How to cure burns on the face

Burn injuries are one of the most common skin injuries. They cause serious complications and the formation of scars and scars. The greatest danger is a burn to the face. Damage to the nose, lips, ears, and eyes leads to disruption of the most important functions of the body.

If you are injured by fire, chemicals, boiling water or electricity, you should immediately call an ambulance. Early treatment reduces the risk of negative consequences and allows you to quickly restore health.

Clinical picture

Any burns are classified according to the depth of damage and the area affected. Doctors distinguish 4 degrees of such injuries. Each has its own characteristics:

1. The first is minor injury. The main symptoms are redness of the skin, burning and slight swelling.
2. The second is manifested by severe pain, the formation of blisters filled with serous contents.
3. The third - causes serious destruction of the epidermis, the formation of open weeping wounds and swelling.
4. The fourth one affects muscles and can damage bone tissue. The person is in a state of shock and is capable of losing consciousness from pain.

Burns on the face are the most dangerous. Under the influence of aggressive substances or high temperature, there is a risk of damage to the respiratory tract, skin on the forehead, around the lips and eyes.

Due to the anatomical features, the epidermis in this area is difficult to restore. To avoid scars and scarring, the affected person may require cosmetic surgery.

Course and complications

Thermal and chemical burns of the neck and head have an ICD code of 10 T20. Damage included:

1. any part of the ear;
2. temples;
3. scalp;
4. nasal septum;
5. around the eyes and lips;
6. cheeks, chin, forehead.

The course of the disease depends on the depth of injury. For 1st and 2nd degree burns, recovery occurs within 2 weeks, provided that first aid and proper treatment are provided correctly. If you exclude wound infection, you can avoid scars. A stain remains at the burn site, which gradually lightens and becomes almost invisible.

Third and fourth degree burns lead to tissue necrosis. Damaged areas take a long time to heal, and suppuration may begin, complicating the regeneration process and requiring the use of antibiotics and other potent drugs.

Deep burn injuries to the face cause damage to the cartilaginous septum of the nose and ears. In such cases, surgery may be required.

Thermal burn

Damage is provoked by high temperatures. Most often it occurs when the skin comes into contact with boiling water, steam, hot oil, or fire.

When exposed to negative influences, a person reflexively closes his eyelids to protect his eyes. This feature in some cases protects the organ of vision from irreversible damage, but causes severe injury to the eyelids, which is difficult to treat.

If you get a burn to your face, you should definitely call an ambulance.. Only a doctor is able to assess the depth of the lesion and prescribe the correct treatment. For 1st and 2nd degree burns, it is allowed to treat the injured area of ​​the house, following all the recommendations of a specialist. Deeper injuries require inpatient treatment in a burn department.

First aid

First of all, it is necessary to neutralize the thermal effect. Put out the fire, push the person away from the steam or hot object.

If the integrity of the skin is not compromised, you should place your face under running water and cool for at least 10 minutes. Then rinse the dermis with an antiseptic. Can be used:

1. Chlorhexidine;
2. Furacilin solution;
3. hydrogen peroxide.

In order not to aggravate the damage, when providing first aid, it is prohibited to use medical alcohol, iodine, brilliant green, vegetable oil and fat.

After washing the skin, you need to treat the damaged area with an anti-burn ointment or aerosol, for example, Panthenol or Olazol. Cover it with sterile gauze and wait for the doctor to arrive. To relieve acute pain, you need to take analgesics.

Treatment

To treat 1st and 2nd degree burns, wound healing external ointments are used. As prescribed by a doctor, use:

1. Bepanten;
2. Levomekol;
3. furacilin ointment;
4. Vishnevsky liniment;
5. Dexpanthenol;
6. balm Rescuer;
7. Solcoseryl.

Before applying the product, the epidermis is disinfected with peroxide. Treatment is carried out 2-3 times a day. If blisters have formed, it is advisable to apply an occlusive dressing.

Severe burns require powerful medications and inpatient therapy. The doctor prescribes treatment on an individual basis based on the patient’s condition. To relieve swelling, antihistamines are used, and antibiotics are used to relieve infection. If necessary, plastic surgery is performed by excising the burned layers of the dermis and transplanting healthy skin to this place.

Chemical exposure

Injury from chemicals poses a serious health threat. Such burns occur upon contact with alkalis, acids, and household chemicals.

Some reagents continue to destroy the epidermis even after they are removed from the surface of the skin. In such cases, the extent of the damage can only be assessed after a few days.

First aid

In order to properly provide first aid, it is important to know exactly what substance caused the burn and neutralize its effect. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Rinse the damaged area with cool water for 20 minutes;
2. apply a sterile dry cloth;
3. take painkillers;
4. call an ambulance.

If acid gets on your face, you need to get rid of it with a 2% solution of baking soda. For alkali, use a 2% vinegar solution. When injury is caused by organic aluminum or phenol, treatment with ethyl alcohol is necessary.

When providing first aid, a chemical burn should not be lubricated with medications. Medicines can react with aggressive substances and worsen the patient’s condition.

Treatment

Therapy includes the use of wound healing agents and painkillers. Once the chemical is neutralized, treatment is the same as for thermal burns. In severe cases, the victim needs a specially equipped ward, antibacterial therapy and surgery.

To prevent scarring, physical therapy is helpful during the healing stage. Infrared radiation and ultrasound are good for removing scars and triggering cell renewal.

Electric shock

Electrical burns occur from contact with exposed wires, faulty electrical appliances, or being struck by lightning.

Damage often affects the deeper layers of the skin and causes injury to internal organs. When interacting with voltages up to 380 V, 1st or 2nd degree burns are formed. If the current strength is higher, there is a threat of damage of 3 and 4 degrees. A powerful electrical discharge can cause charring of the epidermis, leading to myocardial infarction and death.

Clinical picture

A characteristic sign of an electrical burn is tissue swelling. The mark from contact with the current is clearly visible on the patient’s face.. The surface of the skin dries and becomes grayish-white. Strong exposure causes necrosis and detachment of the epithelium.

The recovery process occurs gradually. Proper treatment stimulates cell regeneration, restores the sensitivity of nerve endings and the elasticity of the epidermis.

First aid and treatment

During an electric shock, it is necessary to stop the victim’s contact with the current as quickly as possible. You need to disconnect the device from the power source or push the person away with a wooden stick.

1. The patient should be placed on his right side and given cool water to drink.
2. If he loses consciousness, perform artificial respiration and cardiac massage.
3. Place a sterile cloth on the burned area.

With a severe electrical burn, a state of shock is often observed. The person does not feel pain and says that he is fine. This is a deceptive reaction, so you need to urgently call an ambulance. While she is driving, the victim needs medications to support the heart, for example, Corvalol, motherwort tincture, Validol.

Once first aid has been provided, burns should be treated according to the standard regimen required for thermal injuries.

Rules for skin care during the recovery period

After wounds heal, the skin needs additional care. It should be aimed at increasing immune defense, nutrition and hydration.

1. A fresh potato mask helps a lot. The tuber needs to be rubbed and the mixture placed on a cleansed face. Leave for 20 minutes and rinse with chamomile decoction. Do the procedure in the evenings 2-3 times a week.
2. You can use cucumber, parsley, aloe. Soak a piece of gauze in freshly squeezed juice and place it on your face. Action time: 20 minutes.
3. A cream based on medicinal herbs and natural oils is useful for softening.

To get rid of burn marks from the face or make them less pronounced, medications are in demand. Gels Actovegin, Mederma, Contractubex quickly regenerate the skin. They must be used regularly, following the instructions.

Only a specialist can choose the right therapy to resolve burn marks and scars. In some cases, home treatment needs to be replaced with professional procedures in a beauty salon.

A burn is severe tissue damage caused by heat or chemicals. It is one of the most common injuries. Burns can affect large areas of the skin and leave deep scars forever. The consequences of burns negatively affect professional growth, relationships with the opposite sex and self-esteem.

Therefore, it is very important to determine the type and extent of damage, as well as to provide the necessary assistance in a timely manner. It is on these conditions that further recovery and the likelihood of consequences depend.

What information will you find out:

Types of burns by type of injury

Wounds received after a burn require long-term treatment

Burns are classified in different ways in medicine. One of the most used classifications is based on the type of lesion. This means that each type of burn differs from the others in the factor that caused the skin damage. Thus, the type of lesion will determine subsequent treatment, as well as the recovery period.

Thermal burns

The most dangerous type of burn. Can be obtained from exposure of the skin surface to high temperature. Among the most unpleasant consequences are not only the remaining scars, but also the likelihood of loss of vision and severe damage to the respiratory organs.

The resulting wounds after a burn require long-term treatment. If the severity of tissue damage corresponds to the third or fourth degree, then the appearance of scars after wound healing is inevitable.

Chemical burns

Today, a chemical burn to the face can easily be obtained at home by purchasing low-quality cosmetics or a strong cleaning product.

Electrical burns

Electrical burns are quite rare. It can be obtained from a place on the skin that becomes the point of entry and exit of electrical charge. A characteristic feature of this type of burn is small but very deep marks. An electrical burn wound resembles a fire burn and is caused by a short circuit.

Radiation burns

Cases of burns on the face from radiation are not uncommon. Radiation burns can occur on the street, as well as during cosmetic procedures in beauty salons.

Light burns

Light burns can occur if you do not follow the simple rules of exposure to the sun. If you don't use sunscreen or wear a hat, there is a risk of getting burned. It is characterized by superficial skin lesions that go away very quickly.

Ionizing burns

This type of damage to body tissue can occur from a laser in a beauty salon during the use of ionizing radiation.

The wound from a burn is shallow, but getting rid of it can be difficult, since the laser injures nearby tissues: the walls of blood vessels become very brittle, bleeding occurs, and the ability of cells to recover is reduced.

Combined burns

In medicine, there is also a type of combined burns. Fans of modern cosmetology and beauty salons can get this type of burn. Since this is where you can burn the skin with cosmetics and laser at the same time.

Classification of burns by degree of damage

It is customary to distinguish 4 degrees of burn damage to the skin of different parts of the body and face.

First degree burns

The top layer of skin is not severely affected. Manifestations: redness, slight swelling, pain. Healing occurs within a few days. Affected skin cells dry out and fall off. There are no scars left on the skin.

Second degree burns

The upper layer of skin is affected much deeper. Manifestations: the same as in the first degree, but small bubbles with liquid still form. The recovery period takes 2 weeks until the skin regenerates on its own. Consequences rarely occur.

Third degree burns

Severe damage to all layers of the skin. This type of burns is usually divided into two types:

1. grade “A”: the inner layer of the skin, the dermis, is not completely affected, its lower part is preserved. Manifestations: formation of a dark scab, large blisters. If the wound does not become infected, independent regeneration occurs, but there is a danger of secondary deepening of the burn;
2. grade “B”: complete destruction of all layers of the outer cover.

Fourth degree burns

Complete destruction of the dermis and epidermis, nearby tissues, burning of bones and muscles. Once the tissue has healed, the scars remain for the rest of your life.

What to do when your face is burned

How to provide first aid if you or someone else has a facial burn? Please note that first aid for a burn is carried out according to certain rules.

After an accident occurs, you need to call and wait for an ambulance. Also at this stage it is important to stop contact with the damaging factor.

1. extinguish the flame, remove boiling water or steam;
2. stop interaction with electric current;
3. Wash your face after contact with chemicals.

Directing a stream of cold water onto the face is allowed only if the skin is intact. Do not apply sour cream or vegetable oil to the wound after a burn.

It is forbidden to remove remnants of clothing or a hot object that has stuck to the skin from the face after a burn. This should only be done by a doctor, as too large pieces of skin may come off and bleeding may occur. At home, there is a danger of infection if the wound comes into contact with any objects.

It is not recommended to treat a wound on the face and apply a bandage without special skills and medical training for this. Without painkillers, this process will cause the victim severe pain.

If transportation of a patient is required, his entire body must be examined. Check to see if he has any additional injuries (depending on the circumstances of the accident). In the absence of emotional reactions in the victim, such as screaming and crying, you need to remember that with third-degree burns there is often a state of shock.

Not everyone knows which doctor can help with a facial burn, but this question is wrong, because the first condition for medical care is calling an ambulance team.

If the burn is minor, you can get to the hospital on your own. If you have a third or fourth degree burn, surgery will be required at a burn center. In all other cases, you need to consult a dermatologist or therapist.

First aid for facial skin burns

First aid is provided directly on site or in the hospital. If it is carried out competently, it will quickly heal the burn on the face, speed up the recovery period and reduce the risk of consequences. It consists of the following steps:

1. Before treating a burn on the face, you need to administer anesthesia, which depends on the severity of the tissue damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketoprofen, Ketorolac), painkillers and antipyretics (Paracetamol), as well as narcotic painkillers (Omnopon, Morphine, Promedol) are used. The use of local anesthesia is considered common.
2. Treatment of burn wounds consists of the following stages: the affected epidermis is removed, the blisters are drained, and a bandage is made.
3. If the burn is determined to be first or second degree, the victim is prescribed treatment at home and a prescription for the required drug is issued. After this, the patient comes for a medical examination.
4. For third and fourth degree burns, competent medical care is provided in hospital treatment and consists primarily of the use of infusion therapy.

Proper treatment of burns

Further treatment of burns consists of the use of local disinfectant preparations to prevent wound infection:

1. antiseptic oxidizing agents: potassium permanganate and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution;
2. antiseptics: Dioxidin, Ethacridine lactate, Quinoxidin, Furacilin, Nitazol, Furagin;
3. cationic disinfectants (Chlorhexidine, Decamethoxin), ionophores (Gramicidin, Valinomycin), silver nitrate;
4. antibiotics: Levomycetin, Erythromycin;
5. streptocid.

The listed drugs make it possible not only to remove redness of the skin after a burn, but also to avoid infection in the wound, which promotes speedy healing. But using them on your own initiative is strictly prohibited. It depends solely on the doctor’s decision what the patient should apply to the damaged skin.

To localize pain in a hospital setting, the following means are used:

1. Droperidol;
2. Ketamine;
3. Midazolam;
4. Sodium hydroxybutyrate;
5. Propofol;
6. Sodium thiopental;
7. Ftorotan;
8. Fentanyl.

Once you have a burn wound, you will need to choose a drug to treat it. First, consult a doctor who will prescribe medications based on the severity of the burn and the type of injury. If the burn is superficial, then to heal the skin you can use drugs such as:

1. Bepanten;
2. Panthenol;
3. Rescuer;
4. Olazol;
5. Levomekol;
6. Solcoseryl;
7. Eplan;
8. Ebermin;
9. Furacilin ointment;
10. Actovegin;
11. Radevit;
12. Syntomycin ointment;
13. Dermazin;
14. Sea buckthorn oil;
15. Argosulfan;
16. Calendula ointment.

This variety of medications should not replace a visit to the hospital and consultation with a doctor. Remember that the burn is on the face, so it is very noticeable. And any side effects from improper use of the drug can greatly harm your appearance.

Considering that most often women get burns from cosmetics or cleaning substances, it should be noted that only a dermatologist is able to choose the right treatment package. In addition, you need to find out from him about the possibility of using folk remedies.

Treatment of facial burns at home

To treat first- and second-degree burns on the face, your doctor may recommend using some folk remedies that help wounds heal faster. These can be daily external compresses to the burn site based on medicinal herbs and food products:

1. lingonberry juice;
2. decoctions from oak, aspen or elm bark;
3. apple puree;
4. chokeberry berries;
5. compress of water and baking soda;
6. warm cottage cheese;
7. mask of egg white and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil;
8. white cabbage leaves;
9. mumiyo solution (3 g per glass);
10. crushed charcoal.

If a chemical burn is treated at home, then medical supervision must be a prerequisite.

Typically, such therapy comes down to the use of such means as:

1. Dexpanthenol to prevent inflammation.
2. Preparations based on vitamins A, B, E and vegetable oil.
3. Mephenate is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug.
4. Levosin, Olazol, Dioxyzol - for wound healing.
5. Actovegin accelerates skin regeneration.
6. Sudocrem, Alfogin, Panthenol are drugs with analgesic, antimicrobial and healing effects.
7. Miramistin is an anti-inflammatory drug.

When it is necessary to treat a sunburn of the face at home, a complex of traditional medicine and medications is used:

1. Lubricate your face with sour cream, kefir or sour milk.
2. Use raw potatoes as a compress.
3. Apply an aloe leaf cut in half to the affected skin.
4. Make a compress from chamomile infusion.
5. Apply Panthenol to the burn site.
6. Apply hydrocortisone ointment against skin inflammation.
7. Apply Indomethacin and Diclofenac against swelling and pain.
8. Use cooling gels for pain relief.

Recommended care products

Rules for skin care during the recovery period

In order to fully and quickly restore the skin from burn damage, you need to adhere to some rules:

1. complete the course of treatment;
2. Avoid applying makeup to affected skin, as well as cosmetic procedures and tanning;
3. visit a dermatologist regularly;
4. reduce facial activity;
5. do not visit saunas and solariums;
6. do not take hot baths;
7. keep your spirits up.

No one is immune from thermal and sunburn of the skin. Who among us hasn’t accidentally grabbed a hot frying pan or accidentally knocked over a glass of hot coffee? In the case of serious burns, it is extremely important to be able to provide assistance to the victim at home, before the ambulance arrives. The first minutes play a huge role for the condition, and sometimes even the life, of the person who has received such an injury, and the success of subsequent treatment. Minor household burns can be treated at home. But here, too, knowledge of the correct algorithms of action and proven recipes is necessary. Unfortunately, many people, faced with the problem of a thermal burn, unknowingly take actions that, not only are not able to alleviate or cure the burn, but also cause additional harm.

First aid for burns

1. Break contact with the traumatic surface

2. Cool the affected area

It is strictly forbidden to apply ice to a burn. This will not alleviate the patient’s condition, but can provoke another injury - frostbite.

3. Provide comfort and convenience

1. First degree - slight redness and minimal swelling of the skin, the presence of small blisters is acceptable.
2. Second degree - severe redness and swelling, swollen or already burst blisters.
3. Third degree - necrosis (death) of tissue, characterized by the formation of a scab (dry crust), damage affecting muscle tissue.
4. Fourth degree - charring of the damaged area, tendons, muscles and bones are injured.

In the first or second degree, it is possible to treat the patient at home. But at the slightest suspicion of a more severe degree, even if it is a small burn on the hand, an urgent visit to a medical facility and prompt assistance from a traumatologist is necessary.

4. Determine the degree of burn

If first or second degree burns are detected with an area of ​​no more than 1% of the body (the size of the palm), you can begin treatment - apply a special product to the affected area - gel, cream or pharmaceutical anti-burn bandage. If more serious and extensive skin damage is recorded or a burn to the face, genitals, foot or hand is obtained, you need to call an ambulance.

Do not allow the patient to make unnecessary movements - he may be in a state of shock. If you complain of pain, give a painkiller - any analgesic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug: Ibuprofen, Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin), Diclofenac, Ketoprofen or Ketonal.

How to cure a burn with pharmaceutical products?

The following remedies will help quickly cure first and second degree burns:

1. Ointments and aerosols based on dexpanthenol - heal and restore the epidermis well. Their presence is especially desirable in a home medicine cabinet when there are small children in the family. Panthenol spray, Panthenol cream foam, Bepanten ointment.
2. Other wound-healing and anti-inflammatory ointments, solutions, creams and gels - they are usually used after the pain has subsided and the first acute symptoms have eliminated. Solcoseryl, Levomekol, La-Cri, Rescuer, Furaplast, Povidone-iodine, Apollo, Ozhogov.Net, Radevit.
3. Antiseptic drugs - reduce the risk of wound infection, which is especially important when in contact with dirty hot objects or boiling water. Furacilin, Chlorhexidine, Miramistin spray, Olazol.
4. Anti-burn wipes and bandages are impregnated with a special composition with an antiseptic and anesthetic effect. They are convenient to take with you into the field and use until the ambulance arrives or the victim is taken to the first aid station.

Essential oils or fat-containing ointments should absolutely not be applied to burns!

To avoid infection, the skin around the burn can be treated with a weak solution of manganese or hydrogen peroxide, and then gently lubricated with iodine or brilliant green.

8 remedies to help cure a burn at home

You can cure a burn from boiling water, a hot surface or hot steam using folk remedies. The main thing is not to treat the affected area with fat, oils, powdered products (soda), alcohol solutions, kefir, eggs or other healing products immediately after injury. Also at this stage, applying leaves of medicinal plants (Kalanchoe, aloe, etc.) to the wound is contraindicated. The use of traditional medicine is justified and effective only after the first symptoms have been relieved, the injured skin has dried out and a doctor has been consulted.

Folk remedies are designed exclusively for first and second degree burns that do not require hospitalization.

The following 8 recipes have gained a reputation as the most effective means to cure a burn:

1. Sea buckthorn or St. John's wort oil

– activates regeneration processes, relieves swelling and accelerates healing, apply a thin layer to the affected area using a pipette or clean hands.

2. Potatoes, carrots or pumpkin

– the peeled vegetable is grated, covered with an even layer of gauze, which is placed on the burned area. The dressing is changed after heating the vegetable mass. This compress relieves pain and swelling well.

3. Fresh cabbage leaves

– cover the affected area and hold until the leaf is heated. Cabbage is also excellent in eliminating swelling, redness and has mild anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Egg yolk oil

– according to reviews from those who have tried this recipe, a burn with boiling water is most effectively treated with this remedy. To prepare the oil, boil 5 - 7 hard-boiled eggs, then peel them and remove the yolks. The yolks must be fried in a frying pan without oil for 15 - 20 minutes, until a clear oily liquid begins to stand out. It is considered healing. The ointment is stored in the refrigerator and applied to the burn several times a day using a gauze sponge.

5. Oak bark ointment

– 3 tablespoons of oak bark are ground into powder and poured into 200 ml of water. The broth is boiled in a water bath until the volume of liquid is reduced by approximately half. The resulting infusion is mixed with a tablespoon of butter. Apply this ointment to the burned area 4 to 5 times a day.

6. Fried onion compress

– Finely chop 2 large onions and fry until golden brown in 200 ml of vegetable oil. The resulting slurry is distributed over gauze and applied to the burned skin.

When treating with compresses, it is not recommended to use cotton wool, only sterile gauze or ready-made gauze bandages. The cotton wool dries on the wound and re-injures the skin when changing the bandage.

7. Beeswax ointment

– 100 grams of beeswax is melted in a water bath with 200 ml of vegetable oil (preferably lean). For better effect, you can add 30 - 50 grams of propolis. The resulting cooled mixture is applied to the burn areas and secured with a gauze bandage.

8. Aloe or Kalanchoe compress

– both plants have high anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Aloe or Kalanchoe is cut with a knife or finely chopped to release the juice, and then only distributed over a gauze bandage and applied to the burn.

Thermal burn is a fairly common injury. To avoid danger to the life of the victim, it is important to be able to provide him with first aid. It is best to coordinate the treatment of burned areas of the body with a traumatologist. And even in the case of simple household burns, you should not abuse those traditional medicines that you or your loved ones have not previously tried.