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Signs and symptoms of burns are different depending on how severe the burn is (as described above). Your doctor will evaluate the extent of the burn (the amount of skin or body surface area that the burn covers) to assess the risk for complications, such as infection, dehydration, and disfigurement. Infection People who get burned are very prone to infection. It can be hard to tell if a minor burn is infected because the skin surrounding a burn is usually red and may become warm to the touch -- both of which are also signs of infection. Any change in the appearance of a burn, or in the way that the person feels, should be brought to the attention of a doctor. Potential signs of infection include: * Change in color of the burnt area or surrounding skin * Purplish discoloration, particularly if swelling is also present * Change in thickness of the burn (the burn suddenly extends deep into the skin) Dehydration In severe or widespread burns, fluid is lost through the skin, and the person can become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to life threatening shock. A doctor will treat dehydration with intravenous (IV) fluids. Potential signs of dehydration include: * Thirst * Lightheadedness or dizziness, particularly when moving from sitting or lying position to standing * Weakness * Dry skin * Urinating less often than usual The most serious burns are usually caused by scalding hot or flammable liquids, and fires. Exposure to chemicals and electrical currents also cause severe injury and damage to the skin. Risk Factors: Risk factors for burns include: * Wood stoves, exposed heating sources, or electrical cords * Unsafe storage of flammable or caustic materials * Careless smoking * Child abuse * Hot water heater set above 130 °F * Heated foods and containers * Too much exposure to the sun Preventive Care: These actions can reduce your risk for burns: * Installing smoke detectors * Teaching children about fire and burn prevention in schools * Stopping smoking and heavy alcohol use * Wearing flame retardant clothes (particularly children) * Planning emergency exit routes in the home, school, and workplace * Practicing fire drills These steps may help reduce the severity of a burn once it occurs: * Giving first aid immediately * Getting prompt medical attention * If hospitalization is necessary, being treated by a dedicated burn unit with staff specially trained in burn care These are first aid steps for burns: First degree burns: * Run cool water on burned area for 5 - 10 minutes or cover the area with a cool compress. * Don't apply oil, butter, or ice to the burn. * Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and swelling. * Any burn to the eye requires immediate emergency help. * Do not use burn care or other ointments for 24 hours to avoid sealing in the burn. Second degree burns: * Do not break blisters. * Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin. * Run cool water on burned area for 5 - 10 minutes, or cover the area with a cool compress then carefully remove clothing that is not stuck to the skin. * Elevate burned area above the heart. * Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and swelling. * If not near a medical facility, apply bacitracin ointment or honey on broken blisters to prevent infection (this is the only situation in which bacitracin or honey should be applied to burned skin). * If the burn is near the mouth, nose, or eye, seek emergency medical help immediately. Good nutrition is important as people recover, because vitamins and minerals have been shown to promote wound healing and prevent the spread of infection. Fourth degree burns require the same attention as third degree burns. Patients should seek medical help immediately. Bhuwan, for information on Burn Burn Treatment Treatment of Burn Burn Surgeons,Treatment of Burn,Plastic Surgery,Post Burn, Contracture,Burn Hospitals,Burn Doctors.Please visit our site:http://www.burntreatment.in/
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