How to Deal with Severe Burns

1. Scalds- the most common cause of burns. We get this type of burn from steam,hot water and hot liqiuds like coffee or tea.

2. Contact Burns- usually we get this type of burn when we come into contact with the stove,fireplace, curling iron and any hot surface.

3. Chemical Burns- this type of burn is usually caused when we get into unprotected contact with spilled liquids like drain cleaners,bleaches and other common household chemicals.

4. Electrical Burns- occurs when we get into contact with frayed electrical cords of plugged appliances or grounded electrical outlets.

5. Sun Burns- are caused by over exposure to the sun.This usually occurs during summer when the sun is at its brightest intensity.

Depending on how badly the person's skin is injured, burns are often categorized as first,second or third degree burns. All of the above stated injuries can and does cause any or all of the three categories of burns.More often than not, both the type and the cause of the injury determines the course of action for it's treatment.


1. First Degree burns- are limited to the top layer of the skin (the epidermis);
redness,minor swelling and pain occur in the affected area and since the skin is dry and without blisters healing happens in 3-6 days.

2. Second degree burns- involves the injury of the first two layers of skin (the epidermis and the dermis).These burns produce severe pain,redness and blisters in the affected area. Since the blisters often break open and the skin is wet with a bright pink or cherry red coloration, healing time depends on the severity of the burn.

3.Third degree burns- Considered the most serious type of burn because it involves all the layers(epidermis,dermis and hypodermis) and the tissues under the skin.3rd degree burn surfaces look dry and can have white,brown or charred colorations,the injury usually is painless due to the damaged nerves in the affected area.

Healing time is again dependent on the severity of the injury. but 3rd degree burns take alot longer due to the fact that the treatment might involve undergoing skin grafting. This proceedure involves surgically taking healthy skin from other parts of the body and placing it over the damaged area for faster recovery and healing time.

Minor burns ( first degree and second degree burns limited to an area of 3 inches or less)

1. Hold the affected area under cool running water until the pain subsides. Cooling the injury reduces swelling as it takes away the heat absorbed by the skin. DONT PUT ICE ON THE INJURY!!

2.Cover the injury by wrapping it loosely with a sterile gause bandage.Bandaging the area keeps air off the burned skin while reducing pain and protecting the burned area.

3.Drink an over the counter analgesic to reduce the pain.

Minor burns usually heal without major treatment but if increased pain,fever or infection occurs,seeking medical help is strongly advised.

Major Burns require medical asisstance, but until help arrives:

1.Do not remove burned clothing but make sure that the person is no longer in contact with burning material and smoke.

2.Check for signs of circulation by checking the pulse,breathing or movement of the victim.

3.To prevent shock,do not immerse or soak large burn areas.

4.When possible,elevate affected areas to above heart level.

5. Cover the affected area with clean, moist bandages,towels or blankets.