Effective Treatments for First-, Second- and Third-Degree Burns

More than likely you already know that burns can be caused from heat, fire, radiation, electricity and chemicals. There are three different types of burns, they include:

First-Degree Burns - These burns are red and painful, generally they are not too serious and can be treated at home with burn creams and aloe vera. They are often similar to a sunburn turning white when you press them. They will generally go away in a few days and may peel a little.You should soak these burns in cool water than treat it with a skin care product such as aloe or an antibacterial ointment. If you need to protect the area you can apply dry gauze to the burn site and take an over-the-counter pain medicine to help with pain or swelling.

Second-Degree Burns - These burns go down deeper and often are very painful and have blisters. The skin is very splotchy and may swell. Depending on the severity and the size of the burn you may need to seek medical attention. These burns may take a few weeks to heal. If your burn is located on your face, hands, feet, or groin or larger than a few inches in diameter you should seek medical attention. Home treatment for a second-degree burn includes soaking the burn in cool water for fifteen minutes and using an antibiotic cream or ointment recommended by your doctor. You should keep the burn covered using a nonstick dressing held in place by gauze. You should make sure to keep the burn site clean and change your dressings daily. You should also watch for signs of infecting such as increased pain or pus, you should also avoid popping the blisters. The skin will be very itchy as it heals, it is important not to scratch because it can cause infection and more scaring. After the burn is healed you can use vitamin E to reduce the signs of scaring.

Third-Degree Burns - These burns are the most severe of the three causing damage to all layers of the skin giving it a charred white appearance. These burns may have little or no pain because often the nerves in the burn site are damaged. These require medical attention and put you at risk for protection. These burns can take a long time to completely heal. If you receive a third-degree burn go to the emergency room. Do not soak the burn or use any ointments or creams. If there is clothing stuck to the wound do not try to remove it.
If you receive a first- or second-degree burn that is larger than two to three inches in diameter, or is located on your face, groin, hands or feet you should seek medical attention. Make sure that you do not put butter, ice or any oil based products on the burns. This can cause more harm than good.