Burns can be classified according to depth, injury mechanism, severity, and combined injuries.
According to the depth: the current domestic common use of three degrees of quadratic method, divided into Ⅰ degree, shallow Ⅱ degree, deep Ⅱ degree, Ⅲ degree.
According to the severity is divided into: shallow burns (including Ⅰ degree, shallow Ⅱ degree for), deep burns (deep Ⅱ degree, Ⅲ degree).
The first step: assessment of the depth of burns
1.One degree burns
First-degree burns belong to shallow burns, only the outermost layer of the skin (superficial epidermis) is injured, the growth layer is alive, the main manifestations are
(1) the skin surface is erythematous
(2) there is local swelling
(3) there is burning pain
Usually, first-degree burns can be treated as minor burns, but if they affect the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or major joints, emergency medical attention is required.
2.Second degree burns
When the whole epidermis of the skin is burned and the dermis is injured, it is called second-degree burn. The main manifestations are
(1) blisters of varying sizes
(2) localized skin has obvious redness and swelling, the trauma surface has red and white spots
(3) Significant pain, burning sensation and swelling
(4) If the second-degree burn does not exceed 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter, it may be treated as a superficial burn. If the burn area is large or if it affects the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or major joints, the burn must be treated as a deep burn and emergency medical attention must be sought.
3.Third-degree burns
Third-degree burns are deep burns that involve all layers of the skin and even the subcutaneous area, and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. The wound surface may be waxy or charred, or even carbonized. If combined with inhalation injuries, there may also be respiratory distress, carbon monoxide poisoning and other symptoms of toxicity.
Step 2: Seek medical advice
1, first-degree burns and second-degree burns, if less severe, according to the following methods of treatment.
If it is more serious, or if it hurts the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or major joints, etc., it must be treated as a deep burn and must be treated by emergency medical attention.
2.For third degree burns, you must seek medical attention and use the following on-site first aid methods before seeking medical attention.
3.If you are unable to assess the degree of burns and do not know the type of burns, you must also seek medical attention.
Step 3: Use different treatment methods according to the severity
1. Superficial burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns less than 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter, are treated as follows
(1) cooling therapy: drench, cold compress, soak, or cold compress with cold water on the trauma, such as a towel wrapped in ice (do not put ice directly on the trauma), the most common and convenient is tap water. The duration of cold therapy should ideally be 10 to 15 minutes or until the wound is pain-free or significantly less painful. Cold therapy can have the effect of cooling, relieving pain and reducing local swelling.
(2) Cover the wound with sterile gauze: cotton or other dressings that can stick to the affected open wound should not be used and should not be covered too tightly. Gauze coverage can keep the wound clean, reduce pain and protect skin blisters.
(3) Appropriate application of over-the-counter pain medications: such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. It is recommended to read the instructions for precautions and adverse reactions in detail before use, or consult a medical professional.
Superficial burns usually heal without further treatment. After healing, the affected area may be hyperpigmented, which means there will be a difference in color between this area and the surrounding skin. Watch the wound for signs of infection and seek medical attention as soon as possible if it becomes more painful, red, warm, swollen or oozing. Avoid re-injury or sunburn on the affected area for up to one year, as this can cause more extensive hyperpigmentation. Topical application of sunscreen for more than one year may improve hyperpigmentation.
Caution.
(1) Do not squeeze the affected area or tear the blister by yourself. Because you have bacteria on your hands, you cannot operate as aseptically as a doctor, and squeezing or tearing the blister is more likely to cause a wound infection.
(2) Do not use egg white, butter or ointment on the affected area to avoid infection;
(3) Do not apply ice directly to the wound! Directly put ice on the trauma can cause further damage to the trauma due to the rapid decrease in temperature;
2.Deep burns
To immediately call 120 or the nearest doctor, and the necessary on-site first aid;
(1) Do not forcefully tear off burning clothes and pants: quickly extinguish the flames from the fire, hot liquid-impregnated clothes and pants, you can use cold water to shower after cutting to take off, but do not forcefully tear off to avoid causing secondary damage.
(2) Do not immerse large deep burns in cold water, so as not to cause a sharp drop in body temperature and blood pressure, resulting in shock.
(3) Pay attention to whether the injured person shows signs of shock (breathing, coughing or movement), if the injured person’s breathing or heartbeat stops, cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be implemented urgently.
(4) Elevate the burned limb as high as possible above the level of the heart.
(5) Cover the burn wound, either with a breathable, moist sterile bandage, a clean wet cloth or a wet towel.
Do not apply colored drugs, such as red mercury and gentian violet, to the trauma surface to avoid affecting the doctor’s judgment of the depth of the trauma burn. Be careful with toothpaste, ointment, etc., as this may cause difficulty in clearing the wound or the heat may not be dissipated in time. As for those who sprinkle salt, soy sauce, vinegar and milk on the trauma, do you think you are eating barbecue? Using the cooling therapy described above is the most direct, feasible and effective way to relieve pain, so don’t go to the kitchen to look for spices. Also special emphasis, if it is a hand burn, cooling must be removed at the same time the ring and other accessories, otherwise the swelling may cause finger necrosis.
Tetanus vaccination: whether a burn patient is complicating tetanus, not in the size of the burn area, but in the depth of the burn, the injury, where there are deep burns or serious contamination at the time of injury must take tetanus precautions.