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Burn Care
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[Information provided by The Nursing Clinics of North America]
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Should I use ice on a burn?
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No. Using very cold water or ice on large burns makes the body temperature drop. Ice on burns also can cause more skin damage. Use only cool or room temperature water on burned skin.
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Should I break a blister?
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No. Small blisters with a clear fluid inside should not be broken because this could let germs into the wound. Large blisters or blisters with cloudy fluid should be seen by a doctor.
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Is it okay to put butter or first aid cream on a burn?
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No. Anything greasy won't let the heat out, and this can make a burn worse. First aid creams, ointments and jellies offer little protection against germs.
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When Should I See A Doctor?
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It is often difficult to distinguish a burn that requires medical treatment from one that does not. Any burn that me be serious according to one or more of the severity factors listed below should be seen by a doctor.
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| Burn Severity is judged by six factors: |
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| 1. |
Depth
First, second or third degree (see chart below) |
| 2. |
Size
If the burn is larger than the size of the person's palm, see a doctor. Even a smaller burn can be serious, especially in children. |
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Location
Hands, feet, face (especially eyes), and genitalia are critical areas. Even small burns of these areas may require hospitalization. |
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Age
Infants, young children and the elderly are endangered by even small burns. |
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Health
Certain existing conditions, such as diabetes, can cause complications in the burn-injured patient. |
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Injury Source
Electricity, chemicals and smoke or toxic fumes complicate a burn injury. |
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Degree
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How Does it Look? |
How Does it Feel? |
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First
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No blisters, pink or red in color |
Tender and sore |
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Second
(Partial Thickness)
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Moist blisters; may ooze fluid. Splotchy patches; white to pink or red. |
Very painful |
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Third
(Full Thickness)
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Dry and leathery. White, brown or charred. |
Little or no pain at first |
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Severe burn injuries often include a mix of partial and full thickness burns.
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In a large burn, heat loss can be fast. If a person complains of being cold or starts to shiver, cover them with a blanket and get medical attention.
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The U.S Burn Support
P.O Box 26001
Philadelphia, Pa 19128
877-679-7600 (Office Phone)
2150487-7410 (Office Fax)
usburnsupport@usburn.org |
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