Burns are skin damages sustained as a result of contact with a hot surface, flame or other substance such as boiling water or excessive exposure to the sun. Burns can also be caused by exposure to high levels of electric current or by chemicals. Show
The term 'burn' doesn't just relate to the burning sensation that occurs with this injury, burns cause skin cells to die which leads to severe skin damage. Learn about the different degrees of burns and the best method for treating burns. How long it takes to recover from a burn or scald depends on how serious it is and how it's treated. If the wound becomes infected, seek further medical attention. Burns that don't need medical attentionIf your burn or scald is mild and treated at home, it normally heals without the need for further treatment. Read more about first aid for burns and scalds. While the skin heals, keep the area clean and don't apply any creams or greasy substances. Don't burst any blisters as this can lead to infection. If you've scalded the inside of your mouth by drinking something hot, try to avoid things that can irritate the scalded area, such as hot and spicy food, alcohol and smoking, until the area heals. Mild burns or scalds that only affect the uppermost layer of skin (superficial epidermal burns) usually heal in about a week without any scarring. Burns that need medical attentionIf you have a burn or scald that requires medical treatment, it will be assessed to determine the level of care required. The healthcare professional treating you will:
Depending on how the burn happened, you may be advised to have an injection to prevent tetanus, a condition caused by bacteria entering a wound. For example, a tetanus injection may be recommended if there's a chance soil got into the wound. Your dressing will be checked after 24 hours to make sure there are no signs of infection. It will be changed after 48 hours, and then every three to five days until it's completely healed. Minor burns affecting the outer layer of skin and some of the underlying layer of tissue (superficial dermal burns) normally heal in around 14 days, leaving minimal scarring. If the burn is severe, you may be referred to a specialist. In some cases, it may be necessary to have surgery to remove the burnt area of skin and replace it with a skin graft taken from another part of your body. More severe and deeper burns can take months or even years to fully heal, and usually leave some visible scarring. BlistersExpert opinion is divided over the management of blisters that are caused by burns. However, it's recommended that you shouldn't burst any blisters yourself. If your burn has caused a blister, you should seek medical attention. The blister will probably remain intact, although some burns units at hospitals follow a policy of deroofing blisters. Deroofing means removing the top layer of skin from the blister. In some cases, a needle may be used to make a small hole in the blister to drain the fluid out. This is known as aspiration and may be carried out on large blisters or blisters that are likely to burst. Your healthcare professional will advise you about the best way to care for your blister and what type of dressing you should use. Exposure to the sunDuring the first few years after a burn, you should try to avoid exposing the damaged skin to direct sunlight as this may cause it to blister. It's especially sensitive during the first year after the injury. This also applies to a new area of skin after a skin graft. It's important to keep the area covered with cotton clothing. If the burn or scald is on your face, wear a peaked cap or wide-brimmed hat when you're out in the sun. Total sun block – for example, one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 – should be used on all affected areas. The area can be exposed to sunshine again around three years after the injury, but it's still very important to apply a high-factor sun cream (SPF 25 or above) and stay out of the midday sun. Thermal Burns TreatmentWritten by WebMD Editorial Contributors Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on January 16, 2022 In this Article
1. Stop Burning Immediately 2. Remove Constrictive Clothing Immediately Then take the following steps: 1. Cool Burn 2. Protect Burn 3. Treat Pain 4. When to See a Doctor Seek medical help if: 5. Follow Up
1. Cool Burn 2. Protect Burn 3. Prevent Shock Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury, or it would cause discomfort: 4. See a Doctor 1. Call 911 2. Protect Burn Area 3. Prevent Shock Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury or it would cause discomfort: 4. See a Doctor SOURCES: CDC: “Mass Casualties: Burns.” Family Doctor: “First Aid: Burns.” Subbarao, I. AMA Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care, Random House Reference, 2009. University of Rochester Medical Center: “Hot Tips: First Aid for Burns.” Merck Manual: “Burns.” New York-Presbyterian: “Burns.” Thermal Burns Information from eMedicineHealth How long do burn blisters last?Second-degree (partial-thickness) burns — Second-degree burns (also called partial-thickness burns) involve the top two layers of skin. These burns form blisters, are very painful, may seep fluid, and blanch when pressed (picture 2). Second-degree burns typically heal within 7 to 21 days.
Should you cover a burn blister or let it breathe?Should you cover a blister or let it breathe? It is recommended to leave the blisters intact if possible. If the blisters remain intact, you may not need to cover them. However, if the blisters are already broken or open, the blisters should be covered in a sterile bandage.
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How to deal with blisters from burns
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