Are You Adequately Prepared to Handle a First Degree Burn?
A First Degree burn afflicts the uppermost layer of the skin. It occurs when you come in contact with a hot object, a naked flame, scalding liquid, corrosive chemical or even as a result of excessive sun exposure. Generally, the intensity of heat or the time of contact is so mild that the damage does not spread any further. However, it is vital to understand this kind of injury, its implications and proper first aid and management practices to make sure that you are able to hasten recovery and not make things worse inadvertently.
First aid and subsequent attention:
€ The victim should immediately move away from the source of the injury, either by himself or with the assistance of another person. This will prevent the risk of further damage.
€ Gently cool the area to minimise the detrimental effects of heat. Always use slowly running water. Never apply ice, splash very cold water or direct a very strong jet of water on the area. Remember, the wound is sensitive and harsh treatments can have an abrasive action.
€ You can apply a thin layer of burn ointment on the wound. If unsure of what to do, contact your doctor immediately. There are many home remedies that you read about or hear of. It is advisable not to opt for any of them without being sure of their efficacy.
€ This type of injury is without blisters or oozing. It generally heals on its own within a few days and leaves no scarring.
When should a First Degree burn be taken as something serious?
€ If the victim begins to lose consciousness or appears to be going into shock, then it means that there is some deeper damage and medical assistance should be immediately called.
€ Even if the victim has escaped getting badly injured, he may have inhaled a lot of smoke, which can be fatal if not treated.
€ Any injury to eyes, nose, mouth, genitalia etc should be deemed serious and person should be immediately rushed to the hospital. In addition, if the wound happens to occur at the site of a previous injury which is not yet completely healed, then complications could develop.
€ If the damage affects a large area of the body, then you need medical assistance. A wound of such magnitude will use up all your body's resources and slow down the healing process. Doctor's advice and proper medical intervention will support proper recovery.
€ As mentioned in the previous section, these wounds should heal up on their own very soon. But, if the recovery is unusually slow, or you experience pain and inflammation, then contact your doctor immediately. In addition, if you manage to sustain another injury in the exact same spot, then you should seek medical attention.
€ If you have another serious medical condition, like diabetes or problems of the immune system, then this injury could have grave implications.First Degree burn can happen to anyone and indeed, it is very common. If given proper attention and care, it will resolve properly and without any problems.
First aid and subsequent attention:
€ The victim should immediately move away from the source of the injury, either by himself or with the assistance of another person. This will prevent the risk of further damage.
€ Gently cool the area to minimise the detrimental effects of heat. Always use slowly running water. Never apply ice, splash very cold water or direct a very strong jet of water on the area. Remember, the wound is sensitive and harsh treatments can have an abrasive action.
€ You can apply a thin layer of burn ointment on the wound. If unsure of what to do, contact your doctor immediately. There are many home remedies that you read about or hear of. It is advisable not to opt for any of them without being sure of their efficacy.
€ This type of injury is without blisters or oozing. It generally heals on its own within a few days and leaves no scarring.
When should a First Degree burn be taken as something serious?
€ If the victim begins to lose consciousness or appears to be going into shock, then it means that there is some deeper damage and medical assistance should be immediately called.
€ Even if the victim has escaped getting badly injured, he may have inhaled a lot of smoke, which can be fatal if not treated.
€ Any injury to eyes, nose, mouth, genitalia etc should be deemed serious and person should be immediately rushed to the hospital. In addition, if the wound happens to occur at the site of a previous injury which is not yet completely healed, then complications could develop.
€ If the damage affects a large area of the body, then you need medical assistance. A wound of such magnitude will use up all your body's resources and slow down the healing process. Doctor's advice and proper medical intervention will support proper recovery.
€ As mentioned in the previous section, these wounds should heal up on their own very soon. But, if the recovery is unusually slow, or you experience pain and inflammation, then contact your doctor immediately. In addition, if you manage to sustain another injury in the exact same spot, then you should seek medical attention.
€ If you have another serious medical condition, like diabetes or problems of the immune system, then this injury could have grave implications.First Degree burn can happen to anyone and indeed, it is very common. If given proper attention and care, it will resolve properly and without any problems.
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