A burn is a type of injury to the skin or other tissues caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, friction, or ultraviolet radiation. The characteristics of a burn depend on its depth.
So, burns are divided into 4 degrees:
1st degree: pain, redness and swelling
2nd degree: redness and superficial necrosis of the skin, blistering
3rd degree: complete necrosis of the skin tissues
4th degree: the destruction of the skin in the area is total
Therefore, the treatment required depends on the severity of the burn. There are not a few, however, who instinctively run to the refrigerator in order to put an ice cube on the burn. Or even running water. So, which of the two reactions is right and which is wrong?
Ice is considered a bad practice for treating a burn, as it can damage the skin. “Icy water can damage tissues and increase the risk of infection,” emphasizes Dr. Allan Capin.
Ice or very cold water on a burn reduces blood flow to the burned area, which can reverse the healing process. According to dr. Capin, applying ice numbs the burn, which can lead to frostbite.
Additionally, ice burns can cause bigger problems. “Because the skin is already damaged by the heat burn, you may not feel that the ice is making your skin very cold. This can lead to permanent blood flow problems,” adds Dr. Capin.
In order to limit the burning you feel on your skin and for the best healing of the wound, here are some tips and instructions, depending on the degree of the burn.
First degree burn
A minor burn, also called a first-degree burn, is hot, red, and painful, but there are no blisters. You can get a first degree burn when you touch a hot object or your skin comes into contact with a hot liquid. A sunburn without blisters also falls into this category. Use cool (not cold) water: Apply cool water for 5-20 minutes. Leave running tap water over the burn, or put the burn in water or cover it with a clean, damp towel.
Moisturize: After the skin has cooled, apply a little moisturizer such as aloe vera. Next, use a clean, dry cloth or non-stick bandage to protect the burn. To relieve pain, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Also, to prevent infection, clean it with mild soap and use antibiotic cream.
However, you should get medical attention for a first-degree burn if:
It has a width/diameter of more than 7 cm
It’s on a joint
It is on the face, neck, hand or foot
It causes pain that won’t go away
It has not healed in 1-2 weeks
Even a first degree burn can become infected. Symptoms to look out for include:
Fever
Pus
Increased pain
Widened area of pain
Second degree burn
Do not use ointments or sprays: Butter, oil, salve and first aid sprays will slow the release of heat from your skin, making the wound worse.
Never pop the blisters: The skin under the blistered area can become infected.
Seek care as soon as possible: Go to the emergency room or a doctor to properly clean the burn and prevent infection. You may also be given a prescription and burn cream, which helps the burn heal and prevents infection.
Third degree burn
Finally, if your skin is blackened or the burn has reached the bone, then you have a third degree burn. In this particular case, you should go straight to the hospital emergency room.
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