Burn. First aid and treatment

A person faces daily the danger of getting bodily injuries, including burns. Burn - mechanical damage to the skin, less often the muscles, bones and tissues that occurred under the influence of high temperatures, electricity or chemical reagents.

Burns are classified by severity, that is, the larger the area of damage and the deeper they are, the higher the degree of harm to health. Distinguish:

1. 1st degree burns - minor damage to small areas of the skin; Temporary redness and dryness, which quickly pass. Obtained by contact with hot objects or steam, as well as with prolonged exposure to the sun.

2. Burns of 2 degrees - there is the appearance of blisters, redness of the skin. Highly Painful sensations. When you receive them, you need the help of a specialist.

3. Burns of the third degree - the deep layer of the epidermis is affected, as well as the fatty layer. Blisters are also present, their contents are a liquid of a reddish color. The burned place, as a rule, is insensitive.

4. Burns of the 4th degree - damage to deeply lying tissues, sometimes bones. Skin acquires an unnatural color: yellow, white, sometimes black, gives off a lot of moisture. A person who received a similar burn, first aid should be provided in the shortest time. Otherwise, the likelihood of death is very high.

A small burn, first aid

At the first degree, the victim can provide himself with first aid on his own. It is necessary to immediately wash the burn with cold running water to prevent further tissue damage. In no case should you touch the burned place, rip off the top crust, you can bring the infection. The burn must be closed with a clean dry cloth, it is also possible to apply ointments or emulsions to remove pain and disinfection.

Chemical burn, first aid

The first help with chemical burns is to remove as soon as possible from the skin the substance that caused it. To do this, the damaged area is washed with a large amount of water. Alkaline burns are more serious than acid burns, because of High ability of the first to penetrate deep layers of the skin. After washing, if possible, it is necessary to neutralize the chemical. Agent: with an alkaline burn, it is necessary to wipe the wound with a solution of citric or acetic acid, and with acidic soap solution or 2% solution of baking soda.

If the victim has an extensive burn, first aid must necessarily be provided by a specialist in order to avoid complications. Damage to tissues in places of passage of large arteries, especially in the groin, in the neck and face, even minor ones, can cause serious damage to health in the future.

Treatment of burns covering more than 15% of the body occurs in special burn centers. Patients are prescribed special shock therapy. Next, a set of procedures are performed to stabilize the victim:

-Blocking the pain syndrome;

-restoration of the circulation of fluid in the body;

-conducting anti-infectious therapy;

- local treatment of affected integuments and tissues.