Burns and Scalds

Burn Injuries 

occur when the body is in contact or in close contact to dry heat and strong chemicals.

Burns constitutes a major public health problem especially in low and middle income countries. 

Scalds

occur when the body is in close contact with moist heat such as steam or hot water , hot ghee and other hot liquids.

Effect of burn injury -

The effects due to burn can be short lasting , long lasting and sometimes even permanent.

So correct , careful and early treatment especially of deep burns is  necessary. 

Some of the distressing effects due to burns are:-

• Scarring 
• Deformity 
• Mental trauma
• Reddening 
• Blister formation 
• Tissue damage 

What can cause burn Injuries:-

Burn Injuries can be caused due to contact with-

• Hot kitchen utensils
• Electrical equipments 
• Clothing and other articles accidentally set to fire 
• Bleach and undiluted disinfectants 
• Excessive sun and wind
• Unsafe use of firecrackers and firearms 

Mostly burns are sustained or felt by the exposed parts of the body like face, hands , trunk region. 

Most burns occur in home and that too especially in kitchen. 

Who are at more risk of getting burnt??

Physically handicapped,  elderly and children especially toddlers are at great risk of getting burnt. 

Degrees of burn :-

Normally burn having 3 degrees-

1st degree - involves outer layers of the skin ( epidermis) only  and cause reddening and pain of the burnt site. Blisters are absent. 

1 st degree burns are superficial burns.

2 nd degree - involves deep layer under epidermis of the skin also. Blisters are present and the burnt site is painful,  reddening. Usually heals within 2-3 weeks without scarring.

3rd degree - involves all the layers of the skin . Blisters may be absent and present. This is the most severe condition of the burns. The burnt site may look black and white and charred.

Mostly heal by leaving scarring and contracture.

Risk factors for burn injury:-

Mostly risk factors vary according to region but usually includes -

• Smoking and alcohol
• Use of ground level stoves for cooking purposes
• Use of open fires for space heating especially during winter 
• Low quality electrical wiring 
• Wearing of long , loose - fitting and polyester fabric clothing while cooking
• High set temperature in water heaters

What should not be supposed to do / Some Important Don'ts :--

Following are a few things that we must not do when burn injury occurs-

• Never put butter, flour or baking soda on a burnt site. 
• Never prick or break any blisters that are formed as it may increase chances of infection 
• Never use ointments, lotion, or oil as treatment
• Never touch the injured site unnecessarily 
• Never pull away burnt clothing stuck to the burnt site as it may cause further skin tearing and may cause infection and pain.
• Don't wear tight clothes that are touching the burnt site

General treatment strategy for burns-

  ▪︎ Immerse the injured part in cold water. This may be done using a bucket or simply holding the burnt site under a gently running tap.

 ▪︎ Apply any antibiotic ointment  and aloe vera gel to soothe the skin.
 ▪︎ Take painkiller like ibuprofen to relieve pain.