Talk to your treating surgeon or a burn team member as soon as possible. They are trained to guide you in getting support from your family or friends or through the help of a professional, such as a psychologist.
Burns
Burns are classified according to the severity of the injury to the skin and underlying tissues. The three burn categories are first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns, with first-degree burns being the most minor. If the first and second layers of skin have been burned, you have a second-degree burn. Second-degree burns can sometimes be considered minor. For both first- and second-degree burns, apply cool running water to the area for at least 10 minutes. This will help reduce swelling. The most serious burns are third-degree burns. Not only are all the layers of skin burnt, but muscle, fat, bone, and other tissues are temporarily or permanently affected. A third-degree burn requires medical attention. Another serious burn that may need treatment is an electrical burn, like from a power cable. These types of burns may cause internal damage, even if the burn does not leave a mark on the skin.
Recently Answered
-
1 AnswerA
Medical City Plano answeredA second-degree burn reaches the dermis, which is the inner layer of the skin. In general the more depth of the dermis is involved, the more significant the burn and scarring.
-
1 AnswerA
Medical City Plano answered
Be supportive in all capacities. Psychological support is very important. Let them know that you are there for them and that you still see the inner person.
-
2 AnswersA
Medical City Plano answeredSee All 2 Answers
A first-degree burn is like a sunburn. It is a superficial burn involving the epidermis—the outer layer of the skin—and can be expected to heal with minimal or no scarring.
-
1 AnswerA
Jumo Health answeredHaving scars can affect you emotionally. Having scars can make you feel upset, angry, lonely and sad. It’s normal to feel these things. When you’re feeling like this, it's important to talk to someone about it.
-
2 AnswersA
Sigma Nursing answeredSee All 2 AnswersA mild burn, like a first-degree burn, usually won't affect the body beyond the original wound, which should heal once the top layer of skin is shed. More serious burns, like second- and third-degree burns, however, can cause additional problems in the body, including dehydration, shock and chemical imbalances. Severe burns can also destroy muscle tissue and damage the kidneys. In some cases, eschars, which are crusted-over areas, can develop and stop blood flow or restrict breathing. Infections can also be a serious complication because the body's defense-its skin-is damaged.
-
5 AnswersA
See All 5 AnswersFirst-degree burns are the least severe. They are red and painful, swell slightly, and turn white when pressed. Second-degree burns have blisters and are painful. They affect both the outer and middle layer of skin. Third-degree burns cause damage to all layers of the skin. The burned skin looks white or charred. These burns may cause little or no pain if nerves are damaged. (This answer provided for NATA by the Southern Connecticut State University Athletic Training Education Program).
-
2 AnswersA
See All 2 AnswersAfter a severe burn, the body goes in a state of shock. (Shock is a life-threatening condition that starves your body of proper blood flow and oxygen.) You will need care at a hospital with special IVs and large amounts of fluid.
-
1 AnswerA
CareNow answeredChemical burns require a great degree of water decontamination. Also, depending on the type of chemical exposure, poison control may need to be contacted to avoid systemic injury.
-
1 AnswerA
CareNow answered
Partial thickness burns (formerly known as second-degree burns) are considered serious if they occur on the face, hands, feet or genitalia, or if they affect a large part of the body surface. These burns typically require medical attention.