Burns And Scalds

Burns are injuries that are caused from corrosive substance, from dry heat, friction or by lightning.

Scalds are caused by moist heat due to boiling water, steam oil.

• Important aspect is the area involved in burns and scalds.
• Fluid is lost from burned area.
• Wrap a cotton blanket around the pt if fire catches clothes
• Use Wallace rule of nine to calculate the burned area.
• If 15 % of body area in adult and 10%in children is burnt than hypovolaemic shock occurs.

Wallace rule of 9 to determine extent of burn

Types of Burns

A. First degree burn.
B. Second degree burn.
C. Third degree burn.

Check Extent Of Burn Before Giving Treatment

FIRST DEGREE BURN

First Degree Burn

• Signs and symptoms
  • Injuries are superficial and mild.
  • Swelling and redness of that area.
  • Pain develops.
  • No blisters seen.
  • Burned area becomes white on touch.
  • Takes 3-6 days to heal.

FIRST AID

• Remove pt from heat source.
• Remove the burnt clothing.
• Run cool water over burnt area for about 15 minutes.
• Gently clean the burnt area.
• Gently dry.
• Apply antibiotic such as silver sulphadiazine.
• Use a sterile bandage to cover burns.
• Remove any constricting item like jewellery, finger ring from the injured area immediately

SECOND DEGREE BURN

• Burns extends to middle layers of skin/dermis.
• Swelling redness and pain observed.
• Blisters develop, that ooze a clear fluid.
• Scars may develop.
• Restricts movement if injury is at joint.
• Dehydration may occur.

First Aid

• Gently clean the burnt area.
• Run cool water over burn area for 15 minutes
• Gently dry.
• Apply antibiotic such as silver sulphadiazine.
• Make the pt lie down
• Keep burnt area at a raised level.
• Splints may be used to rest affected joints.
• Shift to hospital.

THIRD DEGREE BURN

• Damage occurs to all three skin layers
• Nerve endings hair follicles sweat glands are damaged.
• Lack of pain due to destroyed nerves
• No blister
• Swelling
• Dehydration occurs. Result in shock.
• Eschars are developed

TREATMENT

• Hospitalize immediately
• Run cool water over the affected part.

PREVENTION

• Install smoke alarm
• Avoid synthetic clothing in kitchen.
• Carry out fire drills.