What to do if you have a thermal burn

A thermal burn is damage to the upper cells of the epidermis in domestic conditions. Quite often, many of us get injured as a result of careless handling of hot objects such as an iron, stove or household heater.

Severe redness with small watery blisters, tissue swelling and pain appear on the surface of the skin. Depending on the degree of skin destruction, several types of the disease are distinguished, each of which has characteristic features. Providing first aid for a thermal burn helps prevent inflammation in the affected area. To do this, it is important to follow a strict sequence of actions that prevent the destruction of soft tissue.

What do you need to know when providing first aid?

In medical practice, thermal damage to the skin has a specific code (T-20-T - 32). In that list there are various ways to injure the epidermis. Starting from a hot iron and ending with a frying pan.

There are 4 degrees of skin burns caused by high temperatures:

1. 1st degree. Severe redness appears on the surface. After some time, a slight discharge of lymph appears along the entire perimeter of the wound. After some time, it evaporates leaving a thin film on the injured area. Once treatment is started, it helps to avoid the process of cell scarring;
2. 2nd degree. It has similar symptoms, but with the appearance of small watery blisters;
3. 3rd degree. Here, in addition to the upper layers of the epidermis, the soft tissue area is affected. The person experiences severe pain, which is relieved under frequent anesthesia. In the future, the patient may require skin grafting;
4. 4th degree. The patient has soft tissue necrosis, which affects the ligaments and tendons. The skin acquires a burgundy color with the formation of a large bubble with liquid contents.

Important! In case of 3rd and 4th degree burns, the victim must receive immediate medical attention. Timely treatment helps reduce the risk of cell death.

The first thing to do is to stop contact of the skin with the hot surface. If there are particles of burning material or open material on the body, then the oxygen supply to the source of fire should be reduced. To do this, you can use a thick blanket or towel.

All actions must be carried out very carefully so as not to injure the affected area. If the victim is in a state of deep panic and moves quickly, thereby contributing to the fanning of the flames, it is recommended to stop him.

Next you need to put out the fire on his body.

First aid for a thermal burn excludes any contact with the damaged skin surface. During this period, the risk of infection increases. The fact is that the cells of the injured skin are not able to cope with pathogenic microorganisms on their own.

Important! If there are tissue remnants on the surface of the skin, you should not peel them off yourself. This will cause deeper wounds to appear.

Stages of first aid

Thermal burn first aid to a victim includes several main steps that help avoid serious health problems:

1. The injured area must be cooled. This will reduce pain and avoid deeper lesions of the skin. To do this, the wound for 1st and 2nd degree burns is washed with cold, clean water for 20 minutes. Next, the burn is placed in clean water for 30 minutes. After this, it is covered with a bandage. If you don’t have a sterile bandage at hand, you can use an ironed sheet.
2. The patient must be provided with a warm drink, which will prevent the occurrence of burn shock. The liquid medium promotes the removal of toxic compounds as a result of combustion.
3. Relief of pain syndrome. Ibuprofen or novocaine will help reduce discomfort. Before taking the medicine, it is recommended to survey the victim for the presence of allergic reactions to one of the components of the drug. Novocaine is sprayed over the entire affected surface using a sterile syringe.
4. If there are no signs of breathing and heartbeat, the patient must undergo chest compressions or artificial respiration. After this, you need to urgently call an ambulance. If it is not possible to make a call, it is recommended to independently deliver the victim to the nearest department.
5. For a second-degree thermal burn, first aid involves gently cooling the affected area with running water without using any medications. The fact is that this can provoke an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock. Medical professionals can prevent such events.

How to recognize burn shock

The main signs of burn shock are:

1. injury to the skin by more than 10%;
2. excited state;
3. severe thirst and constant chills;
4. intermittent breathing;
5. prolonged absence of urine;
6. nausea;
7. vomit.

If one of the signs appears, you must immediately seek highly qualified help.

What is contraindicated to do for thermal burns?

There are a number of requirements that prohibit the following actions:

1. open the resulting bubble. This facilitates the rapid penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the affected area;
2. if the blister does burst on its own, then it is necessary to treat the open wound with an antiseptic solution;
3. You should not treat a burn with “proven means” of traditional medicine such as vegetable oil or chicken protein. Here it is best to use highly effective medications that promote rapid regeneration of affected cells;
4. It is not recommended to use too greasy products for treating wounds. The composition of such a substance leaves a dense film on the burned skin, which prevents drying;
5. It is impossible to completely cover a person during extinguishing, as the risk of poisoning by the products of combustion of materials increases;
6. Watery blisters should not come into contact with ice. It is best to place the cold in additional cloth, which will prevent frostbite.

Medications

Today there is a sufficient number of medicines. Which accelerate the process of restoration of epidermal cells. Most of them are used to relieve pain.

What medications should be used for thermal burns? The most effective are considered:

1. Vishnevsky ointment. It contains antimicrobial components. They block the growth and spread of infection in the problem area. Before application, mix it thoroughly;
2. "Bepanten." This ointment has a good regenerating effect. It must be applied 3-4 times a day;
3. "Zinc ointment". It also has an antiseptic and regenerating effect. It promotes rapid healing of the top layer of skin.

The initial requirement for 3rd and 4th degree burns is to immediately seek medical help. An experienced doctor will be able to preserve your skin with minimal loss.

In case of burns, self- and mutual assistance is of great importance, namely, the urgent cessation of the action of the damaging factor.

Never apply ice, oil, grease, ointment or cream to a burn.

At first, all burns are sterile, as they arise from exposure to high temperatures. But the next moment, signs of inflammation appear on the burned surface. The burn turns into a wound open to any germs. Therefore, everything that, according to some “advisers,” is suitable for relieving pain in a burned area (watering the burn surface with a solution of potassium permanganate, applying potatoes or potato peelings, using various herbs and oils) can, on the contrary, become a source of infection.

The most effective remedy for any burns is cooling the burned surface with running water. Cold stops unwanted processes. The burned tissues seem to fall into a state of suspended animation (sleep). The pain subsides for a while.

Algorithm of action (first aid) for thermal burns of varying severity after eliminating the damaging factor:

Minor burns of 1st or 2nd degree

1. Wear latex gloves and other equipment to protect yourself and the victim from possible infection.

2. Run cold water over the burn area for at least five minutes (10 to 15 minutes is better).

3. Treat the affected area with a weak (pale pink) solution of potassium permanganate.

4. Cover the affected area with a sterile bandage.

5. For a large affected area, apply anti-burn ointment or treat with an aerosol (3-4 times a day). For burns, it is advisable to have an Alazol or Panthenol aerosol in your first aid kit.

6. Skin lotions will help prevent dry skin and relieve irritation.

7. Painkillers can reduce pain and inflammation.

8. Inspect the burn site daily for the development of infection - redness of the skin, softening or formation of pus (yellowish or greenish discharge at the site of the injury).

Second degree burns usually cause blistering. The thin film of the blister should not be torn off under any circumstances. The surface underneath is very painful.

1. Wear latex gloves and other equipment to protect yourself and the victim from possible infection.

2. Run cold water over the burn area for at least five minutes (10 to 15 minutes is better).

3. Treat the affected area with a weak (pale pink) solution of potassium permanganate.

4. Cover the affected area with a sterile bandage.

5. Apply anti-burn ointment "Alazol" or "Panthenol" or anti-burn gel "APPOLO". Apply a thin layer of ointment or gel to the burn itself or a sterile gauze pad and apply it to the wound.

6. Then tie it all up with a gauze bandage. Do not cover the burned area with a band-aid, it will impede the access of air, because the wound needs oxygen to heal.

7. Painkillers can reduce pain and inflammation.

8. The dressing should be changed every day. If it has dried, soak it in a solution of furatsilin or a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

9. Inspect the burn site daily for the development of infection - redness of the skin, softening or formation of pus (yellowish or greenish discharge at the site of the injury).

Severe burns of II or III degree, occupying an area of ​​more than 5 - 7.5 cm2.

1. STOP - Look around and assess the situation?

2. THINK - Think about how to ensure safety and plan your actions - Are the victim's clothes or surroundings still burning?

3. ACT - Wear latex gloves and other equipment to protect yourself and the victim from possible infection.

4. Check to see if the victim is responsive and CALL emergency medical services.

5. Conduct an initial assessment and monitor the victim's vital signs.

6. If the victim responds to activation, perform a secondary assessment to determine the extent of the burn and the area affected.

7. Cover the burn area with a cool, damp, sterile bandage or clean cloth.

8. If your fingers or toes are burned, if possible, remove jewelry and use a dry, sterile cloth to prevent the affected finger from touching the healthy one.

9. Continue to monitor the victim's vital signs until emergency medical services arrive.

10 To prevent shock, it is necessary to give the victim analgin, one aspirin tablet each, as well as plenty of fluids.

Severe third or fourth degree burns

Third and fourth degree burns require immediate hospitalization. However, before the arrival of emergency medical services, you can take the following measures:

1. STOP - Look around and assess the situation?

2. THINK - Think about how to ensure safety and plan your actions - Are the victim's clothes or surroundings still burning?

3. ACT - Wear latex gloves and other equipment to protect yourself and the victim from possible infection.

4. Check to see if the victim is responsive and CALL emergency medical services.

5. Conduct an initial assessment and monitor the victim's vital signs.

6. If the victim responds to activation, perform a secondary assessment to determine the extent of the burn and the area affected.

7. Try to free the victim from clothing. If pieces of fabric are “stuck” to the skin, do not tear them off under any circumstances.

8. Wrap exposed areas of the body with a clean, warm, soft cloth - heat loss during severe burns is life-threatening for the victim and can lead to various complications.

9. Remember that such burn injuries cause unbearable pain and your task is to prevent painful shock. To do this, give the victim a strong analgesic (analgin, baralgin, maxigan, etc.) or 2-3 aspirin tablets with 1 diphenhydramine tablet.

10. Give the victim hot tea or alkaline mineral water.

For severe burns, do not self-medicate. Never lubricate third and fourth degree burns with fat, oil or ointments. By doing this, you will only aggravate the condition of the victim and can contribute to infection of the wound, as well as the entire body.

A burn is damage to body tissue resulting from exposure to high temperature. In addition to thermal, burns can also be electrical, chemical and radiation.

Thermal or heat burns are the most common, especially in the younger age group - in young children, the vast majority of burns occur as a result of scalding with boiling water.

There are several classifications of burns; in our country, the A.A. classification is accepted. Vishnevsky, dividing damage into degrees depending on the depth of tissue damage. Knowing the classification allows you to quickly navigate the situation and not make mistakes when providing first aid. So, according to Vishnevsky, there are 4 degrees of burns:

1. Stage of erythema, or redness;
2. Bubble stage;
3. Stage of skin necrosis;
4. The stage of necrosis of the skin and underlying tissues (fatty tissue, muscles, tendons, and sometimes bones), also called the charring stage.

The first two stages are classified as mild, while the third and fourth stages are classified as severe or deep burns. This division is arbitrary, since it does not take into account the area of ​​the lesion and special anatomical zones (these include the face, eyes, groin area, joints), however, it gives an idea of ​​the severity of the lesion and what first aid measures should be taken.

First aid for mild burns

Mild burns do not require hospitalization; as a rule, home treatment is sufficient, but only if first aid was provided correctly. So, with such lesions, after the cessation of exposure to the traumatic factor, it is necessary:

1. Remove clothing from the burn area, if any. At the same time, it is unacceptable to pull off clothes, because... you can damage the skin even more (if necessary, the fabric should be cut);
2. Place the burned area under running cold water for 10-20 minutes or apply a cold compress. It is unacceptable to use ice to cool the skin, because... tissue frostbite may be added to the burn;
3. Treat the affected area with an antiseptic. You can use anti-burn agents; it is allowed to treat the burned surface with alcohol. You cannot use iodine, a solution of potassium permanganate, as well as oil, fatty ointments and creams - anything that interferes with air exchange. For household burns, Panthenol Spray with dexpanthenol has proven itself well. Unlike analogues, which are cosmetics, this is a certified medicinal product. It does not contain parabens, making it safe for both adults and children from the first day of life. It’s easy to apply—just spray it on the skin without rubbing. PanthenolSpray is produced in the European Union, in compliance with high European quality standards; you can recognize the original PanthenolSpray by the smiley face next to the name on the packaging;
4. Apply a loose sterile bandage to the damaged area of ​​skin, but do not use cotton wool, because its fibers are quite difficult to remove from the wound surface;
5. If the pain is intense, give the victim an anesthetic. You can use Paracetamol, Aspirin (it is not advisable to give it to children), Nimesil, Nurofen, etc.

As a rule, these first aid measures for mild burns are quite sufficient. Such injuries heal within 10-14 days; the main task in their treatment is to prevent additional injury to the affected area and infection.

First aid for severe burns

In case of thermal injuries of the III and IV degrees, as well as II degree burns affecting large areas of the skin or anatomically significant areas, care is provided in a hospital, so it is necessary to call the victim an ambulance as soon as possible. While waiting for the doctor to arrive and after eliminating the damaging factor, first aid measures for severe burns are as follows:

1. You need to make sure that there are no areas of smoldering clothing left. There is no need to remove scraps of clothing from damaged skin;
2. Cover the burned surface with a sterile, or at least clean, loose bandage if possible;
3. For deep injuries, do not immerse the injured area of ​​the body under water, and do not use ice. Instead, wet the bandage with cold water;
4. Give the victim warm tea or warm salted alkaline water (to prepare it, mix 1-2 g of baking soda and 3 g of salt in 1 liter of water);
5. Place the victim so that the burned part of the body is above the level of the heart.

In this case, you should not use topical medications, even such as Panthenol; wound treatment will be done in the hospital.

First aid for electrical burns

First aid for an electrical burn consists of isolating the victim from the damaging agent, after which it is necessary to check for a pulse and breathing. If they are absent, it is necessary to begin resuscitation measures - closed cardiac massage, mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose breathing. You should call an ambulance as soon as possible, continuing resuscitation measures until the pulse and breathing stabilize or until a doctor arrives.

Superficial skin damage caused by an electrical burn is treated in the same way as a thermal burn.

First aid for chemical burns

A chemical burn is caused by exposure of the skin or mucous membrane to acids, alkalis and other caustic substances. Despite the fact that the damaging agents may be different, first aid for burns of this type begins the same: the damaged area must be placed under running water for 10-20 minutes. This is true for all chemical burns, with the exception of burns with quicklime and sulfuric acid.

After rinsing with water, the burn site is treated with a weak alkali solution, such as soda (1 teaspoon per glass of water) or a soap solution (it is advisable to use laundry soap, without additives). Sulfuric acid burns should be treated with a slightly alkaline solution, without first rinsing with water.

After washing, alkaline burns are treated with a weakly acidic solution - a solution of vinegar or citric acid is suitable.

Burns caused by quicklime are treated immediately with oil or fat - and this is the only case when fatty ointments are used in first aid for burns.

It should be borne in mind that burns from alkalis are more dangerous, since they do not create a clear boundary between the damaged area and healthy tissue. This is the so-called liquefaction necrosis, which tends to spread even after the end of exposure to the damaging agent.

* Instructions for medical use Panthenolspray Reg. beat P No. 012187/01 dated 08/22/2011