Burns and scalds are injuries to the skin or deeper tissues caused by excessive heat. Because they are so painful, it is quite normal to worry. However, most burns are of a lighter nature and can be treated at home.

“Scalding is caused by hot liquids or vapors, such as boiling water. Burns, on the other hand, are caused by dry heat, such as fire or hot objects such as an iron,” explains Med-Healths physician Dr. Nikki Ramskill. They are both treated in the same way.

What to do in case of a burn?

• Move away from the heat source. As fast and as safe as possible.
• Remove any clothing or jewelry from the burned skin. However, do not remove anything that sticks to the skin, as this can lead to further injury.
• Cool the combustion. Cool the burned area for at least 20 minutes under running, cool but not ice-cold water.
• In the case of large-scale burns: The larger the affected skin area, the greater the risk of hypothermia. It is best to wrap yourself or the person concerned in a blanket. If the burn wound is larger than the palm of your hand, you should visit the emergency room.
• If you have burns on your face or around your eyes, you should sit up straight. This will reduce the swelling. Any burns to the face or eyes require urgent medical attention and you should go to the emergency room.
• For pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen help with pain.

Other points to consider:

• Never cool burns with ice or ice-cold water. Burning the skin can expose deeper layers of skin that are more sensitive to cold. In the case of extensive or severe burns, ice can greatly reduce your body temperature and lead to hypothermia.
• Avoid creams or ointments. Applying lotion to the burn wound can slow down cooling.
• For chemical burns, you should take a photo of the chemical (ingredients). Show the photo to the doctors in the emergency room so they know how to treat the chemical burn.
• Do not pierce any bubbles that form.

When should I go to the emergency room with a burn or scald?

You should go to the emergency room right away if

• the burn is bigger than your palm
• the skin looks whitish or charred,
• the burn is on the face, genitals, hands, arms, feet or legs and blisters form,
• a chemical burn or an electric shock was caused,
• you have other injuries or blood loss,
• you have inhaled smoke,
• you are pregnant,
• you are over 60,
• a child has suffered burns, or
• you have a serious illness such as HIV, cancer, diabetes, heart, lung or liver disease.

For burns that occur along with bleeding or breathing problems, or if shock threatens, call the emergency services on 112.

When should I go to the doctor for a burn or scald?

Even if you don’t need emergency care after a burn, it may be useful to schedule a doctor’s appointment if

• you want reassurance that you can treat the burn at home,
• the reddening of the skin worsens
• the pain gets worse
• pus leaking from the burn or
• you need treatment advice.

What are the different types of burns?

First degree burn

A first-degree burn affects only the top layer of skin (the top epidermis). The skin is red, feels dry and painful. But no bubbles form. While the reddening of the skin and pain can be very uncomfortable, it is usually a sign that the burn has not penetrated very deeply into the tissue.

Second degree incineration (2a)

The burn affects the top layer of skin (epidermis) and the upper part of the leather skin (dermis). These burns are usually painful and usually blister within 24 hours.

Second degree burn (2b)

Here the deep layers of the leather skin (dermis) are also affected. However, there may not be any pain.

Third and fourth degree burns

Third- and fourth-degree burns also affect deeper layers of the skin, including the subcutis. The skin can appear white, gray, black, and leathery or even charred.

“If there is little or no pain, this indicates that the deepest layers of the skin are affected and the nerve endings have been damaged by the heat,” explains Dr.ram skillIn this case, you need immediate medical treatment.

Burns can also be categorized by cause: thermal burns, radiation burns, chemical burns, or electrical (electrocution) burns.

What is a burn blister?

A burn blister is a blistering of the skin between the upper skin (epidermis) and the leather skin (dermis) caused by heat. Burn blisters contain a clear liquid called tissue fluid. They form over a burned area of skin to protect it. Therefore, blisters should never be pricked,” explains Dr.ram skillTip: Keep your skin clean and take pain medication if needed.

Should I cover a burn with a bandage or let it breathe?

“Covering the burn with a bandage or pad keeps the area moist and reduces pain by preventing the burn from coming into contact with air. Minor burns can be protected with a blister plaster,” explains Dr.ram skillMake sure the bandages you put on are non-stick and suitable for burns.

As soon as there is no more pain, you no longer have to cover the burn blister. Unless you’re afraid the blister will pop open from friction or pressure. Avoid creams used to treat burns unless advised to do so by a doctor.

A bandage applied in a hospital or doctor’s office will need to be changed after 48 hours for the first time and every 3 to 5 days thereafter – or when it gets wet.

How long does it take for a burn to heal?

Minor burns: about a week

“The fluid usually drains away in the first few days,” explains Dr.ram skill The blister protects the area while a new layer of skin forms underneath, and eventually the blister’s skin peels off.

Severe burns: 2 weeks to several months

If a burn is so severe that you had to go to the hospital and have a bandage applied, it may take longer. “Severe and deep burns can take months or even years to heal.”

How do I recognize an infection in the wound area?

If an infection occurs, the skin around the infected burn or blister becomes increasingly red and painful. Pus may also be leaking from the burn. In the case of an advanced infection,flu-like symptoms such as Fever , Chills and heavy sweating may also occur.

Regularly check how the skin looks under the bandage. If you notice signs of infection, you should see a doctor.

Make a doctor’s appointment if you have burned or scalded yourself and need advice.