Determining the severity of a burn can be harder than you think, especially in the first 48 hours, since the skin changes significantly during this time. Certain burns need to be treated immediately. Any burn to the hands should be taken seriously since it can lead to permanent problems with function and movement. In children, severe burns can also cause damage that could keep them from growing properly. There are some factors that can help you determine when you need medical attention for a burn.
The Size of the Burn
Typically, the bigger the burn, the more serious it is. The burn size is a percentage of the total body surface area. This allows a clinician to estimate how much of the skin has been burned. For most adults, the surface area of the palm (not including the wrist or fingers) is 1% of your skin surface. This can help you determine how big the burn is at home by figuring how many palms it will take to cover the area. Any burn that is more than 3% of the total area in an adult and less than 2% in children should require medical attention as soon as possible.
The Depth of the Burn
Burns can also be determined by how deep they have penetrated the tissue. The bigger the number then the deeper the burn and the more serious it is.
First Degree: A first-degree burn affects the outer layer of the skin. There aren’t any blisters, but the burn site is dry, painful, and red. An example of a first-degree burn is a mild sunburn.
Second Degree: A second-degree burn includes the top layer of the skin and part of the lower layer of the skin. The burn may be painful and swollen and be blistered and red.
Third Degree: A third-degree burn goes through the dermis and epidermis and into the innermost layer of the skin. The site may be charred, blackened, or look white.
Fourth Degree: A fourth-degree burn goes through the underlying tissue of the skin into the deeper tissue and can even involve the bone and muscle. There won’t be any feeling in the area since the nerves are destroyed from this type of burn.
A burn that is greater than a second degree needs immediate medical attention.
The Location of the Burn
Certain locations of the body have a higher chance of infection from a burn injury. Some areas can also be harder to care for or have structural considerations that make treatment harder. These areas include the feet, hands, face, and genitals. Burns that are considered circumferential and go all the way around a digit or limb also have higher chances of complications. Burns that cross over a joint, such as the spine, knee, elbow, or wrist, can require some extra care to prevent any complications in the future. Any of these complicated burns need medical attention.
Who Suffered the Burn?
Who was actually burned can be an important factor in determining the outcome of a burn injury. Toddlers, infants, older patients, those with diabetes, or others who have chronic medical conditions could have poor outcomes and prolonged healing. If any of these people have suffered a burn, they should be seen by a medical provider early on in order to better the chances of a positive outcome.
Emergency Room or Urgent Care
If there are any questions about a burn, it’s best to see a health care provider. If you have suffered a third-degree or fourth-degree burn, then it’s best to go to an emergency room. A second-degree burn can be treated at an urgent care facility. Burn patients will need some pain control, a possible tetanus booster, and may even be referred to a burn center. A first-degree burn can typically be treated at home. With all burns, the healing time can be faster the quicker you treat the burn. At-home care for a first-degree burn includes taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief, putting the wound in cool water, using aloe vera cream or gel to help soothe the skin, and using antibiotic cream to protect the area. Ice should never be applied to a burn and can make it worse. Home remedies, such as eggs, butter, or mayonnaise, aren’t effective.
Large burns should be treated at an emergency room since they may need a referral to a burn center. The issues that can be addressed when treating burns are preventing infection and pain control. Signs of an infection include pain, increasing redness, fever, and a pus-like discharge. If there are signs of an infection, seek immediate treatment.
Burns can be serious injuries and if you have suffered a burn injury due to an accident, you want to consult with Indianapolis burn injury lawyers to determine if you have a case.
