Burn Injury: Types, Treatments & Recovery
Burn wounds and injuries have the potential to be serious, and they should be managed by teams skilled in handling children who have endured trauma of this nature. Children with burns can typically be treated as outpatients. Normally, superficial burns recover in 10 days without leaving any scars. Burns that have not healed after 10 days may need to be evaluated by a burns specialist or service to determine whether surgery is necessary and whether there is a chance of scarring.
The type of care your child needs will depend on the extent of the burn injury, the size of the burn wound, the body part burned, the child's age, and these factors. To facilitate wound healing, specific burn dressings are applied and worn for up to 7 days.
The kid may need to be admitted to the hospital so that further therapies can be accessed if the burn wound is significant, deep, extremely painful, or affects certain sections of the body that are difficult to manage at home. Electrical burns will definitely necessitate hospitalization.
The outcome of the burn injury can be greatly improved by using cool running water as appropriate first aid for 20 minutes.
Types of Burn Injury
Burn injuries are categorized according to severity, depth, and how much damage is done to the skin and underlying tissues. This will help in deciding how to treat and care for the burn.
Classification of Burn Injury:
Burns are classified into the following types on the basis of the degree of burn injury:
First Degree Burns (superficial burns)
- Only damages the most superficial layer of the skin (epidermis).
- Symptoms: Redness, pain and slight swelling but no blisters.
- Example: Sunburn.
- heals over a few days without any scarring.
Second Degree Burns (Partial-Thickness Burns)
- Includes damage to the epidermis and dermis (the second layer of skin).
- Symptoms: Skin Redness, swelling, pain and blistering.
- Heals in 2-3 weeks if properly treated, can leave scars if not properly treated
Third-Degree Burns (Full-thickness Burns)
- Stretched across to all layers of skin, sometimes even underlying tissues.
- Symptoms: White, leathery or charred appearance, little pain or no pain because nerves are damaged.
- Needs medical attention usually with skin grafts.
Fourth-Degree Burns
- The most serious type, also known as affecting muscles, bones and tendons under the skin.
- Symptoms: Burned tissue can be fatal.
- This requires immediate medical attention.
Burn injury classification helps doctors decide the appropriate treatment that maximizing a patient's recovery. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce complications and improve outcomes.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionCauses of Burns
Understanding the Causes to Prevent and Treat From a minor burn to a more severe one, burns can be serious and require immediate care to minimize damage and remove the tissue.
Thermal Burns
- Caused by contact with fire, hot fluids, hot steam, or hot objects.
- Scalds like these are widespread, particularly in kitchens and industry.
Chemical Burns
- Result from contact with strong acids, alkalis or corrosive substances.
- Common in workplaces that handle chemicals or even household cleaning.
Electrical Burns
- Happen when electrical currents pass through the body.
- These burns may result in internal and external damage.
Radiation Burns
- Due to extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays or other radiation sources like X-rays.
Friction Burns
- Caused by spinning on rough surfaces, creating friction and heat.
- Often time during active stuff like sport or road accidents
Symptoms of Burn Injuries
Burns fall into categories based on their severity, and each type has its own symptoms. It is critical to comprehend these symptoms to enable proper assessment and timely treatment.
First-Degree Burns
- Redness and mild swelling.
- Well, pain that settles down in a few days.
- Peeling of the skin as the burn heals.
Second-Degree Burns
- Blistering of the skin, and it can ooze fluid.
- Intense pain and swelling.
- Surface of the skin is red, shiny, and wet in appearance.
Third-Degree Burns
- Charred or white, waxy skin.
- Little or no pain due to nerve damage.
- Stiff, leathery texture in the affected area.
Fourth-Degree Burns
- Blackened or charred skin.
- Exposed tissues underneath the burn.
- No sensation in the affected area due to extensive nerve damage.
Burn Injury Treatment
Burn injuries need to be treated quickly and appropriately in order to avoid complications and encourage recovery. Treatment can range from first aid for mild burns to intensive medical and surgical care for the most severe cases.
First Aid for Burn Injuries
First aid at the moment is important for reducing damage and pain:
- Cool the burn: For 10–15 minutes, rinse the area with cool (not icy) water to ease the pain and swelling.
- Ointments for burn injuries: Apply a soothing ointment (aloe vera gel or petroleum-based product) to hydrate the area and also minimize irritation.
- Cover the burn: Put a clean, non-stick bandage over the wound to help keep it from getting infected. Avoid breaking blisters.
Burn Injury Medical Treatment
For more serious burns, professional medical treatment is necessary:
- Antibiotics for burn injuries: Topical or oral antibiotics may be recommended to prevent or treat infections in second- or third-degree burns.
- Pain control
- Wound care Frequent cleaning and dressing changes are required for adequate healing.
Surgical Treatment for Severe Burns
For extensive burns, surgical interventions may be needed for Burn Injury Management:
- Skin grafting: Healthy skin from another part of the body is transplanted on the burn site to help it heal.
- Debridement: Removing dead tissue helps prevent infection and allows healing.
Home Remedies for Burn Injuries
Mild burn injuries can often be managed at home using simple remedies to soothe pain and promote healing:
- Cool the Burn: Run the affected area under cool (not cold) water for 10-15 minutes to reduce heat and inflammation.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Apply pure aloe vera gel to soothe the burn and aid in healing.
- Honey: Known for its antimicrobial properties, honey can be applied to keep the wound moist and prevent infection.
- Avoid Ointments and Ice: Use only doctor-approved remedies for best results.
Consult a Burns Injury Specialists for severe burns or worsening symptoms.
What could be done to stop the Burning Process as soon as possible?
- When a flame flares up, douse it with water (stop, drop, cover your face and roll). Avoid running.
- If you get scald burn injury from hot liquids, take off your clothes as soon as you can since the heat will soak into them and cause further burning.
- Avoid removing skin that has adhered to garments.
- Take off your jewellery.
Seek immediate medical care if your child is:
- Unconscious
- Experiencing trouble breathing or experiencing a possible inhalation of hot liquid or its steam.
- Experiencing uncontrollable pain.
Before seeking medical treatment, simple first aid and pain alleviation are usually sufficient.
How is First Aid done?
Start as soon as possible after the accident and run cold water over the burn's surface for 20 minutes. Stop the child from shivering by keeping him/her warm.
- If at all possible, heat the area to 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.
- Refrain from putting any creams, lotions, ice, or frozen water on the burn wound because they are ineffective and could make it worse.
- Cold, wet clothing is less effective in first aid treatment because they absorb heat and must be rinsed with cool tap water every minute; nevertheless, the burn may be "misted" with cold water from a spray bottle while the kid is being transferred to medical assistance.
What is the Treatment Procedure for Burn Injury?
Appropriate pain relief/analgesia for the child
- A dressing is applied to protect the injury from further trauma and promote healing.
- Burn wounds are reviewed and redressed every 3-7 days (to determine how deep the burn is, it may take up to 14 days).
- Burn wounds that have not healed within 14 days should be discussed with a burns specialist to determine ongoing treatment.
- Wound dressings may change as the burn proceeds to heal.
- Home care instructions for the child, together with contacts and respective phone numbers, will be given to you prior to discharge.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentWhat are the Steps to be taken for Pain Relief?
All burns are painful.
- Cold water provides excellent pain relief if used early.
- Medicine such as Paracetamol may give better pain relief.
- If pain is not able to be managed at home with oral medication- the child requires immediate review by a medical officer. Consider – your child may cry for a number of reasons other than pain, like fear, anxiety or hunger.
- Your reassurance will comfort them (listen to their fears and answer their questions truthfully).
What are the Complications of Burns Injury?
Burn injuries can lead to a range of complications depending on their severity and treatment. Common complications include:
- The child refuses to eat or drink or appears to be ill.
- The child’s temperature is higher than 38.5 degrees Celsius. ∙ A foul smell emanates from the wound.
- The skin around the wound may feel hot to the touch and turn red. ∙ The fluid coming from the wound gets worse. At the location of the wound, there is agony.
- The dressing comes off completely or is displaced.
- Keep the bandages for wounds tidy and dry.
- It's crucial to keep your child away from anyone with chicken pox or cold sores on their lips unless your child has already had chickenpox or has received a vaccination against it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different degrees of burns?
Burns are classified into three main degrees: First-degree burns effect only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and pain. Second-degree burns affect the outer and underlying layers, causing blisters, swelling, and more intense pain. Third-degree burns involve all layers of the skin and can extend into deeper tissues, often resulting in white or blackened skin and numbness due to nerve damage.
What should I do immediately after getting burned?
For minor burns: Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage.
When should I seek medical attention for a burn injury?
You should seek medical attention if: The burn is severe (deep, larger than 3 inches in diameter). The burn covers a sensitive area (face, hands, feet, genitals). The burn results from chemicals, electricity, or radiation. The burn shows signs of infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, pus). The person is having difficulty breathing due to inhalation of smoke or fumes.
How can I prevent infection in a burn wound?
Keep the burn clean and dry. Wash gently with mild soap and water, then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile dressing. Change the dressing regularly to prevent infection.
What are some common complications of burn injuries?
Complications can include infection, scarring, contractures (tightening of the skin that limits movement), loss of sensation, and emotional distress.
How can I manage pain from a burn injury?
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. Follow your doctor's recommendations and don't use any creams or ointments without consulting a medical professional.
Can I treat a severe burn at home?
No, severe burns require immediate medical attention. Attempting to treat them at home could lead to infection, complications, and delayed proper care.
How can burn scars be minimized?
To minimize scarring, follow your healthcare provider's wound care instructions. You may need to use silicone-based products, perform gentle massage, and protect the healing skin from sun exposure.
