The burn may be accompanied by an infection, it may cause intoxication and metabolic disorders, and it may leave scars. Some standard steps should be taken, no matter what kind of burn it is.

Eliminate the factor that caused the burn and, if possible, remove everything that comes in contact with the affected body surface (shoes, clothing, jewelry, etc.). Do not tear off any adhering cloth.

As soon as possible, cool the burn area (if it is not a chemical burn) with cold running water for 7–10 minutes. This will help reduce pain and swelling. Putting ice on the wound will not help.

Treat the healthy skin around the burn with an antiseptic and cover the affected area with a clean cloth or bandage.

Give pain relievers and antihistamines. Give water to drink and let the person rest.

Degrees of burns

First-degree: Skin is red, mild swelling, peeling, and pain is tolerable.

Second-degree: Blisters, pronounced pain, and itching are present at the site of the lesion.

Third-degree: Extensive blisters with turbid liquid inside, severe pain, general weakness.

Fourth-degree: Deep lesion, possibly charring, the most serious and dangerous degree of burns.

You can easily treat first-degree and second-degree burns yourself. This involves the use of special anti-burn ointments, gels, and sprays. When third-degree and fourth-degree burns happen you must immediately call an ambulance. The same should be done if:

• A child or an elderly person has been affected
• The area of the burn exceeds 5 % of the body surface (1 % is equal to the area of the palm)
• Burns appear on the face, ears, eyes, crotch, genitals, or large joints
• The nature of burns are chemical or electrical
• There is reason to suspect that poisoning by products of combustion or a burn of the respiratory tract has occurred
• The victim has a severe chronic medical condition
• The burn wound is contaminated by dirt or feces

What not to do if burned

• Use oils, dairy products, propolis, honey, alcohol solutions, starch, iodine, and toothpaste for treatment.
• Clean the wound with materials that leave lint or absorbent cotton.
• Puncture blisters, which can cause infection.
• Tape the wound with an ordinary plaster.

19 May 2021