Song Reaction Healthcare Practitioners Classify

Song Reaction

Healthcare practitioners classify burns based on their depth and surface area of skin layers affected and location, the patient's age, and the presence or absence of coexisting conditions. Most burns are minor and are easily treated by the person injured. Other burns, often those by chemicals, or when the injury is caused from the interaction of a chemical agent with the tissue (Singer & Dagum), are not as readily treatable. Every year, chemical burns account for 3 to 6% of burn center admissions. Some of these may occur in the home from accidental exposure, but most happen in the workplace. Although chemical burns are usually not fatal, they can result in serious injury (Merck Manual). First aid must be immediately administered in instances of these chemical burns (Metzgar).

For treatment, it is important to be able to determine the different level of injury. First-degree burns are red and painful and will swell a little. They turn white when pressed on the skin. The skin over the burn may peel off after a couple of days. Second-degree burns are deeper into the skin; they are very painful and typically produce blisters. The skin becomes very red or splotchy, as well as considerably swollen. Third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin. The burned skin looks white or charred. At first, these burns may cause little or no pain because of damage to the nerves and tissue. Before treatment, the person applying first aid has to thoroughly wash his or her hands with soap and water. First-degree burns need to be cooled in water for a minimum of five minutes. This helps reduce swelling by cooling the burned skin. The burn should then be treated with a product for skin healing and protection, such as aloe vera cream (or an aloe vera plant) or an antibiotic ointment. A dry gauze bandage can be put loosely around the burn to protect the area and keep it from the air. If necessary, an over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen can be taken to relieve the pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen will help with swelling. (Morgan).

Second-degree burns need to be soaked in cool water for at least 15 minutes and then antibiotic cream or similar ointment must be gently applied. The burn should be covered with a dry nonstick dressing that is held in place with gauze or tape. The injured person should call the doctor to make sure that he or she is up-to-date with tetanus shots. If the burned area is small, cool cloths should be placed on the area for a few minutes daily and then the ointment and dressing reapplied. The burn should also be checked for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling or pus. A healthcare provider needs to be seen if any of these are present. Burned skin itches as it heals, but the skin should not be scratched and nor blisters broken. This reduces the risk of infection. The burned area can be sensitive to sunlight for up to a year, so sunscreen is needed when the person goes outside (Morgan).

The injured person should immediately go to the hospital in the case of third-degree chemical burns. No material or clothing that is stuck to the burn should be removed. The burn should not be soaked or any ointment applied. The burn can be gently covered with a cool, wet sterile bandage or clean cloth until receiving medical assistance. If possible, the burned area should be raised above the level of the person's heart (Morgan).