Burns

What are burns?

Burns are injuries that can affect the skin and underlying tissues. These injuries can result from various sources, including hot liquids, fire, hot surfaces, chemicals, and even exposure to the sun's rays. Burns can be classified into different categories based on their severity and the extent of damage they cause.

The classifications of burns are as follows:

  • First-degree burns: These are the least severe, affecting only the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. They typically manifest as redness, swelling, and localized pain.

  • Second-degree burns: These burns extend into the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis. They often result in the formation of blisters, in addition to redness, pain, and swelling.

  • Third-degree burns: These burns encompass damage to all layers of the skin and can impact nerves and blood vessels. Symptoms may include charred skin tissue, a raised and leathery skin texture, and a waxy appearance.

  • Fourth-degree burns: These are the most severe and can extend beyond the skin, potentially affecting joints and bones.

What symptoms occur with burns?

The symptoms of burns can vary depending on the degree of the burn:

  • First-degree burns cause localized inflammation in the epidermal layer, resulting in redness, pain, mild swelling (edema), and increased sensitivity to touch. Sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn.

  • Second-degree burns reach into the dermis, leading to the formation of blisters in addition to redness, pain, and swelling.

  • Third-degree burns damage all skin layers, including nerves and blood vessels, and can present with charred skin tissue, a raised and leathery skin texture, and a waxy appearance.

Each type of burn requires different levels of care and treatment.

How can you treat minor burns?

For the at-home management of minor burns, consider the following recommendations:

  • Gently cool the burned area with lukewarm, not cold, running water. Alternatively, apply a cool compress to the affected area to alleviate pain and minimize further skin damage that can occur if cooling is delayed.

  • Remove any rings, bracelets, or tight items from the injured area, as the burned skin may swell. Do this promptly and with care.

  • Avoid puncturing or popping blisters. If a blister breaks, rinse the area with water and apply an antibiotic ointment.

  • Once the burn has cooled, apply a lotion containing aloe vera or a moisturizer to aid in healing.

  • Loosely cover the affected area with a sterile gauze bandage, ensuring that there is no undue pressure on the burn.

  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

It's important to note that burns increase susceptibility to tetanus bacteria. If your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago, consider getting a booster shot to reduce the risk of tetanus infection. Consult with your MinuteClinic® provider for guidance on this matter.

Burn treatment practices to avoid?

Certain burn treatment practices should be avoided, as they may prove ineffective or potentially harmful:

  • Butter: The use of butter to treat burns is unproven and can worsen the burn by retaining heat.

  • Coconut and other oils: Oils like coconut oil can have similar adverse effects as butter, trapping heat and prolonging the burning sensation.

  • Egg whites: They carry the risk of bacterial infection and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

  • Ice and very cold water: These can further irritate the burned area and may even result in a cold burn.

  • Toothpaste: It can irritate the injury and increase the risk of infection since it lacks sterility.