Burns
Causes: Contact with thermal (hot or cold), radioactive, electrical, or chemical agents.
Types:
- Superficial-Outer layer of skin only. Redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. Does not blister.
- Partial thickness-Deeper. Blisters, swelling, and pain.
- Full thickness-All layers of skin. Charred or white skin. May be lack of pain if nerve damage-otherwise, severe pain.
Treatment:
- Superficial-Cool the burned area with cool water or an ice pack. Apply a protective cream or ointment such as white petrolatum or zinc oxide. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed.
- Partial thickness-Cool as above. No cream or ointment. Protect blisters with dry sterile or clean cloth. See a physician immediately. Do not open blisters without physician's consent. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed.
- Full thickness-Get immediate emergency care. Flush chemical burns with cool water for 30 minutes. No cream or ointment. Cover with plastic wrap if it is available. If not, use a moist bandage if available. Watch for coma, shock, or heart or respiratory arrest. Anyone with this type of burn should have a tetanus booster if the last booster was given more than 5 years ago.
