A definition of the 4 types of burns lays an excellent foundation for understanding how burns occur and what necessary treatments are required. Not all burns are alike. The least severe, indicated by its lower number, is a first degree burn. A first degree burn is mild and affects only the surface of the skin with redness or whiteness. First degree burns do not require any bandages or ointments and usually clear up within a day or so. For the mild discomfort of a first degree burn, a cold compress can be placed on the burn to cool the skin.
Second degree burns are more painful and create more damage to the skin and immediate surface below the skin. Second degree burns can results from contact with heated objects or surfaces such as irons and stoves, chemicals spilled on the skin such as acid, or electricity which is self explanatory. Second degree burns can be so painful because they affect the nerve endings below the surface where there is a significant amount of feeling contained. Second degree burns can be treated for 10 minutes by holding the burn under running water. The length of time should be doubled for chemical burns. When in doubt, medical help should be sought immediately.
Third degree burns are reported to have very little pain involved because they tend to burn away the nerve endings in the area that is burned. Third degree burns cannot be treated at home and medical attention should be sought immediately. Third degree burns usually appear as dark, charred areas where the burn has occurred. Third degree burns covering large parts of the body create a high risk of infection and have to be medically treated in a very sterile environment.
Fourth degree burns cause damage to the tissue of the bone. A person who has suffered a fourth degree may lose the limb that is burned or if the limb is save, the use of it may not be returned to normal or functional at all. Fourth degree burns also cannot be treated at home as they require acute medical care that may include skin grafting, reconstructive surgery and therapy to learn how to use the limb again.
Burns can be traumatic for any age group, but particularly for children. Often children who suffer severe burns require therapy not only for their burns but psychological therapy as well to help them deal with the pain and fear of being burned again.
Although there are many different types of burn ointments and salves that can be purchased over the counter, never try to guess the degree of a burn or how to treat it if it is more than a first degree burn. Seek medical attention immediately to help minimize scars and pain.
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