There are three important things to remember when treating a burn: Burns come in all shapes and sizes. They can be caused by boiling water in the kitchen or chemicals in the lab. While burns are caused by many different things, they can all be treated in a similar way. If you want to learn how to treat a burn, then keep reading. 1) Prevent shock 2) Ease the pain of the burn 3) Reduce the risk of infection Burn treatment is relatively straightforward. But the success of treatment depends on how fast the burn victim – or the people around the burn victim – can react to the situation. The sooner treatment occurs, the less likely the burn will cause serious harm. 1st degree burns First degree burns are not very severe. They’re caused by not wearing sunblock while out in the hot sun, touching a hot object, or placing your hand on a pot with boiling water. While first degree burns aren’t as severe as other types, they still require basic treatment. To treat a first degree burn, run cool water over the affected area for several minutes. This might cause some numbness or pain, but it will reduce the impact of the burn. After running the burn under cool water, rub burn cream or aloe vera ointment over the affected area. 2nd degree burns Second degree burns are characterized by blisters and red blotchy marks. Unlike first degree burns, second degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin. To treat second degree burns, place the affected area under cool water for about five minutes. If the burn is blistering, oozing, large, and painful, then you should consider urgent medical attention. If it isn’t, then wrap a cool wet cloth in plastic and place it around the burn area (the plastic prevents the cloth from sticking to the skin). Then, wrap the burn area in a sterile cloth. 3rd degree burns Third degree burns are the most serious type of burns. They’re immediately distinguishable from first and second degree burns because the skin is charred, white, and visibly destroyed. In the case of all third degree burns, it’s important to call for immediate medical attention. The person suffering from the burns often enters a state of shock. Until medical help arrives, place the affected area in cool water and keep the injured person still. Keep the hand, legs, and feet elevated above the heart if possible. If the burns occurred as a result of chemical exposure, be sure to inform the 911 dispatcher or paramedics. Do not… There are certain things you shouldn’t do when treating any type of burn. Do not do any of the following: -Pierce, cut, or open blisters. This will increase the risk of infection. -Peel off burned dead skin. Just like removing blisters, this will increase the risk of infection. However, it could also cause permanent scarring. Leave the skin in place. -Try to peel clothing away from the burned skin. In serious burn cases, clothing will stick to the skin. This might look like a problem that needs to be fixed immediately, but you should avoid trying to peel away any clothing. Not only will this cause intense pain for the victim, but it can peel away healthy, healing skin. -Avoid using antiseptic creams, butter, or any other at-home remedies you may have heard about. Most at-home remedies are completely useless at treating burns and will only increase the risk of infection. When should you visit an urgent care Atlanta clinic or an emergency room? Some burns are mild, while others require immediate medical attention. Third-degree burn victims should be taken to an emergency room via an ambulance. But those who suffer from second-degree burns or even first-degree burns might want to attend an urgent care Atlanta clinic for fast, efficient medical treatment.
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