Symptoms
Minor burns manifest as superficial skin redness, pain, burning, tightness, and possibly the formation of clear skin blisters and open sores. They usually heal on their own within about two weeks and leave hardly any scars. During and after healing, there is often an annoying itching sensation. Later sensory disturbances are also possible. It must be noted that the course of burns is dynamic and the actual extent sometimes only becomes apparent with a delay within 1-3 days.
Causes
Burns are caused by a heat source, for example, a fire, hot liquids (scalds, such as bath water that is too hot in infants), gases, explosions, friction, a hot plate, and fireworks. Other possible triggers:
- Chemicals: e.g., acids, bases.
- Physical stimuli: e.g. UV rays, sunburn, cold see under frostbite.
- Electricity: e.g. socket, lightning, electrical wiring.
Diagnosis
Burns are classified according to depth, affected surface and location. Severe and extensive burns require medical treatment. Always see a doctor:
- Deep and extensive burns
- Localization: e.g., genitals, face, eyes, hands, and feet.
- Smoke inhalation, burns of the respiratory tract
- Burns from chemicals or electricity
- Hemorrhagic skin blisters indicate a deeper burn
- Immunosuppression: increased risk of infection.
- Diabetics: poor wound healing
- Very young or old patients
- Signs of infection
Treatment
1, Put the patient out of danger:
- Remove the cause of the burn, clothing and jewelry (exception: if they are stuck to the skin). Do not put yourself in danger in the process.
2. cooling:
- Cool the area with lukewarm tap water (15 to 25°C) as soon as possible during at least 15 minutes. Do not use ice, ice water or ice cold bags. Do not apply home remedies such as oil or butter to the area. For chemical burns, longer duration and neutralization is recommended (e.g. calcii gluconatis hydrogel for hydrofluoric acid burns). An exception is elemental metals such as sodium, which should not come into contact with water, because it ignites.
3. wound cleansing (debridement):
- If open wounds or blisters are present: Wound cleansing for additional contamination that could not already be removed, for example, with soap and water, Ringer’s solution or an antiseptic solution. Leave entire blisters intact. Remove burned tissue. A complicated debridement belongs in medical care.
4. disinfection:
- Disinfection of the wound or skin redness with a disinfectant such as octenidine. Isolated skin redness can be treated with caring lotions.
5. close wounds with sterile dressing:
- Cover open wounds and blisters with a suitable sterile dressing. In the trade are also available, for example, cooling and moisturizing burn plasters (hydrogels). Avoid exposure to sunlight.
6. pain management:
- Possibly take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen for pain.
7. regular change of dressing:
- Regularly clean the wound, disinfect it and renew the dressing. If symptoms such as fever, increased redness, a feeling of warmth and severe pain, contact the doctor.
8. aftercare:
- After healing, rub the skin regularly with a nourishing cream. Depending on the extent and localization during up to 12 months use a good sunscreen.