Burns can happen at any time, from cooking in the kitchen, to appliances such as straighteners. In England, annually there are roughly 140’000 burn injury patients, but it is important to be aware of if your burn injury is serious enough to require further intervention or if it can be managed at home.
Initial Response
Burns should always be run under a cold water tap for at least 10 minutes to prevent the burn spreading, the cold water may also help to soothe the area. Also, we advise removing any clothing or jewellery around the area to relieve any pressure.
After 10 minutes, it’s best to examine the area to decide what to do next.
Types of burns
- First Degree:
Only the first layer of skin is affected. May be slightly red and swollen but there should be no blisters.
- Second Degree
Both the first and second layer of skin is affected. Skin may be either red or white, blisters may appear and you will suffer from severe pain.
- Third Degree
The entire top and bottom layer of skin is burnt off, there will be a lack of pain as the nerve endings will have been burnt away and skin may be black,white,brown or yellow.
If the burn turns into blisters do not pop them as this opens the skin up to infection, bandage the burn to keep it sanitary and avoid using products on it such as lotions as this may only aggravate the skin.
What to do next:
If believed to be a first degree burn these should be treated by simply bandaging the area to keep it clean. Petroleum jelly has said to be a helpful aid. However if you suffer with any of the following after your burn it is recommended to call 111.
*If the burn begins to smell
*If the key is bigger than the palm of a hand
*The skins turns white or charred
If you think the injury may be a second degree, the advice remains the same as first degree burns, unless the burn is on the face, hands or feet then you should seek urgent medical attention.
And finally, if the injury suggests to be a third degree burn, seek medical attention as the area will require professional cleaning to reduce the risk of lifetime scarring
If you are in any way unsure, call 111 for the most accurate advice.
