If you want to learn how to treat burns, you will find that there are many things that you need to keep in mind. Learning to treat burns, even
learning how to treat second degree burns,
is not nearly as difficult as you might think, and whether you have been burned in the past or you are concerned about people in your care, this is information that you need to know. Take a look at some of the following pieces of information and you will find that you are in a good place.
Assessment
First, if you want to know how to treat burns you should look at the burn as calmly and as deliberately as possible. A burn that has a charred look to it is a
third degree burn
and should be taken to the hospital immediately. A first or
second degree burn
is going to look reddened, and there may be blistering, but both can be treated handily at home. On the other hand, if the burn is larger than three inches or is located on the hands, feet, genitals or face, it might need to be taken to the emergency room.
Redness and blistering
can usually be handled on your own.
Immediate Treatment
When you are looking at how to treat burns as soon as you get them, run the affected area under cool water. Cold water can actually damage the injured skin, while hot water can also increase the inflammation. Cool water will soothe the area and hopefully keep the burn from becoming larger or angrier than it already is. You might want to consider some kind of pain reliever to help with the soreness from the burn. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are two painkillers are a good option for this.
Though butter is a common remedy for burns, make sure that you avoid using it; the oils from butter or margarine can hold the heat to the skin and magnify it, which actually makes the burn worse.
Take some time and learn more about how to treat burns. You are looking at something that is simple to do, but the first step is always going to be keeping your head and staying calm when a burn happens!
Top