Burn Care

To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the degree and the extent of damage to body tissues. The three classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care:

First-degree burn

The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present. The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.  

Second-degree burn

When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.

If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately. 

Third-degree burn

The most serious burns are painless, involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

For minor burns, run under cool water for 5 to 10 minutes. You can use burn spray or burn cream or even cold spray to help relief discomfort but for more serious burns you want to use a hydro gel dressing. 

Burn hydro gel dressings have been found to be effective on all types of burns. When used early after the injury, Burn gels slow the progression of a burn injury, often to the point of stopping a 1st-degree burn from progressing to a 2nd-degree and a 2nd-degree burn from progressing to a 3rd-degree burn. Burn hydro gel dressings also quickly relieve the pain of a burn injury.

Burn gels are a hydro-gel dressing that wraps your burn with a layer of protection. This sterile burn dressing helps prevent burn progression without using water. Protects from contamination while it cools, comforts and relieves pain.