How to Treat Thermal Burns

By Victoria Klaus Embed from Getty Images

Overview

According to community studies from Bangladesh and Ethiopia, 80-90% of burns happen at home. Because of how common it is to get burned at home, knowing how to treat a burn is important. Treatment depends on the severity of the burn. This article will cover first aid for different burn types.

Determining the Severity of Burns

The severity of burns is determined by two factors: depth and extent. You have probably heard of first, second, and third-degree burns. This refers to the depth of the burn, first-degree being the most surface level and third being the deepest. First-degree, also known as superficial, only affects the epidermis. Second-degree burns are also referred to as partial-thickness burns and burn the epidermis and the dermis. Lastly, a third-degree burn extends to fat and even muscle and bone, and can be called full-thickness.

The rule of nines and the palmar surface method are used to determine the percentage of the body burned. The palmar surface method is used for irregular and patchy burns. The palm of the hand, including the fingers, is 1% surface area of the person's body. This gives a visual of the surface area of individuals. The rule of nine gives body parts different percentages of surface area. The head is 9%, arms are 9%, trunk is 36%, legs are 18%, and genitals 1%. When you call emergency medical services, it is important to have an estimation of the percentage of the body burned. Location is also important because burns on the face, neck, hand, feet, genitalia, and any burns around the circumference of a body part.

First-Degree Burns

You can identify a first-degree burn by redness of the skin, pain, and dryness of the skin. A First-degree burn is not a medical emergency and can be treated at home. To treat it, cool the burned area with water and apply a petroleum jelly such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, and cover with a sterile non-stick bandage. 

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are characterized by swelling, blistering, shiny and moist, and severe pain. Keep the burn under cool water for at least five minutes, and apply petroleum jelly and antibacterial ointment. Cover the burn with a sterile non-stick dressing. If you have blistering, do not pop the blisters. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to soothe pain. Because a second-degree burn is deeper than a first-degree burn, it is recommended to see a physician, especially if it is large or if it is on one of the locations listed earlier.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns can be identified by dry, grey, leathery skin. The first thing you should do for someone with a third-degree burn is call 9-1-1. Third-degree burns are serious and require medical attention. While you wait for emergency medical services, you should cover the burn with a sterile non-stick dressing. For later care of the burn, you should listen to what the physician advises. 

Overall

Thermal burns are not too hard to treat, depending on the severity, so if you get burned, you should not panic. Because of how common it is to get a burn at home it is important to know how to treat one so it does not get inflected. Know that this article only refers to thermal burns and electrical and chemical burns should be treated differently. This article does not cover every case, and it is important to do your own research if you are treating a burn.