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First Aid for Burns
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Use the following information to determine the degree of burn as well as how to treat the burn:

Degree of Burns	Symptoms
First Degree	Redness, mild swelling and pain
What to Do	Apply cool water and/or sterile dressing.
What Not to Do	Apply butter, margarine, etc.
Second Degree	Deeper, blisters develop
What to Do	Immerse in cool water, blot dry. Apply sterile dressing. Treat for shock. Obtain medical attention, if severe.
What Not to Do	Break blisters. Remove shreds of tissue. Use antiseptic, ointment spray or home remedy on severe burns.
Third Degree	Deeper destruction, skin layers destroyed
What to Do	Cover with sterile cloth to protect. Treat for shock. Watch for breathing difficulty. Obtain medical attention quickly.
What Not to Do	Remove charred clothing that is stuck to burn. Apply ice. Use homemade medication.

Remember:
The size, location and depth determine how serious a burn is and whether the persons life is in danger. Burns on infants and the elderly are always serious.

Burns from any source, including sunburn, are divided into three categories: 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree, depending on the depth of the burn. With any burn, the patient should have an up-to-date tetanus vaccine with 5 years. All burns, even 1st degree, can easily become infected. Patients should watch for any increase in redness or tenderness after the initial injury. If either of these develop, the burn should be seen by a physician to prevent more damage around the burn site.

First degree burns just cause redness and usually dryness at the outer layers of skin. These can be quite painful, but heal well in a short time. Treatment for 1st degree burns requires cleaning with cold water and mild soap. After cleaning, use cold compresses or ice to minimize the injury to the skin and for pain control. Cold compresses and/or ice can even be used through the day following the initial burn. In the case of sunburn, a soothing lotion such as aloe vera may provide some relief of discomfort.

Second degree burns usually cause blistering, redness and the burn area is moist. If just a small area is burned, the 2nd degree burn may be treated using the same procedure as with a 1st degree burn. If the blistered area pops, the skin over this area may be removed and then this area should be cleansed with mild soapy water. Also, if available, an antibiotic cream should be applied to the burn area. Again, Tylenol, aspirin or ibuprofen may be used for pain and ice and/or cold compresses applied. If 2nd degree burns are over ½ inch in size, they should be seen by a physician.

Third degree burns go through all the layers of the skin. They usually look shiny and white or charred. Areas of 3rd degree burns are usually not painful because all the nerve endings have been destroyed. All of these burns should be seen by a physician.

Facial burns should be watched closer than most burns because damage may occur to the throat or upper respiratory tract and may not be noticed right away. If any trouble with breathing or hoarseness develops after a burn, the patient should be seen by a physician right away.

Children may get burned from bathwater, irons, cigarettes, hot stoves, formula, or curling irons. Please take appropriate safety measures to prevent such burns.

Non-life threatening injuries can be brought to any of our Quick Cares.

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