(https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/basics/art-20056649)

Burn wounds is wounds caused by fire , the sun, hot liquids and food, chemical substances, steam and electricity to mention a few. The wounds can be superficial involving only the top layers of the skin or deeper wounds involving all layers of the skin and underlying tissue.
Major Burns require immediate medical care while minor burns can usually be treated with first aid.

When to seek immediate emergency care

1. When burns are deep…involving all layers of the skin.
2. The skin appears dry and leathery or charred
3. The burn wound is more than 8cm in diameter
4. When the face, eyes, hands, feet, groin, joints are involved, or the wound encircles any limb.
5. When there was inhalation of smoke involved.
6. When there is rapid swelling present.
7. When electricity, lightning or chemical substances was the cause of the burn.

What to do while waiting for Emergency care

1.Protect the burned person from further harm.
2.Make sure the injured person is breathing; commence with rescue breathing if needed.
3.Remove rings jewelry, rings, belts and other tight objects as burned areas swells very fast.
4.Cover burned area loosely with wet gauze or clean cloth.
5. Watch for signs of shock: cool clammy skin, weak pulse, shallow breathing.

Management of minor burns at home

1. Cool the burn. Hold under cool running water for 10 minutes or apply Burnshield that can stay in-place for 24 hours.
2. Remove rings or other tight objects quickly and gently before the area swells.
3. Don’t break blisters. Blisters protects against infection.
4. Apply Burnshield or Hydrogel to the area and loosely cover with gauze and bandage.
5. If needed take non-prescription pain medication.

If you require any assistance in the treatment of minor burns please contact the Advanced Wound care team.