Burn Wound Care

Proper burn wound care can minimize the consequences of a burn wound. Important criteria for burn wound care include stopping the burning process as soon as possible; keeping the burned area free of infection; promoting skin regrowth to minimize scarring; and, last but hardly least, minimizing the pain of burn wounds. The type of burn wound care required depends on the severity of the burn.

Burns are typically categorized on scale of "degrees" that takes into account the degree of damage done to the body. The first three degrees of burn are described as follows:

First degree burns affect only the epidermis, the very top layer of the skin. Symptoms include redness, a white plaque and minor pain at the site of the injury.

Second degree burns penetrate to the papillary (upper) dermis, just under the epidermis, and may penetrate to the deeper (reticular) dermis. Such burns are accompanied by blisters and more pain.

Third degree burns occur when most of the epidermis is destroyed and the fascia underlying the skin is burned. The skin will appear charred, and a hard substance called eschar may slough off or cling to the burn site. Third degree burns often lead to significant scarring, loss of nerve sensation, and loss of hair at the burn site.

Initial first aid for all types of burns includes reducing the temperature at the burn site to stop the burning process. This should be done with a gentle stream of cool (not icy cold) water, if you are dealing with a 1st or maybe 2nd degree burn. A third degree burn requires much more attention and care. Do not apply ice as it can cause loss of nerve sensation, if . An old wives' tale recommends applying butter to a burn, but this treatment can cause yeast infections.

First degree burn wound care can be rendered safely at home. Cool the burn site, then clean the wound and surrounding skin with soapy water or a topical antiseptic. Apply an analgesic ointment to the site and cover it with a sterile, non-sticking bandage.

Second degree burns can usually be treated at home in much the same fashion as first degree burns. It depends on the size of the blistered area. Additional burn wound care may be necessary to address the blisters which form. The blisters may be lanced after 48 hours to allow drainage of exudates from the burn site. Some medical experts recommend excising the blister tissue, while others suggest leaving it in place to protect the underlying tissue during the healing process.

Third degree burn wound care requires hospitalization. The charred tissue must be removed in a process called debridement to minimize the possibility of infection and scarring. Third degree burn wound care generally requires systemic antimicrobial treatment, frequent washing to remove dead tissue, and often skin grafts taken from other parts of the body.

The seriousness of burns not only relates to the depth of the damage, but also to the extent of the coverage, or how much of the body is burned and to what extent. Sometimes the location of the burn is more important than either the extent or the degree. A third degree burn on the face probably indicates burn damage in the lungs and esophagus -- a life threatening situation. The groin is referred to as the "critical 1 percent" and burns to that area need to be taken seriously.

Burn wound care is a basic skill everyone should have. And when in doubt, let a doctor take over treatment as soon as possible.