Minor burns, also known as superficial burns or first degree burns, are the least serious burns. Scalds are light burns caused by liquids such as boiling water, or droplets of corrosive chemicals. Minor burns and scalds involve redness, swelling and pain of the epidermis only. They do not cause blisters and heal within a week without leaving any scar. Here are some ways to deals with minor burns and scalds.
Cool the burn
The first and the most easy way to reduce swelling of a minor burn is to apply cold water. To be noted is cold water, not chilled water or ice. Water reduces inflammation and thermal damage by conducting the heat from the skin. For doing this, the burnt area is to be held under running tap water until the pain subsides. If this is not possible, the area is to be immersed into water. Mild soap can be used along with as skin disinfectants might inhibit the healing process. Ice is to be avoided as it may cause frostbites. Egg whites, butter or any sort of ointment should not be used as it may cause infection.
Act fast; remove ornaments or restrictive garments from the body, if any
Make sure to remove any ornaments, watches or clothing from the body before swelling begins. Cut the clothing carefully, if necessary, to remove it from the body but do not remove anything which is stuck to the wound or which does not come out easily, as doing this will further damage the skin. Tight clothing can further trap the heat, worsen the burn and also makes it difficult to clearly spot the burnt areas. Do not touch or treat the blisters formed on the skin, as infection may spreadmaking a superficial burn into a moreserious one.Keep the affected area clean and dry.
Protect the burnt area from contact
Ensure that the injured person is comfortably seated before giving any first-aid and protect the affected area from contact with any surface. You can otherwise lay the person flat and elevate the feet and the affected areas so as to avoid pressure and friction from any surface. Reassure the person to avoid shock and continue to monitor the personâs vital signs and check if the breathing is shallow and rapid. Do not apply butter or cream on the burnt area and also avoid rubbing with ice. A pain-killer can be given to reduce the pain or an antiseptic spray can be used to prevent infection.
Use of antibiotics
If the burn is non superficial, use of ointment is suggested. Some of the best antibiotics are mucopiricin (works good for Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species infection), neosporin or bacitracin, silvadene (for gram negative bacteria infection which usually occurs lately). The drawback of silvadene is that the burn can not be seen under the silvadene layer. Anti-histamines such as diphenhydramine can be used if itching occurs. Antibiotics are recommended because there may be a chance of infection if the scale of burn is not known on preliminary level or somehow if blisters develop and are ruptured, the skin becomes vulnerable to pathogens that can cause infection.
Proper dressing
A good dressing is required over a burn in order to keep away dust, reduce pain and protect the blistered skin. Dressing is not required if burn diameter is less than 3 inches, i.e., 7.6 cm. Dressing should be done using non-adherent cotton and gauges so that they do not get lint to the skin. After applying ointment, the area is to be covered by sterile gauge bandage without applying any pressure on the burned skin. Checking for warmth, redness and drainage can be done, but the dressing should not be removed entirely. Dressing is to be changed positively if it gets soaked.
Contact a healthcare provider, when in doubt without delay
After giving the first-aid, check the circulation in the affected area. If in doubt, then it is necessary to seek medical advice at the earliest. If you not sure of the kind of treatment which can be given at home, then opt for help, as some burns require emergency care like electric burns where tissue damage can occur, burns which are large in diameter, burns on hands, face etc. Meanwhile check airway, breathing, and pulse while emergency help arrives. Some burns can be treated at home but when signs of infection and swelling are seen in the burnt area, then it is better to consult a doctor.
