Burns – types, first aid, treatment. Preparations for burns

Burns are tissue damage caused by high temperature. Any action of high temperature on the skin leads to its destruction and damage to deep tissues. There are three degrees of burn, depending on its depth: degree I, degree II and degree III.

Burns – formation

The damaging effect of temperature on the skin begins at 42 ° C. At this temperature, the epidermis undergoes necrosis after 6 hours, at 55 ° C it takes 3 minutes of operation, and at 70 ° C only 1 second.

The temperature limit above which tissue protein is irreversibly damaged is 55 ° C. Any higher temperature, in contact with the body surface, causes damage to the skin and deeper tissues, usually irreversible damage, i.e. necrosis. Depending on the amount of temperature that affects the human body and the duration of its action, local or systemic damage may occur.

Sea buckthorn oil can be used for local burns, for burns, frostbite, atopy and dry skin.

Burns – depth of damage

There are 3 degrees of burn, which depend on the depth of the damage:

1. XNUMXst degree burn – it is characterized by reddening of the skin (erythema), combined with slight swelling and a painful burning sensation. Erythema is formed under the influence of a short-term action of steam, not too hot water, or after too much sunbathing. It usually lasts a few days and heals after exfoliating the epidermis. It does not leave a scar.
2. XNUMXnd degree burn – in addition to redness and swelling, blisters are formed inside which are filled with a yellowish serum fluid. These blisters are nothing more than dead epidermis lifted by the tissue fluid that accumulates underneath it. Strong inflammatory and necrotic processes of the epidermis on the border with the dermis take place there. The pains can be considerable. Second degree burns usually occur after pouring boiling water, hot oil or steam on them, etc. Burns usually heal after about two weeks thanks to the regeneration of the epidermis from the bottom. In subtype IIB, scarring may occur.
3. third degree burn – the full thickness of the skin is damaged, often also deep tissues, sometimes down to the bones. Often, some of the necrotic skin dries out and forms white-gray or yellow crusts. As a result of damage to the nerve endings, a patient with a third degree burn does not feel pain, only a deep feeling is preserved. Then, the dead parts are separated and granulation tissue and scar tissue are formed. These types of burns are caused by the action of: open fire, long-term boiling water, hot oil, etc. They often require surgical treatment with skin grafts.
4. XNUMXth degree burn – the extreme form of burns is tissue charring. This condition is known as catastrophic burns. These are burns involving deep skin structures, muscles and bones. Complete tissue necrosis may also appear at the burn site, and damage may even reveal internal organs. Fourth degree burns are often classified as the most severe form of third degree burns. They are the result of prolonged exposure of tissues to electricity or open flames.

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Burns – damaged area

Body burns can also be classified according to the surface that has been damaged and the age of the patient:

1. light burns – these are second-degree burns that cover less than 15% of body surface area in an adult or less than 10 percent. in the case of children, as well as third degree burns, provided that the area of ​​the burn does not exceed 2%. the patient’s body surface;
2. burns medium – they include second-degree burns, which in the case of adults cover about 15-25% body surface, and in children no more than 10-20 percent. In addition, moderate burns also include third-degree burns, which occupy about 2-10 percent. body surface;
3. severe burns – they include second-degree burns when they cover more than 25% body surface in the case of an adult and more than 20 percent. body surface in children. They are also third degree burns when they cover more than 10%. the patient’s body surface. It should also be remembered that severe burns also include burns that result in severe injuries as well as electrical and respiratory burns.

Burns – types

Burns can also be classified according to their source. In this case, we distinguish:

1. thermal burns – these are burns that result from the action of thermal energy, i.e. fire, liquids (e.g. hot water), gases (e.g. water vapor) and solids. Such burns occur at a minimum temperature of 42 degrees C;
2. chemical burns – these are burns that result from contact with corrosive chemicals such as cleaning agents, bleaches, acids, toxins or alkalis. In this case, the degree and extent of the burn depends on the characteristics of the substance, its concentration and exposure time. Most often, unfortunately, as a result of chemical burns, deep skin damage occurs, which requires surgical intervention;
3. electric burns – these are burns caused by the flow of electricity through the body as a result of contact with an energy source. The consequences of electric burns depend on whether the burn occurred as a result of contact with direct or alternating current, its frequency, intensity, voltage and the way the current passes through the body, because the most dangerous situation for a person is when the current passes through the heart area and respiratory system. It is also very important how long the human body was exposed to the current, the surface that was in contact with the source of the current, as well as body humidity and temperature;
4. radiation burns – these are radiation burns. In addition to the radiation itself, the degree of burn depends on the intensity of the radiation and the duration of exposure. Oparzenie Sloneczne, i.e. sun erythema is the result of excessive exposure to UV rays and can be noticed after a few hours. Burns by ionizing rays also belong to this group. This type of burns occurs during exposure to beta radiation or X-rays, as well as poorly protected or defective irradiation of food products, radiotherapy devices or sterilization devices. These burns do not appear immediately. They become visible only a few days after exposure to the radiation source, and additionally it occurs in cycles. A radiation burn occurs after exposure to a dose of 2Gy. At first, itching and erythema appear, and occasionally swelling of the soft tissues. There is a flaky exfoliation of dry epidermis and hair loss at the exposure site. These symptoms become apparent within hours or days of exposure and progress to a lethal phase that lasts from several days to several weeks. After this time, the erythema reappears. This time it is accompanied by blisters and skin ulcers. If the radiation dose was high, further stages of exfoliation and ulceration appear, even months or years after exposure to radiation.

To soothe the skin irritation associated with burns, use Sofargen spray for wounds and burns, which supports tissue regeneration and accelerates its healing.

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Burns – symptoms

In addition to local lesions, the burn leads to systemic disturbances in the form of shock. In addition, it can arise burn disease, caused by pain, loss of blood plasma and intoxication of the body by the absorbed products of tissue protein breakdown. The severity of such changes is directly proportional to the body surface area that has been burned. The larger the burn surface, the more fluid escapes from the blood along with protein into the swollen tissues and blisters, and the greater the risk of shock. Thus, apart from the depth (degree) of the burn, its extent is also important.

There are many diagrams and tables that can approximate the extent of a burn, such as Berkow’s tables or the “rule of nine”. The “hand rule” is also used – the area of ​​the patient’s hand is 1 percent. body surface. Each second and third degree burn, which covers 15-20 percent. body surface area in an adult, and 10 percent. in a child or in an elderly person, it usually causes a large loss of fluid, leading to burn shock and is life-threatening. Therefore, it requires hospital treatment.

Burns affecting more than half of the body surface (especially in children and the elderly) pose a serious threat to life, usually leading to death. In the youngest children, death very often occurs after burns of 10-15%. body surface. Death then occurs within 24–48 hours after the burn.

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First aid for burns

For all types of burns, the rule of thumb is that they are heavier than meets the eye. In addition, it should be remembered that deep burns very often do not cause any pain, due to the immediate destruction of nerve endings.

For this reason, they may seem less threatening immediately after the incident. Hence, apart from completely harmless burns, each burn should be consulted with a doctor who will select the appropriate treatment method.

1. You can conduct a quick and initial consultation with an internist via the halodoctor.pl portal.

In all cases of extensive and severe burns, the patient should be transported to the hospital as soon as possible. During transport, it must be protected against heat loss. Immediately after the accident, burned parts of the body should be discovered, and if there are problems with undressing – clothes and shoes should be cut. If the garment is stuck to the body, cut it all the way around, but never take it off the skin.

In the event of extensive burns and problems with applying the dressing, lay the patient down and wrap him in, for example, a washed sheet, and then cover him well. In the event of hand burns, remember to immediately remove all kinds of jewelry from the fingers (ring, wedding rings) even at the cost of cutting them. Leaving jewelry on the fingers of a burned hand may cause necrosis as a result of increasing swelling.

If a burned person experiences severe pain, they should be given painkillers. The use of stronger painkillers is entirely at the discretion of the doctor. Sedatives may also be given. Everyone who is ill (especially those with severe burns) should consume a large amount of warm drinks, e.g. tea, milk, delicately salted water or fruit juices.

A burn first aid operator should protect the tissues from infection and prevent enlargement of necrosis. A big mistake (often made) is applying all kinds of ointments or liquids to the burned surface, e.g. cod liver oil, chicken oil and protein. These can later lead to the formation of a burn wound. In addition, the blisters should not be torn or pierced, as this increases the risk of infection and exposes the damaged skin surface. The epidermis lifted with fluid is a very good biological dressing.

The course of a burn disease depends to a large extent on the method of first aid. Adequately provided emergency aid immediately after a burn consists in cooling the burned area with cold water, preferably by placing it under a stream of cool water at a temperature of approx. 20 degrees C or in a bathtub, and if it is impossible, by covering the burned area with compresses soaked in water.

The process of chilling the patient, started even up to an hour after the burn, has an anti-swelling and analgesic effect, but also reduces the depth of the burn. This type of action is carried out until the pain subsides, an average of 20-30 minutes. This simple method, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by the results of many experimental studies, should find widespread application in practice.

After cooling down, wash the patient’s skin in the area of ​​the burn 70%. alcohol and then apply a dry, sterile gauze dressing. It should be as comfortable as possible for the patient, that is, contain a thick layer of cotton wool and not put too much pressure (elastic band). Under such a dressing, the blisters dry up after a few days, the epidermis peels off and the burn is healed.

A different approach is given if the blisters are worn away. This creates a bare, oozing and painful surface that bleeds easily when touched and can become infected. Burned places can be poured with pure spirit or 1 percent. an aqueous solution of crystal violet (gentian) or 0,5 percent. silver nitrate solution, then apply a sterile dressing and bandage. Both the spirit, gentian or silver nitrate solution have a disinfecting effect and relieve pain. In addition, they contribute to the formation of a delicate scab, under which XNUMXst and XNUMXnd degree burns heal well.

If there are no suspicious symptoms, such as increased body temperature, pain in the wound area, etc., leave the dressing applied for about a week. Usually, the burn wound heals or is almost healed by this time.

In people with neck or face burns, the dressing is usually abandoned and the so-called open method. Similar activities are being undertaken in a lot extensive burns to the torso in hospital treatment; they are limited to sterile bed linen only. Burned then lies under a special cover that provides warmth.

First aid for thermal burns

First aid for thermal burns is as follows:

1. cut off the source of energy and make sure that no one is in danger;
2. the burn should be cooled with water for approx. 15 minutes. It should be remembered that the water should be around 15-20 degrees C. Water should be poured on the skin above the burn wound from a height of several centimeters – never directly on the wound!
3. a sterile dressing should be applied to the wound;
4. if the limbs are burned, remove clothing or jewelry;
5. in case of suspicion that the respiratory tract has also been burned or the injured person has lost consciousness, it is necessary to call an ambulance.

First aid for chemical burns

First aid for chemical burns is as follows:

1. you should take care of our safety and the safety of the injured person – when providing first aid, it is worth wearing gloves and a mask;
2. if the air in the room is contaminated and it is possible, turn on the ventilation or air conditioning and leave the room, shielding the respiratory tract – be sure to call for help!
3. if the building is contaminated, it will be necessary to cut off ventilation and air conditioning to prevent hazardous substances from entering the respiratory tract – rapid evacuation is necessary;
4. remove the substance that led to the burn lukewarm, running water – CAUTION: do not do it if the source of the burn was the contact of the skin with calcium oxide, which reacts with water, it must be removed mechanically!
5. the wound requires the application of a sterile dressing;
6. if the eyes are contaminated, they should be thoroughly rinsed with water – call an ambulance as soon as possible or go to the Emergency Room;
7. if you have swallowed this substance, drink large amounts of still water – go to the emergency room as soon as possible;
8. in any case, it is necessary to establish what substance was the source of the burn. This information should be provided to the medical services.

First aid for electric burns

First aid for electric burns is as follows:

1. make sure that both you and the victim are safe;
2. check that the injured person is no longer in contact with the electricity, if so, remove the power source using a non-conductive material or disconnect the power supply if possible;
3. assess the condition of the injured person, call an ambulance and continue providing first aid;
4. remember: electric burns require hospitalization.

First aid in case of radiation burns

The most common radiation burns are simply sunburn. In addition to them, you can also deal with radiation burns on the skin that appear after radiotherapy. Such a burn is manifested by reddening of the skin, discoloration, the appearance of spider veins, scarring or hardening of the skin. It should also be remembered that the so-called The radiation reaction does not appear suddenly and there is no mention of first aid in its case. On the other hand, people with radiation burns should:

1. drink plenty of fluids;
2. avoid stimulants (alcohol and cigarettes);
3. avoid subsequent exposure to UV rays for at least one year after the end of radiotherapy;
4. gently apply oiling preparations;
5. wear loose clothes and underwear that will not irritate the skin.

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Burns – treatment

Treatment of burns mainly involves fighting infection, replenishing fluids and protein, and covering the burned areas with appropriate skin grafts. As with wounds, burns also require tetanus prophylaxis. As a preventive measure, anti-tetanus serum is injected, and in unvaccinated people or when more than 5 years have passed since the last dose, a toxoid is administered.

Burn scars they can be an ugly souvenir for many people. Therefore, it is worth considering consulting a plastic surgeon who will help you deal with the problem.

At Medonet Market you can buy a consultation with an aesthetic medicine doctor who will help you get rid of scars and maintain a beautiful appearance. At home, you can also try out the support scar rehabilitation in the form of silicone Sikatris scar patches 5 × 30 cm or Sikatris Max scar patch.

Burns – preparations for burns

Preparations for burns are available both by prescription and over the counter. However, such measures can only be used in cases of light burns. These preparations include:

1. burn ointments with allantoin, silver, antibiotics or D-panthenol;
2. burn gels;
3. burn foam;
4. burn creams;
5. aerosol burn preparations;
6. burn patches;
7. specialized dressings, incl. with silver ions, hydrofibrous, foam, hydrogel or hydrocolloid.

Burns – prevention

The most common burns are small children under 3 years of age, who do not know the dangers of this. All prohibitions prove to be unreliable when it comes to the curiosity and inexperience of the child.

Burns very often occur during e.g. cooking, therefore all kettles or pots with boiling water should be properly protected from children.

Among children, about 90 percent. burns happen at home and the main cause of burns is a lack of proper care. In your home first aid kit, it is worth having preparations to eliminate the symptoms of burns. Such a product is the Regenerace cream, which, thanks to lecithin, hemp oil and clove extract, cares for burned skin and accelerates the regeneration of damaged epidermal cells.