A burn is an injury to the skin caused by the action of heat, a chemical substance or contact with electricity.
Burn or Burn ? We speak of a burn when the skin is damaged. If your skin is not damaged but is red and irritated, we call it a burn.
The severity of the burn depends on the size, depth, location of the wound, age and any additional injuries or conditions.
When only the epidermis is damaged, our body can repair it itself. When the layer underneath (the dermis) is also damaged, it cannot recover without scarring.
Burn causes
- Contact with a hot liquid such as hot tea or cooking oil.
- By burning yourself on direct fire or a hot object such as a stove or hot pan.
- Due to chemicals such as some cleaning agents or paint removers.
- By electricity.
- When sunbathing (unprotected) for too long or under the sunbed.
- Inhalation of steam or hot air can burn your throat and lungs.
Burn complaints
- Burning sensation (irritation) and/or pain
- Itch
- Skin discoloration
- Dry skin with a tight feeling
- Swelling, blisters and wet skin
Gradations
The severity of burns is divided into three degrees. The deeper the skin is burned, the more severe the burn and the higher the grade. Below we explain the different gradations:
First degree burn
In a first-degree burn, the skin is red, dry, and painful. The burn may also be swollen. It can be compared to an inflammatory response. The above complaints disappear after a few days. A first-degree burn does not leave scars. An example is sunburn.
Second degree burn
In a superficial second-degree burn, the skin is red and/or white and very painful. There are also blisters and in some cases also broken blisters. These blisters can develop hours after the accident.
In a deep second-degree burn, the dermis is also affected in addition to the epidermis. The heat from the burn has penetrated the skin longer.
Third degree burn
A third-degree burn is caused by a severe burn in which the epidermis and dermis are both damaged, down to the subcutaneous fatty tissue. These burns cause permanent damage and do not heal without scarring. You can recognize a third-degree burn by the yellow-white to brown color and in some cases even black (charring). A third-degree burn is hardly painful because the nerves are affected.
First aid for burns
- Clear the burn of any clothing, jewelry, and a diaper.
- Cool the burn with lukewarm, gently running tap water for at least 10 minutes.
- After cooling, cover the wound with cling film, sterile dressing or a clean cloth.
- Do NOT apply anything to the burn after cooling.
- Keep the victim warm with a blanket.
- Call a doctor if you have blisters, an open wound, or if you have an electrical or chemical injury.
- Transport the victim to hospital. Sitting if possible.
Aftercare
Burnt skin is very vulnerable. There is always moisture loss. When the burn has closed, you can start with BAPSCARCARE silicone therapy or apply ALHYDRAN. Both products protect the skin against excess moisture loss. A good moisture balance in the (damaged) skin ensures that skin complaints decrease and that the scar recovers faster, more beautifully and better.
Take care of sunburned skin the right way depending on the degree! Always listen to the advice of your doctor and/or nurse.
