Nearly 500,000 people seek emergency treatment for burns in the United States every year. A burn is tissue damage caused by exposure to high heat, sun exposure, or contact with harmful chemicals. Burns are usually classified according to their severity:
- First-degree burn: A first-degree burn is relatively mild in severity and only affects the outer layer of the skin.
- Second-degree burn: Second-degree burns affect the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the second layer of skin (dermis).
- Third-degree burn: Third-degree burns reach the fat tissue that is located beneath the skin.
Symptoms of a burn will also vary depending on the severity of the burn.
Degrees of burns are detailed below:
First-degree burns:
Pain
Redness
Second-degree burns:
Pain
Swelling
Red or discolored skin
Blistering
Scarring
Third-degree burns:
Severe pain
Discolored skin (skin may become black, brown, or white)
Nerve damage
Most cases of first-degree burns can be treated at home with self-care methods. If you are experiencing the symptoms of second or third-degree burns, seek medical attention right away. Not only can these injuries be extremely painful, but they may lead to serious bacterial or viral infections.
Treatment Options
Below is a list of common treatment options for burns. During your appointment, discuss these with your doctor to determine the right treatment plan for you.
First-degree burns are relatively mild and may be treated with self-care methods. Do not apply ice to any burn. Instead, run the affected area under cool water. For sunburns, apply an aloe vera gel to soothe the skin and encourage healing. For burns caused by heat, apply an antibiotic cream to the affected skin and wrap the area in gauze. Do not wrap too tightly, as this can limit blood flow. If the burn is causing some pain or discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve these symptoms.
For second-degree burns, your health care provider may be able to recommend a topical burn ointment or offer a prescription-strength topical medication for use. To prevent infection, your health care provider may also prescribe an antibiotic cream that contains silver sulfadiazine. Apply the topical medication to the affected area and wrap the area gently with gauze or bandages.
Third-degree burns require concentrated medical attention. In many cases, a skin graft is needed to replace the damaged tissue with healthy skin tissue. Depending on the severity of the burn, an individual with third-degree burns may require an IV to prevent dehydration and shock. Third-degree burns may require surgery to reconstruct a badly burned area of the body. If you or someone near you has experienced a third-degree burn, call 9-1-1 immediately. Third-degree burns can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Seek emergency medical attention right away.