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Burns

Most burns are minor injuries that occur at home or work. It's common to get a minor burn from hot water, a curling iron, or touching a hot stove. Home treatment is usually all that's needed for healing and to prevent other problems, such as infection.

There are many types of burns.

Breathing in hot air or gases can injure your lungs (inhalation injuries).

Burns injure the skin layers. They can also injure other parts of the body, such as muscles, blood vessels, nerves, lungs, and eyes. Burns are defined as first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree, depending on how many layers of skin and tissue are burned. The deeper the burn and the larger the burned area, the more serious the burn is.

Infection is a concern with all burns. Watch for signs of infection during the healing process. Home treatment for a minor burn will reduce the risk of infection. Deep burns with open blisters are more likely to get infected and need medical treatment.

How is the seriousness of a burn diagnosed?

The seriousness of a burn is determined by:

  • The depth of the burn (first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree).
    • First-degree burns are burns of the first layer of skin.
    • Second-degree burns. There are two types of second-degree burns:
      • Superficial partial-thickness burns injure the first and second layers of skin.
      • Deep partial-thickness burns injure deeper skin layers.
    • Third-degree burns (full-thickness burns) injure all the skin layers and tissue under the skin. These burns always require medical treatment.
    • Fourth-degree burns extend through the skin to injure muscle, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. These burns always require medical treatment.
  • The size of the burn.
  • The cause (thermal, electrical, chemical, radiation, or friction).
  • The part of the body where the burn occurred.
  • The age and health of the burn victim.
  • Other injuries.
How can you care for burns?
  • If your doctor told you how to care for your burn, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
    • Wash the burn every day with a mild soap and water. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
    • Gently pat the burn dry after you wash it.
    • Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly on the burn.
    • You may cover the burn with a nonstick bandage. There are many bandage products available. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
    • Replace the bandage as needed.
  • Protect your burn while it is healing. Cover your burn if you are going out in the cold or the sun.
    • Wear long sleeves if the burn is on your hands or arms.
    • Wear a hat if the burn is on your face.
    • Wear socks and shoes if the burn is on your feet.
  • Do not break blisters open. This increases the chance of infection. If a blister breaks open by itself, blot up the liquid, and leave the skin that covered the blister. This helps protect the new skin.
  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

For pain and itching

  • Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
    • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the burn itches, try not to scratch it. Try an over-the-counter antihistamine. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

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