Identify & Treat Burns!

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND TREAT BURN INJURIES

Burns can be painful - and serious. It's all a matter of degree. To know how to treat a burn, and when to call a doctor, first learn to distinguish the different types of burns.

First degree burns: Only the outer layer of skin is damaged. The skin is red, with some swelling and pain. This is the least serious type of burn and can be treated with first aid.

Second degree burns: The first layer of skin has been burned through, and the layer underneath is red and splotchy. Blisters may develop, along with swelling.

Third degree burns: The most serious type of burn, affecting all layers of skin and possibly causing permanent damage to tissues and even bones. Skin may appear either charred and black, or white and dry. For third degree burns, immediate medical attention is needed. Don't remove burned clothing or soak in water, but cover the area with a cool, wet sterile cloth or bandage. If possible, raise the burned area of the body above the level of the heart.

With first degree burns, or second-degree burns that don't cover more than 3 inches of skin, hold the burned area under cool - but not cold - running water for about 15 minutes. Don't put ice on the burn. Wrap the wound in a loose dressing of sterile gauze, keeping air and pressure off the burn. Don't break any blisters that form. The patient can take over the counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen for pain.

Keep an eye out for increased redness, swelling, or oozing, and call a doctor if any of these signs of infection develop.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524