Chemical 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.
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.
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CareNow answeredPartial 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.
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See All 4 AnswersThere are three primary types of burns: first, second, and third-degree burns. Each degree of burn is based on the severity of damage to the skin.
First-degree burns are also referred to as superficial burns. These are the least severe burns; they involve only the epidermal or outermost layer of the skin. The signs and symptoms of a first-degree burn include redness, minor swelling, and pain, but the skin remains intact. An example of a first-degree burn would be a sunburn or minor flash burn. First-degree burns typically heal on their own in three to six days.
Second-degree burns are also referred to as partial thickness burns. These burns are more serious because the damage extends beyond the top layer of skin; with second degree burns, the epidermis and a portion of the dermis is affected. The burn causes the skin to blister; it then becomes red, weepy, and very painful. Second-degree burns can be caused by an explosion, electrical injury, or contact with a hot object. Due to the delicate nature of second-degree burns, frequent bandaging and antibiotic ointment is required to prevent the wound from becoming infected. Superficial second-degree burns heal within two to three weeks. In some severe cases, skin grafting is required to surgically repair the burned skin damage.
Third-degree burns are also referred to as full thickness burns. They are the worst burns and cause the most damage, extending through every layer of skin. Third-degree burns can by caused by flames, high voltage electrical current, or contact with hot materials. Third-degree burns can impact the bloodstream, major organs and even bones. Individuals who have experienced a third-degree burn may not feel pain due to damage to nerve damage. These burns appear tan, brown or black in color and are typically dry. Wound debridement (the removal of unhealthy tissue from a wound), skin grafting or other surgical procedures may be used to help a third-degree burn heal. -
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Challenge America answeredThere’s no quick fix for a severe burn, but you can take measures to deal with the trauma in a positive way so the injury does not hinder your personal goals and relationships. There are new findings that social support is important for those with chronic illnesses. Social support may be defined as the sum of all the relationships that make you feel as if you matter to the people who matter to you. Studies have verified that a strong group of family members and close friends or a support system (doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals) can help in coping with a chronic illness or injury. In some cases, having this social strength has been associated with people’s greater adherence to medical regimens and use of health services.
You know how stress super-charges you, causing stomach distress, aches and pains, or sending your heart rate soaring. In the same way, social support has a complex effect on well-being -- but it is calming and positive. Social support may change your assessment of the stressful event or may prevent you from engaging in damaging behavioral or physiological responses -
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The skin is red and dry, and the burn may be painful. The area may also swell. (This answer provided for NATA by the Weber State University Athletic Training Education Program.) -
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American Red Cross answeredSigns of superficial burns:- Involves only the top layer of skin
- Cause skin to become red and dry, usually painful, and the area may swell
- Usually heals within a week without permanent scarring
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Eastside Medical Center answeredDeep or widespread burns can lead to many complications, including:- Infection. Burns can leave skin vulnerable to bacterial infection and increase your risk of sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that travels through the bloodstream and affects your whole body. It progresses rapidly and can cause shock and organ failure.
- Low blood volume. Burns can damage blood vessels and cause fluid loss. This may result in low blood volume. Severe blood and fluid loss prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to the body.
- Dangerously low body temperature. The skin helps control the body's temperature, so when a large portion of the skin is injured, you lose body heat. This increases your risk of a dangerously low body temperature called hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat.
- Breathing problems. Breathing hot air or smoke can burn airways and cause breathing difficulties. Smoke inhalation damages the lungs and can cause respiratory failure.
- Scarring. Burns can cause scars and ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids).
- Bone and joint problems. Deep burns can limit movement of the bones and joints. Scar tissue can form and cause shortening and tightening of skin, muscles or tendons. This condition may permanently pull joints out of position.
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Challenge America answeredSee All 2 AnswersOnce the body is severely burned, there is inflammation and blistering caused by fluid loss from damaged blood vessels. In traumatic injuries with severe burns, the person may go into shock because of fluid loss. To maintain blood pressure, emergency personnel will administer extra fluids and possible blood transfusions. Once the burn victim is taken to a medical facility, skin grafts will be applied to help boost healing. Also with severe burns, the chance of a bacterial infection is great because of the damage to the skin’s protective barrier. Tropical antibiotic creams are used along with oral or IV antibiotics to manage the bacterial infection.
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Challenge America answeredSee All 4 AnswersThe third-degree burn is a full-thickness burn that damages all layers of the skin and even causes injury to the underlying tissue. With a third-degree burn, the fat surrounding the skin is also involved. Sometimes the adjacent muscle and bone are affected.
The third-degree burn will appear very dry and may look white, black or a leathery brown.
This severe burn may be a painless burn as the injury destroys nerve tissue.
A third-degree burn can result in swelling and blisters. In some cases, a third-degree burn can cause the person to go into shock and even cause death.
Antimicrobial ointments are used on the third-degree burn to prevent infection. Doctors may use skin grafts or synthetic grafts to cover the burned tissue and cosmetic surgery may be necessary after time. -
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Sigma Nursing answeredSee All 4 AnswersWith a second-degree burn, the first layer of skin (the epidermis) and the second layer of skin (the dermis) are both burned. During the burning process, blisters develop on top of the bright red skin, and you will feel swelling, heat and severe pain.
If a second-degree burn is small in size, it can be managed with home care and be treated as a minor burn. But if the second-degree burn covers a larger part of the body, it needs immediate medical attention to avoid further problems with infection or scarring.
Sometimes blisters do not appear immediately but may appear 12 hours after the burn occurs. Some sunburns are second-degree burns and can cause initial scarring. If a second-degree burn extends into deeper layers of the dermis, the doctor may recommend excision and grafting during the healing process.