Skin Burns

Skin Burns

1. FIRST-DEGREE BURN (superficial)

   • affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin.
     • The burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example.
       • Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually consists of an increase or decrease in the skin color.
         • IT WILL LOOK LIKE: red, non-blistered skin
   • TREAMENT:
     • • soak the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer
     • • take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
     • • apply aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the skin
     • • use an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area
   • RECOVERY TIME:Healing occurs in 3-5 days, injured epithelium peels away from the healthy skin

2. SECOND-DEGREE BURN (partial thickness)

   • involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin.
     • The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
       • IT WILL LOOK LIKE:blisters and some thickening of the skin
   • TREATMENT:
     • • running the skin under cool water for 15 minutes or longer
     • • taking over-the-counter pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
     • • applying antibiotic cream to blisters
   • RECOVERY TIME:Should heal in several weeks (10-21 days) without grafting, scarring is usually minimal

3. THIRD-DEGREE BURN (full thickness)

   • destroy the epidermis and dermis and may go into the subcutaneous tissue.
     • The burn site may appear white or charred
       • IT WILL LOOK LIKE:widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance
   • TREATMENT:
     • • Never attempt to self-treat a third-degree burn. Call 911 immediately. While you’re waiting for medical treatment, raise the injury above your heart. Don’t get undressed, but make sure no clothing is stuck to the burn. There is no set healing timeline for third-degree burns.
   • RECOVERY TIME:Small areas may take months to heal; large areas need grafting.

4. FOURTH DEGREE BURN

   • burns also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. There is no sensation in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed
     • IT WILL LOOK LIKE: the damage of third-degree burns extends beyond the skin into tendons and bones. •