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Burns and Scalds
Burns are injuries to body tissues caused
by heat, chemicals or radiation. Scalds are caused by wet heat, such as steam or hot
liquids. Burns are classified according to the area and depth of injury. Superficial burns
involve only the outer layers of the skin, cause redness, swelling, tenderness and usually
heal well. Intermediate burns form blisters, can become infected, and need medical aid.
Deep burns involve all layers of the skin, which may be pale and charred, may be pain free
if nerves are damaged, and will always require medical attention.
To limit tissue damage, the burned area
should be cooled down immediately by flooding the area with slow running water for at
least 10 to 20 minutes. If no water is available, clothing should be remove immediately
from the injuried area, (only if it is not stuck to the skin) clothing soaked with hot
liquids retains heat (avoid pulling clothing over the face).
Severe Burns and Scalds Treatment:
- Cool the burn area with water for 10 to 20
minutes. Or use Burn Jel.
- Lay the casualty down and make him as
comfortable as possible, protecting the burn area from ground contact.
- Gently remove any rings, watches, belts or
constricting clothing from the injured area before it begins to swell.
- Cover the injured area loosely with
sterile unmediated dressing or similar non-fluffy material and bandage.
- Don't remove anything that is
sticking to the burn.
- Don't apply lotions, ointments,
butter or fat to the injury.
- Don't break blisters or otherwise
interfere with the injured area.
- Don't over-cool the patient and
cause shivering.
- If breathing and heartbeat stop, begin resuscitation immediately,
- If casualty is unconscious but breathing
normally, place in the recovery position.
- Treat for shock.
- Send for medical attention.
Minor Burns and Scalds Treatment:
- Place the injured part under slowly
running water, or soak in cold water for 10 minutes or as long as the pain persists.
- Gently remove any rings, watches, belts,
and shoes from the injured area before it starts to swell.
- Dress with clean, sterile, non fluffy
material.
- Don't use adhesive dressings.
- Don't apply lotions, ointments or
fat to burn/scald.
- Don't break blisters or otherwise
interfere.
- If in doubt, seek medical aid.
Chemical Burns Treatment:
- Flood the area with slowly running water
for at least ten minutes.
- Gently remove contaminated clothing while
flooding injured area, taking care not to contaminate yourself.
- Continue treatment for SEVERE BURNS
- Remove to hospital.
Sunburn Treatment:
- Remove the casualty to the shade and cool
the skin by sponging gently with cold water.
- Give sips of cold water at frequent
intervals.
- If the burns are mild, gently apply an
after-sun cream.
- For extensive blistering, seek medical
help.
Burn Treatment Products:
Some of these products are available from your Pharmacy or First aid supplier.
- Cool It™ topical cooling gel
- Burn Relief
- SpencoŽ 2nd Skin
- Ice Cold spray
- Ice packs
- Telfa pads
- Water JelŽ products
- Cool JelŽ
- Heat Shield
- Burn wrap
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