First Aid for Burns

The Basics of Burn First Aid

It is vitally important to accurately determine the severity of the burn before you start treatment. Burns fall into three categories, from first to third degree; treatment for burns differs depending on whether it is considered minor or major.

First Degree burns impact only the outer layer of the skin. The skin will usually be red with some swelling and pain at the site. There will be no blistering. First degree burns are considered minor burns unless they cover a substantial portion of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks or a major joint.

Second Degree burns go through the first layer of the skin and the second layer is also damaged. Blisters will develop; the skin will redden with a splotchy appearance and the person will have pain and swelling. If the burn is no larger than three inches in diameter it can be treated as a minor burn. If it is larger than three inches or is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks or over a major joint, it is considered a major burn.

Third Degree burns involve all layers of the skin and permanent tissue damage. The burn area may be charred or appear dry and white, but the person will feel no pain. If the person is suffering from smoke inhalation, he will have difficulty breathing. Third degree burns are always major burns.

First Aid for Minor Burns

• Cool the burn by holding the area under cold running water for at least five minutes. An alternative is to immerse the area in cold water or use cold compresses. Using ice on a burn can cause frost bite and more damage to the skin.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap the gauze loosely.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin for example), maproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol or others).
• Keep an eye on the burn for signs of infection: increased pain and redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If an infection occurs, go to your doctor. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.
• Butter or other ointments prevent proper healing. If the minor burn forms a blister, try to avoid breaking it as that would expose the sensitive second layer of damaged skin and could lead to infection.

First Aid for Major Burns

• Call 911.
• Do not remove the burnt clothing, just make sure the person is no longer exposed to smoke or heat or is in contact with smoldering material.
• Do not immerse the burn in cold water. This could cause the person to go into shock.
• Check for breathing, coughing or movement, all signs of circulation. If the person is not breathing, start CPR.
• Cover the area with a moist, sterile bandage, cloth or towel.
• If possible, raise the burned body parts above heart level.

Tagged as: First Aid for Burns, major burn first aid, minor burn first aid