A burn is one of the daily ailments. There are different types of severity, from mild burn to 3^st degree. Evaluate the severity of the burn quickly and know how to treat it to relieve the pain.

How to assess the severity of a burn?

The severity of burns depends on several factors: the degree of the burn, its extent, the parts of the body affected and the age of the victim. A quick examination of the affected area is important in order to determine the treatment to be given.

What care should be given according to the types of burns?

First degree burns

A first degree burn for example corresponds to a severe sunburn. It is characterized by pain, redness and swelling of the affected area.

Apply the rule of 3 “15”: put the affected region under cool water at about 15 degrees, for 15 minutes at 15 cm from the tap to reduce the feeling of heat. Cool water helps limit the spread of intense heat around the burn.

Second degree burns

In the case of a second degree burn, blisters form in addition to the characteristic symptoms of first degree burns. Also apply the 3 “15” rule and put the affected area under cool water (about 15 degrees) for 15 minutes at 15 cm from the tap.

Then apply a sterile, slightly damp bandage to the wound. Finally, call for help or a doctor for medical advice.

Third degree burns

A third-degree burn is characterized by stiff skin, which turns an unusual color (red, gray, or black), and organs and deep tissue are exposed. There may not be pain if the nerves have been damaged.  

In the event of third degree burns, it is important to call for help as soon as possible. While waiting for their arrival, put the affected area under cool water and apply a sterile, slightly damp bandage to the wound.

Is the burn serious?

The appearance of the burn is not the only determinant of its severity. For example, if more than 75% of the body is burnt in the first degree, it is a major burn.

By calculating the percentage of body area burned it is possible to roughly assess whether a burn is mild, moderate or severe.

For this it is necessary to know the percentage that represents a part of the body:

• The head and neck make up 9% of the body
• The arms 9%
• The thorax 18% 
• The back 18%
• Legs 18%
• The genitals 1%

   

Minor burns are:

• First degree burns that cover less than 50% of the body
• Second degree burns that cover less than 15% of the body
• Third degree burns that cover less than 2% of the body

   

Moderate burns are:

• First degree burns that cover 50% to 75% of the body
• Second degree burns that cover 15% to 30% of the body
• Third degree burns that cover 2% to 10% of the body

   

The major burns are:

• First degree burns that cover more than 75% of the body
• Second degree burns that cover more than 30% of the body
• Third degree burns that cover more than 10% of the body.