Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thermal Burns: Most of these burns are from hot water, hot drinks, hot grease, heating grates, and cigarettes. Usually the burn is first degree (reddened skin without blisters) or second degree (with blisters). Neither of these leaves scars. Second-degree burns take up to 3 weeks to heal. A third-degree burn is deep and leaves areas of scarred skin. During healing it usually needs a skin graft to prevent bad scarring.
Chemical Burns: These burns are from lye, acids, caustic cleaning agents, or other tissue-damaging chemicals splashed on the skin. They usually heal like a sunburn in about a week. These burns always need to be evaluated by a physician.
Electrical Burns: These burns originate from a source of electricity such as an electrical outlet. These burns can cause permanent disfigurement of the face, mouth or hands. They always need to be evaluated by a physician.
FIRST AID
Thermal burns. Immediately (don’t take time to remove clothing) put the burned part in cold tap water or pour cold tap water over it for 10 minutes. If you are outside, the nearest garden hose should be used. This will lessen the depth of the burn and relieve pain. If the burned area is large, cover it loosely with a clean sheet. The covering will keep the burn clean and reduce the pain.
Chemical burns. Remove all contaminated clothing and rinse off the exposed body parts. Instructions for treating burns may be found on the container. If so, follow them. If not, wash away the chemical with large amounts of water for at least 20 minutes. Don’t rub the skin during the rinse. Don’t apply any burn ointment because washing it off will cause pain. The best way to do the rinse is in a tub or shower. If the burn area is large, cover it loosely with a clean, damp sheet.
Electrical burns. If the electrical current is controlled by a wall switch, turn it off. If not, pull the child away using a non-conductive material such as a board or wooden chair. Do not use bare hands. If the child is not breathing, call 911 and start CPR.
HOME CARE
Treatment. General measures for caring for a burn include keeping the area clean. Soaking in a tub or applying warm compresses at least once a day may be recommended by your physician. During this time, all the dead skin from the area should be gently removed.
BURNS
Children usually require the burned area to be bandaged if the area is subject to being bumped or rubbed. An antibiotic cream called Silvadene is usually recommended, and is applied before the area is bandaged. Many burns will need to be seen daily by the physician for bandage changes and debridement.
Pain. For pain, give acetaminophen every 4 hours or ibuprofen every 6 hours for at least 24 hours. Burns can be very painful, and sometimes the physician will prescribe a pain medicine. It may be necessary to give the pain medication one hour before changing the bandages or going to see the doctor.
Diet. If the child has an extensive burn, try to increase the protein intake while the healing progresses. Proteins are the “building blocks” needed for repair. High-protein foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and beans.
CALL YOUR CHILD’S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
• Child develops a fever of 101.5°F.
• Pus accumulates in the burned area.
• There is pain, redness or swelling in the tissue surrounding the burned area.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF:
• The burn starts to look infected.
• The burn isn’t healed within 10 days.
• You feel your child is getting worse.
• You have other questions or concerns.
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