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The Best Treatment for Burns

One million to two million people in the United States go to a doctor or emergency room for the treatment of burns each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. The majority of burn victims are children who have had an accident at home. Other leading sources of burns are the workplace and car accidents. Burns are classified in degrees, from first to third, which is the most life-threatening. There are different ways each type of burn ought to be treated.

  1. First-Degree Burns

    • First-degree burns are minor and are treatable at home. The only exceptions are eye burns, which require a prompt emergency room visit. First-degree burns can be slightly painful and turn the skin red, as a result of damage to the first layer of skin, known as the epidermis. Although these burns heal on their own without medical attention, there are a couple of ways to help speed the healing process. Try immersing the burn in cool water for 10 minutes. Colder water or ice actually makes the burn worse. Using a bandage may also cause an infection. Apply aloe vera to help soothe the pain; take Tylenol or Advil to help reduce swelling and ease pain.

    Second-Degree Burns

    • Second-degree burns affect the epidermis as well as the dermis, the deeper layers of tissue underneath the epidermis. This results in redness and blistering of the skin. Second-degree burns will eventually heal with medical attention, but can take up to three weeks to do so, and scarring is likely. Honey can be applied to the burned skin to prevent infection if a person is too far from a medical facility. Do not break the blisters. Tylenol and Advil can also be taken for second-degree burns.

    Third-Degree Burns

    • Third-degree burns are the most severe and are most often caused by fire. Both the epidermis and dermis are destroyed. Medical attention must be sought immediately, as the damage can extend down to vital organs and bones. The burns are black, white or brown. The victim will not be able to feel them because nerves are destroyed along with the skin tissue. While waiting for medical help, clothing can be removed to prevent the burned area from swelling. However, if swelling occurs and the clothing becomes stuck to the skin, do not attempt to remove it. You can also run cool water over the burn while waiting for an ambulance.

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