Burn can destroy skin which helps regulate the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, it also holds in fluids and protects us from bacterial and viral infection that is why it is important for us to educate ourselves on what to incase burn accident happen. The goal of first-aid for burns is to relieve pain, prevent infection, and treat shock.

The danger of infection is greatest in second and third-degree burns. Shock is a major hazard when burns cover more than 10% of the body, or when a smaller burn is very severe. Victims with burns in the face, hands, feet and genitalia need emergency medical assistance

The type of burn is classified according to the degree of damage:

• First-degree burn - the skin is simply reddened.
• Second-degree burn - blisters develop.
• Third-degree burn - there is a deep tissue damage.

Causes of Burns: Heat or Electrical, Ultraviolet rays (sunburn) and chemicals.

How to Reduce and Treat Burns:

First and Second degree Heat Burn:

• Keep air away from a first-degree burn or a small second-degree burn to help relieve pain, you can do this by immersing the burned area in cool water, or by covering the area with a thick cotton cloth. Do not immerse a burn in water if the skin is broken. After the cool water treatment cover the burned area with a thick dry sterile cloth and bandage it firmly.
• Mild burns with reddened skin and no blisters may be treated with a topical burn ointment or spray to reduce pain.

Third degree Heat Burn:

• Apply a thick sterile dressing and bandage it in place.
• If the burn covers a large area, wrap the burned part with a clean cotton cloth.
• If the burn is very large or severe, treat the victim for shock.
• If his hands and feet are burned, keep them elevated.
• While waiting for medical help, give the victim a solution of water, salt, and baking soda if he is able to take liquids. This solution is the same as prescribed for shock and should by given in half-glass doses every 15 minutes.

In cases of electrical burns:

• Turn off the electric power at the source.
• Do not touch the victim until all wires are clear.
• Avoid contact with the electric current while removing the victim.
• Make sure the victim's breathing and his heart beat are regular. Treat the victim for shock and make sure to get medical help immediately.
• Treat minor burns with cool water.

Sunburn:

• For mild burns with reddened skin and no blisters it may be treated with an aloe vera-base topical gel or ointment or spray to reduce pain. You can also apply cold wet packs to the affected area.If blisters develop, do not break them open. Apply a dressing and bandage the burn carefully.

• Severe sunburns should receive medical care as soon as possible.

Chemical Burns: When chemicals such as oven cleaners, or drain cleaners burn the skin, the chemical should be washed off as quickly as possible. Keep the burn area on running water for at least five minutes before bandaging the burned area with sterile dressing. Use no counteragents, such as baking soda, except on the advice of a doctor or poison-control center.

If Chemical has been Splashed into the eye: Flood the eye with water for 15 minutes. If the victim is lying down, turn his head to the side and pour the water from the inner corner of the eye outward toward his temple. Immobilize the eyelid with a pad, bandage both eyes, and ask for medical help.

Other Tips on How to Reduce and Treat Burns:

• Do not apply butter or oil to any burn, they seal in heat and may cause infection. Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for the pain of a mild burn typically redness only. If stronger pain relief is needed, contact a physician or go to the emergency department.
• If blisters form, it should not be broken because they protect the burn from infection, just let it dry naturally.
• While the burn is healing wear loose clothing made from light cotton material. Harsher fabrics will irritate the skin even more.