Stages of Burns and How to Treat Burns

The rate how burns can treat depends on the depth or seriousness of the burn. For minor burns, it can be treated at home with home treatments and may last up to 1-2 weeks for it to heal.

While for major burns affecting deeper parts of the skin, it will need medical attention and may last up to months for it to completely heal. Knowing what the different stages of burn are will help you understand how to treat burns effectively.

Minor burns can be called as first degree burns because it affects only the first layer or outer part of the skin. The skin will appear to be red and painful. A typical example of a first degree burn is sunburns. These can be treated at home with simple home treatments.

When the burns have already affected the second layer of the skin which is also called as hypodermis, this can be considered as a second degree burn. The skin will appear very red and spotted appearance, or some blisters are also visible in the affected area.

These can cause severe pain and minimal swelling. If a second degree burn has occurred in less than a few inches, home treatments can be done as well.

However, if it has occurred in larger regions of your body such as your feet, buttocks, face or hands, it is best to go directly to a hospital and seek for medical attention. Last but not the least, when all layers of the skin have been burn, this condition may be called as a third degree burn.

The skin will appear as charred black, and intense pain will be felt. For some, they will feel no pain or little pain can be felt, this is because the nerves have already been damaged. This will require immediate medica attention as to prevent from falling into a more serious medical condition.

treat burns

How to treat burns at home can help you know what to do when minor burn injuries have occurred to you, a friend or a family member. The first thing to do in a burned area is to stop the burning process by simply killing the fire or cooling down the area affected.

Cooling down the affected area can be done by running the area under cold water for several minutes. Applying aloe vera on the washed area can also help in the cooling process because this has a cooling effect on the skin.

Although it can be painful, it is important to clean the wound with water as to prevent the start of infection. Cover the burn with a sterile wound dressing or gauze and change it once every day or every time it gets wet.

If the pain is intolerable, you can ask for your physician regarding what type of pain reliever can you take. The physician will take note of your past and present medical history as to whether or not you have allergies to specific medications or whether or not you are taking any medications that may not be compatible with other over the counter pain reliever. Now that you know how to treat burns you can be confident on what to do when these cases happen.

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