First Degree Burn Treatment

Unpreparedness, fear, lack of knowledge, and urgency are few aspects that can worsen the impact of mild injuries. On the contrary a person needs to maintain calm, be patient and then take logical decisions while dealing with an injury case. However, certain injuries like that caused due to a burn, leave people in a state of shock and fear and bring out urgent reactions in them. A burn can be caused due to heat, electricity, radiation, friction, light, chemicals or even extreme cold conditions. Burns get classified into four groups. Depending on the severity it is categorized as first degree burns, second degree burns, third degree burns and fourth degree burns. Each degree of burns has its own level of severity and impact over the body tissues. The symptoms and the treatment also depend and vary from one degree to another or from one level of severity to another. This article deals with the treatment for the first degree burn and brings forth the calculative steps which a person needs to take while dealing with a first degree burn case.

Treatment For First Degree Burn

You will have to remove any clothing or jewellery from the area that got burnt. Once you have removed the jewellery or clothing, hold the affected area under cold running water for at least 5-10 minutes or until the pain reduces. You can even use cold compresses to soothe the burnt area, but make sure not to put ice or ice water directly on the burnt area. This cooling procedure will help reduce the inflammation caused due to burn.
You can make use of over-the-counter pain relievers to soothe the affected area after putting it under cool running water. If these mild pain relievers are not able to reduce the inflammation, you must contact a physician for other prescriptions.
One you have washed the area with cool water; take clean, dry and sterile gauze to cover the area. Make sure not to use bandages with adhesives or cotton over the burnt area.
Do not apply oil or butter or any ointment on the burnt area since it can adversely affect the healing process. However, you can make use of antiseptic cleanser while you are washing the area under running water. You can also give aspirin to the person if he/she has no other medical complications. Children below the age of 18 should not be given aspirin.
If the burn is due to some chemicals, use lots of water to wash the area to make sure complete removal of the chemical from the area. It is advisable to consult a doctor in case of chemical burns.
You can take in vitamin C and E and zinc in safe amounts in order to get relief and speed up the healing process. Consult a doctor immediately if redness and pain do not decrease within few days or if there are any signs of infection such as red streaks or blisters.
Make sure not to pierce the blisters. This will leave the burnt area open for infections and will also interrupt with the healing process.
Do not peel off the burnt dead skin; it will fall on its own after few days of healing. Peeling of burnt skin will not only leave the area open to infections, but will also cause scarring.

Tips

Burns might cause swelling, especially burns of the face and neck. If you experience any swelling on the burnt area, it is advisable to contact a physician.
Wear loose natural clothing like silks or light cotton when the burnt area is healing. If you wear harsh fabrics or tight clothes, it will irritate the skin more which might adversely affect the healing process.
Burns lead to the destruction of skin tissue which might lead to infections, dehydration and hypothermia. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor if the patient complains of dizziness, weakness, shivering, fever or cold sweats.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Health & Fitness'