Chemical burn on the face photo (English)

A facial burn is a serious injury that is not only physical, but also psychological in nature., because burn marks on the face cannot be hidden from prying eyes. An extensive thermal burn with cicatricial scars will certainly lead to a decrease in the patient’s self-esteem and self-isolation.

Photo 1. Most often, burns on the face occur due to exposure to UV rays. Source: Flickr (Sita McVay)

Causes of burns on the face

Burns are a fairly common injury. Up to 85% of all burns can be classified as domestic, i.e., received in domestic conditions through negligence or as a result of the malicious intentions of another person.

Also, the cause of a facial burn can be prolonged exposure to UV rays (sunburn), a lightning strike, being caught in an electric arc, or malicious damage to the face with acid or alkali.

Types of facial burns

There are 4 types of burns in total: thermal, chemical, electric And radial. External symptoms are usually similar, but subsequent treatment, rehabilitation time and general prognosis depend on the method of injury.

A thermal burn occurs under the influence of high temperatures at which cellular protein is destroyed.

Burns from steam or hot gases. Such an injury usually covers large areas, but does not penetrate deep into the soft tissue, so complete restoration of the skin without scars or scars is possible. However, the gases can cause burns to the upper respiratory tract and eyes.
Burns from hot or boiling liquids. The most common injury is scalding with boiling water. It is local, but deeper in nature. However, in most cases, such a burn goes away without a trace or with minimal changes to the skin.
Burn from hot objects. In everyday life, such a burn can be obtained by touching the sole of a working iron or a hot frying pan. The depth of the burn depends on the duration of exposure to temperature and can manifest itself either in slight redness or in a severe 3-4 degree burn with soft tissue necrosis.
Burn directly by flame. A very dangerous injury, since the action of open fire causes burns not only to the skin of the face, but also injuries to the eyes and mucous membranes of the ENT organs.

The cause of such a burn is the effect of chemical agents on the skin of the face. Chemical ingress can occur in domestic conditions (failure to comply with safety precautions when working with household chemicals), during cosmetic procedures, and when working in chemical laboratories.

Acid burn. When acid gets on the skin, the damaged cells turn into a scab and block further penetration of the aggressive agent deep into the soft tissue. The degree of burn depends on the concentration of the acid: the more concentrated it is, the more layers will be affected.
Alkali burn. A much more severe injury than an acid burn, since alkali instantly breaks down fats (which are an integral part of human skin) and literally corrodes soft tissue, penetrating deep inside.
Burn from metal salts. Salt burns are extremely rare, most often in industrial conditions. The injury is usually superficial, resembling an acid burn in appearance.

Electrical burn to the face quite rare, since most electrical injuries occur through direct contact with electricity, and most contact occurs through the hand.

The greatest likelihood of receiving such an injury occurs when falling into electric arc, and the burn will be of a combined nature:

electrical burn from electrical discharge,
thermal burn due to clothes or hair on fire,
radiation burn due to the light flash of an electrical discharge.

Radiation burns to the face are quite common. The most common and simplest - sunburn in summer time.

There are also forms of radiation burns that develop when various radiations (ultraviolet, x-ray, radiation) penetrate deep into soft tissue.

It is important! Symptoms usually appear slowly, and become noticeable only at a time when internal disturbances are already colossal. One of the consequences of radiation burns is skin cancer.

Degrees of facial burns

Like any other burns, facial burns have 4 degrees. The only difference is that the layer of soft tissue (up to the bones of the skull) is very small. But there is always a possibility of injury to the eyes and upper respiratory tract.

First degree burn. Slight redness of the skin, a slight itching sensation, possible swelling. The burned epithelium sloughs off within 3-7 days. There are no traces of injury left.
Second degree burn. Redness and itching are pronounced. Burn blisters may appear. It takes 2-3 weeks for complete recovery; no traces of the burn remain or they are almost invisible.
Third degree burn - damage to all layers of the skin, including the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Severe trauma (charring in places), the presence of burn blisters.
IV degree burn. Death of all layers of skin and deeper tissues: blood vessels, muscles, bones. Most of these burns on the face are incompatible with life, as they penetrate deep into the skull, deprive the patient of vision, burn the mucous membranes of the ENT organs, and can damage the brain.

The more severe the degree of facial burn, the worse the prognosis for full recovery. However, modern medicine and plastic surgery are able to achieve satisfactory results even in very severe cases. An important factor in rehabilitation is the timely start of treatment and strict compliance with all instructions of the attending physician.

Photo 2. The faster and more competently first aid is provided, the greater the patient’s chances of recovery. Source: Flickr (hak kah).

Signs

Skin redness face from slight pinkness to severe hyperemia.
Itching or burning sensation, even unbearably painful.
Appearanceburn blisters with liquid contents (the more severe the burn, the thicker the contents of the blister).
Presence of charred areas of skin.
Violation of the integrity of the skin, exposure of more tissue (down to the bone).
Acute pain in the eyes, with eye burns.
Acute burning in the nose, mouth, throat or lungs, sore throat, pain when breathing and swallowing due to burns of the ENT organs and upper respiratory tract.

First aid for facial burns

It is important to provide first aid as soon as possible: the faster the agent of injury is eliminated and the burn site is cooled, the greater the likelihood that the burn will not leave a trace in the form of a scar or scar.

To provide assistance with facial burns, it is important to know the cause of the injury so as not to aggravate the patient’s condition.

However, there are several universal recommendations:

Stop the burn agent: wash off chemicals from the skin, remove a person from an electrical circuit, knock out flames from hair or clothing, pull a person from a fire, remove a hot object. .
Coolburntplace running water or something cold. If there is an open wound, you need to cool the skin around it, not inside, to avoid infection.
Call an ambulance.
Give the victim plenty of fluids.
If there are no signs of life, before the ambulance arrives, carry out resuscitation measures: chest compressions and artificial respiration.

Note! Thermal burns should never be lubricated with oil or greasy creams. This way, thermal energy cannot escape and begins to affect the deeper layers of tissue.

If hot object stuck to skin, it is better not to pull it out - this will lead to additional trauma, severe bleeding and promote infection.
If a person is locked in an electrical circuit, it is necessary to push the victim away using non-conducting materials: wood, rubber, plastic.
If exposed to unknown liquids chemicals on the skin, rinse them off only with clean running water. Do not use wet wipes, lotions, etc. If the chemicals are dry (powdery), you will need to sweep up any residue first.
If the burn is definitely done acid, it can be treated with soap or soda solution.
Burns from alkalis washed with water with the addition of vinegar or citric acid.

Treatment options

As with any other burns, in medical practice the most widely used therapeutic method of treatment is indicated for injuries of any origin and any degree of severity.

In the same time for burns of 3-4 degrees often surgical intervention is indicated.

Considering the specificity of facial burns (the impossibility of hiding or camouflaging scars), various methods of cosmetology and plastic surgery are often indicated.

This method involves prescribing medications and treatment procedures that promote rapid regeneration of damaged tissue and are aimed at preventing complications.

Treatment of burns, regardless of the cause of their occurrence, is approximately the same:

Anesthesia using analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, narcotic analgesics may be prescribed.
Drainage burn blisters. Treatment of wounds, application of antiseptic dressings.
Infusions to restore various blood balances.
Preventing wound infections.
Treatment with drugs that promote wound healing and improve blood circulation (Panthenol, Bepanten, Levosin, Actovegin, vitamins).
Prevention of scar formation (Contractubex).
Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment.

Surgery for facial burns is performed in cases of extensive or deep tissue damage.

For 3rd-4th degree burns it may be necessary skin graft, plastic reconstruction of the nose, eyelids and lips.

In some very severe cases, it may be necessary to remove eyeballs and bone fragments.

Minor 1st and 2nd degree burns to the face can be treated at home. In addition to pharmaceutical products, they relieve swelling well and promote healing:

cooled decoction of oak bark,
lingonberry juice,
cabbage leaf,
fresh apple puree,
grated raw potatoes,
aloe juice,
compress of chamomile decoction (cooled).

Note! When giving preference to treatment with folk remedies, it is important to follow common sense: do not lubricate burns with oil, do not sprinkle them with sand, and generally avoid any dubious recommendations. If after a week of treatment no positive changes are visible, you should consult a doctor.

Rehabilitation and skin care

The skin of the face, even with minor sunburn, requires special care, not to mention severe injuries:

Avoid exposure to sunlight on the skin,
mandatory using creams with a high SPF filter,
refusal of solariums,
refusal to visit baths, saunas, even taking hot baths at home,
for facial hygiene, use clean water and special medical detergents recommended by a doctor,
refusal of washing gels, alcohol lotions and decorative cosmetics until the skin is completely healed,
constant skin hydration,
if necessary, use absorbable ointments for scars.

When keloid scars form, the victim may be advised to undergo laser scar resurfacing, surgical scar excision, or skin grafting.

The physical consequences of facial burns cause changes in the psychological state: decreased self-esteem and self-isolation, failure to accept one’s new appearance and dysmorphophobia, depression and suicidal thoughts. That is why, with facial burns, like no other, it is important to work with a psychologist during the rehabilitation period.

Consequences and complications of burns on the face

The main negative consequence of a facial burn is considered to be a cosmetic defect, however, do not forget about trauma to neighboring organs:

thermal and chemical burns of the eyes up to vision loss and the organs themselves;
burn of the nasal mucosa and upper respiratory tract;
burn of the mucous membrane of the mouth and esophagus, loss of teeth or even jaw, which has an extremely negative effect on the digestive system and, as a result, the entire body.

Also, open wounds from burns can become infected, and infections, as is known, can spread through the bloodstream to any part of the body.

Prevention of facial burns

Since most burns occur at the household level, the only method of prevention is compliance with safety regulations when handling hot objects, electrical appliances, chemicals.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 appear.

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

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;
grade “B”: complete destruction of all layers of the outer cover.

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.

extinguish the flame, remove boiling water or steam;
stop interaction with electric current;
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 a state of shock often occurs.

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 contact 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:

Before treating a burn on the face, you need to administer anesthesia, which depends on the severity of the tissue damage. Nonsteroidal 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.
Treatment of burn wounds consists of the following stages: the affected epidermis is removed, the blisters are drained, and a bandage is made.
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.
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:

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

Droperidol;
Ketamine;
Midazolam;
Sodium hydroxybutyrate;
Propofol;
Sodium thiopental;
Ftorotan;
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:

Bepanten;
Panthenol;
Rescuer;
Olazol;
Levomekol;
Solcoseryl;
Eplan;
Ebermin;
Furacilin ointment;
Actovegin;
Radevit;
Syntomycin ointment;
Dermazin;
Sea buckthorn oil;
Argosulfan;
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:

lingonberry juice;
decoctions from oak, aspen or elm bark;
apple puree;
chokeberry berries;
compress of water and baking soda;
warm cottage cheese;
mask of egg white and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil;
white cabbage leaves;
mumiyo solution (3 g per glass);
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:

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

Lubricate your face with sour cream, kefir or sour milk.
Use raw potatoes as a compress.
Apply an aloe leaf cut in half to the affected skin.
Make a compress from chamomile infusion.
Apply Panthenol to the burn site.
Apply hydrocortisone ointment against skin inflammation.
Apply Indomethacin and Diclofenac against swelling and pain.
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:

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

Facial injuries, especially burns, are considered one of the most difficult to treat. This is due to the proximity of vital organs and the inability to provide complete rest to damaged tissues. There are several types of burns, depending on the occurrence and depth of the injury.

Rehabilitation methods differ in each case. The appearance of the victim depends on the correctness and timeliness of treatment, because it is quite difficult, and sometimes impossible, to disguise scars on the face.

Classification of burns on the face

Due to lack of protection, facial injuries occur quite often, approximately 2% of them are burns.

A burn is a superficial or deep tissue injury that occurs under the influence of air, high-temperature liquids, chemical compounds and other external factors.

In medicine, several classifications of burns are used; the most common ones are based on the cause of damage and the depth of the affected tissue. The clinical picture, treatment methods, recovery time and prognosis depend on this.

According to the reason that caused the burn, they distinguish:

Thermal burns

One of the most common and dangerous burns is thermal; under the influence of high temperatures, proteins that form tissues are destroyed. Thermal damage to the face can be caused by several factors, and the clinical picture of the burn is somewhat different:

Under its influence, a fairly large area of the face is affected, but the tissues are affected shallowly. The danger of steam burns lies in the high probability of damage to the mucous membranes, organs of vision and breathing.

Such burns are small in area, but tissue damage can be deep, especially if hot oil comes into contact with the face.

Tissue damage caused by open flames is usually extensive and deep, with a high likelihood of complete or partial loss of vision and serious respiratory damage.

They leave a burn with clear boundaries, which is often accompanied by detachment of part of the epidermis (when trying to remove the object). Very often, after such an injury, noticeable marks remain.

Chemical

The second most common cause of facial burns is the action of chemicals. Today this can happen in the workplace (in a medical laboratory, at an industrial enterprise), at home (household chemicals, improper use of cosmetics) and even in beauty salons if the cosmetologist is insufficiently qualified.

Burns can be caused by acids, alkalis or salts of certain metals.

Alkaline burns are the most complex; when a chemical gets on the face, it literally eats away soft tissue, and sometimes even bone.

Damage to the face with various acids does not cause such deep damage, although the extent of the damage can be quite large. Under the influence of acid, scabs form on the skin, which prevent the substance from penetrating further. Deep tissue damage can occur when concentrated acids come into contact with the skin, while superficial damage occurs accidentally.

The same thing can happen at home: when using low-quality or inappropriate cream, face mask, when cauterizing acne, insect bites, and damage from antiseptics. For example, iodine burns the edges of the wound; healing will take longer and leaves an unattractive mark.

Damage to the facial skin by salts of heavy metals (bismuth, gold, antimony, iron, mercury, copper, lead) occurs relatively rarely. They occur upon contact with medications, pest control products for plants, and fertilizers. In appearance, such burns are similar to acid burns.

All types of chemical burns are dangerous due to general intoxication of the body.

Electrical

Electrical shock to facial tissues is extremely rare. In appearance it resembles a thermal burn, has a small area, but tissues can be damaged to a great depth.

Ray and solar

Complaints of radiation burns are very common. They arise under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, laser rays and other radiation. There are several varieties:

The most common burns in this category are light or sunburns. They occur during prolonged exposure to the street during sun exposure, without the use of creams with a UV filter, and in solariums. The affected area is extensive, but the damage is superficial.

Typically, light burns are relatively mild and almost never leave marks.

They occur during intense laser exposure during cosmetic procedures. In this type, the outer integument is slightly injured; the danger comes from damage to the deep layers by rays. Treatment is complicated by impaired cell regeneration ability and capillary fragility.

Radiation burns can occur as a complication of therapy for malignant tumors.

In addition to the main types of facial burns, there are combined ones - injuries combined with other injuries.

Damage level

When a face is burned, different layers of skin and muscle tissue can be damaged. On this basis they distinguish:

It is diagnosed when only the superficial layer of the epidermis is affected by any aggressive factors. Clinical picture: slight swelling, redness of the skin, pain when touched.

During the healing process, peeling begins, which disappears without a trace after a few days.

They differ from the milder form by the formation of fluid-filled skin bubbles (blisters) on the surface. The healing of such an injury lasted 1-2 weeks, the restored tissues did not differ from undamaged ones. On the face, such burns often occur after cosmetic procedures.

They are differentiated into 2 types: A and B. With tissue damage of grade A, huge blisters filled with serous fluid form on the surface of the skin. The epidermis partially dies, brown or black scabs appear. Degree B is diagnosed when all parts of the skin are completely affected.

The most difficult and dangerous. The destruction of the epidermis, fatty tissue, part of the muscle tissue, and sometimes bones occurs.

Burns of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd (A) degrees are classified as superficial; the skin can recover on its own. With proper treatment, they do not leave scars, or they can be easily eliminated with special ointments and procedures. Treatment of such facial injuries can be carried out at home.

Deep burns (third (B), fourth degree) can be accompanied by complications; they leave deep scars that are difficult to correct. Treatment of a deep burn is carried out in a hospital and can last several weeks or months; without professional help, infection can occur.

What to do first: emergency care

If a burn occurs on the face, first aid must be provided to the victim. This will prevent damage to deep tissue layers and reduce the likelihood of complications.

What to do in these cases? Actions depend on the cause of the burn and can vary significantly:

In case of thermal burns caused by an open flame, you must first extinguish the flame (cover your face with a thick cloth).
The next step is to cool the skin. You can place your face (if the integrity of the epidermis is preserved) under a stream of cool water, or wash the skin manually or irrigate it with a spray bottle.
For chemical burns, it is important to know what exactly caused the tissue damage. Contact of some products (containing aluminum) with water is unacceptable, as the reaction intensifies. If the skin is damaged by acid, it is neutralized within a quarter of an hour with a solution of soap or soda, alkali, table vinegar.
Examine the victim to ensure the absence or presence of other injuries.
In case of electric shock, remove the source from your face and check your pulse. If necessary, perform artificial respiration.
If the burn is small and the person feels relatively well, you should go to the burn department of the nearest hospital as soon as possible. In all other cases, it is necessary to call an ambulance, explain the situation and strictly follow their recommendations.

Deep burns often cause painful shock, when the victim does not experience discomfort, but performs chaotic actions. In this case, he needs to be calmed to prevent mechanical damage to the burned tissues and infection.

Features of treatment

Treatment for facial burns differs from treatment for other injuries. Such injuries are considered the most complex.

Firstly, the skin and subcutaneous tissue layer are much thinner here, so the damage can be deep. Secondly, healing occurs faster if the tissues are at rest, which is almost impossible to do with the face: facial, chewing movements lead to permanent damage to the healing areas.

After visiting the burn department, the patient is examined, the severity of damage to facial tissues and treatment tactics are determined. First aid consists of several stages:

Anesthesia (local or general). The type of anesthesia used depends on the depth of the injury. Local anesthesia is carried out through applications with Novocaine or Lidocaine. Several types of medications are taken orally: Paracetamol, Analgin, Baralgin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketoprofen), strong narcotic painkillers (Morphine, Promedol).
Patients in a state of shock (after electric shock or very deep burns) undergo antishock therapy - intramuscular injection of a solution of analgesics and antihistamines.
Removal of affected tissue, drainage, antiseptic treatment (Chlorhexidine, isotonic solution, hydrogen peroxide).
In some cases, additional antibacterial treatment and tetanus vaccination are required.

After antiseptic treatment and receiving treatment recommendations, patients with superficial burns are treated at home, while those with deep burns remain in the hospital. Treatment for severe burns is as follows:

treatment several times a day with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents;
applying bandages with medications that accelerate healing;
removal of infected or dead tissue.

After healing, physiotherapeutic procedures or plastic surgery may be prescribed to restore facial tissues after deep burns.

Several groups of drugs are used to treat burns:

anesthetics;
antiseptics;
means to eliminate swelling and hyperemia (redness) in 1st and 2nd degree burns;
antibiotics if there is a threat of infection;
drugs that accelerate tissue regeneration.

Each group includes a large number of medications; it is not recommended to use them without a doctor’s prescription.

Pain of varying intensity may be felt until the facial tissues have completely healed. To relieve pain, you can use the well-known Nurofen, Ketanov, Analgin, but more often they use products for external use in the form of gels and ointments. Mephenate and Dioxyzol ointments have proven themselves well. In addition to pain relief, they have a pronounced antiseptic and wound healing effect.

The affected area must be treated daily with antiseptics to avoid infection: alcohol, Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide. The use of Chlorhexidine and Miramistin is tolerated very well by patients - no discomfort occurs when applied to tissue.

To soothe the skin for superficial burns, use external remedies:

Panthenol;
ointment "Rescuer";
Actovegin;
Bepanten;
furatsilin ointment;
Levomekol;
ointments of plant origin (sea buckthorn, with calendula).

Panthenol has proven itself well; it not only removes the feeling of tightness, but also accelerates regeneration and reduces the intensity of pain. In some cases, antihistamines are prescribed: Claritin, Diazolin, Loratadine.

Actovegin can be used in the treatment of burns of various types. The drug activates blood circulation and accelerates metabolic processes, which will help get rid of the consequences faster.

When a burn suppurates, antimicrobial agents are used: Levomekol, syntomycin ointment, streptocide (in the form of powder or ointment), Methyluracil, Baneocin, preparations with silver (Dermazin, for example). It is better not to use fat-containing products; they interfere with the outflow of fluid.

When treating superficial burns without complications, it is permissible to use traditional methods; they reduce discomfort, moisturize and accelerate tissue regeneration.

dairy products;
vegetable juices: cabbage, potatoes;
applesauce;
lotions with decoctions of oak bark, chamomile, elm;
juice from lingonberries or chokeberries;
a squeeze of boiled and then fried egg yolk;
mumiyo dissolved in water;
lotions with aloe leaf;
dusting the wound with powder obtained from charcoal;
a mixture of whipped egg whites and refined vegetable oil;
lotions from burdock juice;
sea buckthorn oil in pure form or mixed with fir oil in equal quantities.

Outpatient treatment is acceptable:

in mild form (1st and 2nd degree) for all types of burns;
for a small area - less than 1% of the entire surface of the skin (visually no more than the palm of a person);
no high fever or signs of tissue infection.

The treatment tactics in each case are determined by the doctor, in general terms it looks like this:

antiseptic treatment 1-2 times a day;
applying bandages with epidermis-restoring agents;
taking painkillers.

If the face is damaged by chemicals, even to a minor extent, regular monitoring of the tissue condition during home treatment is necessary.

In case of a radiation burn of the face, it is enough to periodically apply emollient and soothing substances to the skin: sour cream or kefir, cucumber juice, Panthenol, cooling gels with menthol, Indomethacin to eliminate swelling and pain.

A prerequisite for a facial burn is daily intake of fluid in large quantities (more than 2 liters) and consumption of food enriched with light protein, vitamins A and E: carrots, fresh vegetables and fruits, turkey and chicken meat in liquid or puree form.

Cautions: how to avoid unpleasant consequences?

The result of burn healing depends on the treatment tactics and behavior of the victims. The face is a sensitive place; any mistake can leave a mark for life, which can worsen the quality of life and cause complexes.

Mistakes to avoid:

Smearing the burned area with oil is perhaps the most common and dangerous misconception. Oil, even sterile, forms a dense film that will reduce the access of oxygen to the wound and block the outflow of physiological fluid. In the worst case (if you do not use an unrefined product), infection may occur.
When trying to cool the damaged area during a thermal or radiation burn, blot it with cotton swabs or apply ice and cooled objects. Intense pressure will lead to mechanical damage to tissues, disrupt blood circulation and complicate treatment.
In case of thermal burns from hot objects, molten metals or plastic, you should never remove them. This action further injures the tissue and can cause bleeding.
Treating a fresh burn with alcohol-containing substances.
Cover the burn with a thick cloth, and even more so with an adhesive plaster. The wound must “breathe.”
Open the resulting blisters yourself. At home, it is impossible to make the process sterile; this will only increase the risk of infection.
In case of a chemical burn, on the first day, any external actions are prohibited, except for washing with water or special solutions.

Recommendations for the recovery period

Complete healing and tissue regeneration for facial burns can take several months. To ensure recovery without consequences, you must follow the following recommendations:

strictly adhere to the prescribed treatment;
do not apply decorative cosmetics to damaged skin;
if possible, reduce facial movements;
solarium, sauna, beach and swimming pool are strictly prohibited;
postpone cosmetic procedures in the salon and at home;
monitor the healing process with a dermatologist.

Possible consequences

Due to anatomy and physiology, burns on the face often provoke various complications:

loss of sensation;
damage to the facial nerve;
impaired visual acuity;
damage to the respiratory system and, as a result, pneumonia;
dysfunction of the speech apparatus;
skin suppuration;
blood poisoning.

If they occur during therapy, you should contact your doctor.

Deep facial burns may leave scars. If the burned area is small, ointments (Contractubex) and cosmetic procedures (laser resurfacing) will help cope with the problem. If the damage is large-scale and deep, only plastic surgery or skin grafting will help correct the situation.

Neither an adult nor a child is insured against burns. If the face is damaged by any of the aggressive factors, the victim must be immediately assisted. Even minor redness at first can cause serious complications and subsequently leave a scar.

Chemical burn on the face photo (English)

Chemical burn on the face photo