BURNS

Almost all of us have suffered a burn at one point in our lives. Burns from heat are the most common type of burn. Burns can also be caused by chemicals, the sun's radiation, and electricity. Burns are categorized as FIRST DEGREE, SECOND DEGREE, or THIRD DEGREE, depending on the severity of the burn.

1ST DEGREE burns involve only the top layer of skin. The affected area may be red, dry, and itchy. These burns are not serious and usually heal within a week.

2ND DEGREE burns affect deeper layers of skin. The area is red, painful, and may have blisters. These burns are reversible, but may take longer to heal than a 1st degree burn. 2nd degree burns may leave scars.

3RD DEGREE burns, also called critical burns, are the most serious type of burn, can be life-threatening, and require immediate medical attention. 3rd degree burns destroy all the layers of skin and underlying tissue, including fat and muscle. 3rd degree burns can even destroy bones. The burned area looks brown or black, and may have white patches underneath. 3rd degree burns can be painless, due to the destruction of nerve endings. 3rd degree burns are irreversible (the burned area cannot heal itself).

FIRST AID FOR BURNS

1. Remove victim from the source of the burn. If the source is electrical, make sure the electricity is off before approaching the victim.

2. Cool the burn by using large amounts of cool (NOT cold) water. Use a tub, shower, or towels soaked in cool water.

3. Cover the burn with a dry, sterile dressing or a clean cloth. Covering the burn helps prevent fluid and heat loss, and helps prevent infection.

Keep the victim calm and comfortable, and prevent the victim from overheating or becoming chilled.

BURN DON'TS

-Don't use any type of ointment on a burn, except from a very minor burn (such as aloe on a sunburn).

-NEVER use ice on any type of burn.

-Don't break any blisters that have formed (those blisters help to heal the burn and prevent infection).

-Don't remove any clothing stuck to the burned area (you can cause more damage by removing anything stuck to the burn).

-Don't touch a burn with anything except a clean covering, such as sterile gauze.

CALL 911 FOR THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS

-Burn victims experiencing difficulty breathing.

-2nd degree burns (or worse) covering more than one body part.

-2nd degree burns (or worse) affecting the hands, feet, genitals, head, or neck.

-Burns (other than very minor burns) to a very young or very old person.

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