| Third-degree (full thickness) burns extend into deeper | | | | water should never be applied to any person with |
| tissues. They cause white or blackened, charred skin | | | | extensive burns. |
| that may be numb. | | | | Antibiotic creams can prevent or treat infections. |
| Burn may be an injury caused by heat, cold, | | | | Take an over-the-counter pain relieve include aspirin, |
| electricity, chemicals, friction or radiation (e.g. a | | | | ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or |
| sunburn). Scalds from hot liquids and steam, building | | | | acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Never give aspirin to |
| fires and flammable liquids and gases are the most | | | | children or teenagers. A proper diet that includes |
| common causes of burns. There are three levels of | | | | adequate amounts of calories, protein, and nutrients |
| burns first-degree burns affect only the outer layer | | | | is important for healing. If the burned area is small, |
| of the skin. They cause pain, redness, and swelling. | | | | flush for another 10 to 20 minutes, apply a sterile |
| second-degree (partial thickness) burns affect both | | | | gauze pad or bandage. Don't use fireworks or |
| the outer and underlying layer of skin. They cause | | | | sparklers. Avoid using tablecloths or large placemats. |
| pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. | | | | A small child can pull on them and overturn a hot |
| They also can lead to infections because they | | | | drink or plate of food. Keep hot drinks and foods out |
| damage your skin's protective barrier. Burns to your | | | | of reach of children. |
| airways can be caused by inhaling smoke, steam, | | | | Burns Treatment and Prevention Tips |
| superheated air, or toxic fumes, often in a poorly | | | | 1. A proper diet also recommeded this cases. |
| ventilated space. More than 2 million people in the | | | | 2. Local anesthetic is usually sufficient in managing |
| United States require treatment for burns each year, | | | | pain. |
| and between 3,000 and 4,000 die of severe burns. | | | | 3. Choose sleepwear that's labeled flame retardant. |
| Burns in children are sometimes traced to parental | | | | 4. Always test bath water with your elbow before |
| abuse. The first step in managing a person with a | | | | putting your child in it. |
| burn is to stop the burning process. With dry powder | | | | 5. Lidocaine can be administered to the spot of injury |
| burns, the powder should be brushed off first. Cold | | | | and will generally negate most pain. |