popped”. It is very painful. A deeper second-degree burn (deep partial thickness burn) may appear dry and have an ivory or pearly white color to it.
   
3.  A third degree burn (full thickness burn) affects all the skin layers, epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers. This serious burn may appear dry and dark brown. The skin is destroyed. Other things that may be lost with this type of burn are hair follicles and sweat glands.   Once destroyed these cannot come back.
   

TREATMENT:

• For first degree burns, run cool, (not cold), water on the surface area for five minutes. Next gently pat dry.  Apply an antibiotic ointment to area to help healing. If the burn covers a large area consult a doctor.
• For second degree burns, pour cool water over the area .  If there are blisters or the skin is pearly white consult a doctor for medical attention.  Apply an antibacterial ointment to the areas affected by the burns and cover with a light bandage. Keep dry. Change the bandage daily and reapply the medication each time changed. Skin grafting may be needed for these types of burns. Always seek a doctor’s attention.
• Third degree burns, seek a doctor’s attention immediately. The child may need hospitalization and fluid replacement.  The risk of infection is high.  Skin grafting, bandages, and pressure garments would be needed during the course of treatments.
• After a burn heals, it is very important to protect the burned areas from the sun. Sunscreen needs to be applied each time the child goes outside. If burns occur on the face and scalp, a hat will be needed whenever the child is outdoors.