Is it possible to bandage the burned surface of the skin? Anti-burn dressings: types and features
No person is safe from burns. You can get injured not only in hazardous work, but also in your kitchen, by dousing yourself, for example, with boiling water. If you believe sociological surveys, the vast majority of citizens do not know how to provide first aid to a person who has burned their arm, legs or other part of the body. And only a few know how to apply bandages for burns. This is very sad, because timely assistance to the victim can save his health.
Classification
To provide first aid to a person, it is very important to know the types of burns, since treatment will differ for different injuries. Damage is classified according to the degree of damage:
Before providing first aid for burns, the extent of tissue damage should be assessed. For injuries of any severity, assistance is carried out in the same way, only if in cases of I and II degrees you can do it on your own, then in cases of III and IV degrees of injury you cannot cope without qualified doctors. The victim needs to be called urgently " ambulance».
Rules for applying a bandage
If possible, in case of injury you should go to the nearest medical center. They will apply a bandage quickly and professionally, and most importantly, sterilely. But it is not always possible to get qualified help, because you can get injured on a picnic.
Therefore, it would be nice to know the basic rules for applying bandages:
- The most important rule is sterility. If you don’t have a bandage in your first aid kit, you can use a rag. The main thing is that the tissue is clean, otherwise there is a risk of infection in the wound. Ideally, when going to nature or the countryside, you should put a sterile bandage in your first aid kit. It will always come in handy and will not take up much space;
- Not all burns can be treated with bandages. Before starting manipulations, it is important to assess the extent of damage. If the victim's muscle tissue is visible, then the bandage that you apply may stick to the wound, it will be very painful to tear it off, and the risk of infection is high. It is recommended to apply a bandage when the skin turns red and blisters appear, that is, for injuries of degrees I and II. For more severe injuries, you should consult a doctor;
- It is better to bandage the sore spot after you have anointed the affected area with a special preparation containing an antibiotic. Without the use of ointment, the effect of the bandage will be minimal.
How to apply a bandage: step-by-step instructions
Now let's discuss the instructions for applying a bandage:
- The first thing you should do is wash your hands thoroughly and prepare a bandage. If it is not there, then find an alternative. If there is no clean material in stock, do not rush to bandage the patient. Dirty fabric can only make things worse; if the burnt area gets infected, it will become infected. In this case, treatment will take a long time. In medicine, there are cases where the application of a non-sterile dressing led to amputation;
- Before starting bandaging, you should carefully examine the burned area again. You must understand that a burn is a fairly serious injury and if it is treated incorrectly, you can get into a lot of trouble. Therefore, if you see that the damage is deep and do not self-medicate, it is better to consult a specialist;
- When starting to apply a bandage, you should be careful and do not use force. Otherwise, the victim will experience severe pain.
Bandaging your own hand, for example, is quite problematic, but quite possible. Of course, the manipulation will take many times more time, but you will be able to alleviate your condition a little.
How often should you change bandages?
So, the bandage is applied to the burned area, everything is fine, but when should you change the bandage? Shift times may vary. If you want to follow all the rules, check the bandage every 24 hours.
The injured area should be examined and the bandage changed after 48 hours, during which time the bandage will have time to become wet. After removing tissue from the wound, you need to assess the depth of the lesion. If necessary, medications are used, for example, “ Flamazin».
You need to bandage the affected area once every 3-5 days, depending on the condition of the burn. If you decide to change the bandage, but feel that it has dried up, then take your time, do not tear off the bandage with the skin, otherwise there is a risk of damage.
If you notice an unpleasant odor from the bandage, it begins to get wet, and the area under it begins to hurt and cause discomfort, then you should urgently replace the bandage.
If the wound does not heal for more than 14 days, and the affected area looks bad and causes pain, then you should consult a doctor. Any delay in this case is dangerous to health.
As you can see, providing assistance for burns and bandaging the burned area is not so difficult. The main thing is to follow simple rules. If you are not confident in your abilities or the area of damage is too large, then be sure to consult a doctor so as not to cause harm. Take care of yourself and don't get sick. Good luck!
No one has had any accidents with boiling water. But few people know how to properly provide first aid in case of burns. Let's take a closer look at the degree of manifestation of a burn, as well as the main actions that need to be taken if this situation arises.
What should be done in case of a burn from boiling water, hot oil, steam, iron or other hot objects for children and adults?
What to do if less than 3 hours have passed since the burn?
If more than three hours have not passed since the onset of the burn, then it is necessary to keep this area under cold water for twenty minutes.
Based on their own false experience, many victims keep the affected area under water for only a couple of minutes or even seconds. In other cases, the burn is moistened with saliva and brought to the lips. These actions can only cool the surface of the burn, and do not in any way affect the further development of the affected area.
At first glance, keeping the burn area under water for fifteen minutes seems like a stupid and pointless idea, especially if an hour has passed since the burnt area formed and the area has already managed to cool down. During several scientific experiments, it turned out that this action greatly facilitates the further healing of the burn.
During the experiments, it turned out that during cooling of a burn under running water, for a given period of time, not only complete cooling of the internal tissues occurs, which otherwise will continue to deteriorate, but there are also several important positive aspects. Cooling can stabilize the walls of blood vessels and reduce the degree of inflammatory processes. As a result, the swelling of the affected area is significantly reduced, the intensity of tissue destruction is also reduced, the degree of pain is reduced, wound healing is accelerated, and the likelihood of a deep scar at the burn site is reduced.
What should you do if you are burned by boiling water, steam, hot oil, or an iron, if 3 hours have not passed since the burn?
So, let's look at the basic actions that need to be taken if no more than three hours have passed since the burn occurred.
1 First you need to adjust the temperature of the running water. This should be room temperature (not higher than 35 degrees Celsius, but not less than 5). Then we lower the burned area under water and hold it for twenty minutes. After conducting several scientific experiments, scientists came to the conclusion that a temperature of fifteen degrees is considered ideal.
2 If you do not have the opportunity to keep the burned area under water, then in this case, fill a container with water and immerse the burn area there. In extreme situations, you can soak a piece of cloth in water and make a kind of compress, but keep in mind that in this way the cloth will have to be constantly wetted.
3 If the victim complains of severe chills during the twenty minutes of cooling, then cover him with a blanket. At the end of time, it is no longer recommended to apply compresses to the burned area. All that is required is to cover the area with a bandage.
4 Once cooled, try to keep the burn above heart level as much as possible. For example, at night a burned hand can be placed on several pillows. This action must be performed within the next two days. The procedure may seem silly at first, but it will significantly reduce swelling, which will further speed up your recovery time.
A few additional tips:
1 If the burn occurred through clothing and it still covers the area, carefully remove it. Carefully inspect the material; there may be a heated substance left on it, which can burn other parts of the body while you take off your clothes. If the degree of the burn is severe enough and the fabric is stuck to the skin, then under no circumstances try to remove it yourself. Leave everything as it is and consult a doctor immediately.
2 If a child is burned and the burn area has spread to the face, neck, back, stomach or any other parts of the body, then the child should not be completely placed under cold water. Try to cool only the burned areas of the body. The remaining parts of the body must be kept warm, preferably under a blanket. Children cool down very quickly and can immediately go into a state of hypothermia. This condition is very dangerous for them.
3 It is forbidden to put ice on the burned area of the skin, as it promotes immediate vasoconstriction, and this in turn helps to reduce blood flow and leads to intense tissue destruction.
4 If you burn your hand or finger and there is jewelry in this area, remove it immediately, as the burn causes swelling and it will be impossible to remove the jewelry later. The only option left is to cut it.
If necessary, you should definitely consult a doctor and do not hesitate with your plans.
Mostly, victims are able to correctly assess the extent of the damage and promptly seek medical help.
If you are not sure about the effectiveness of home treatment for a burn, if these methods of treating a burn at home do not help, you should seek help from a doctor.
In what cases is urgent professional medical care required for a burn?
Urgent medical care from a doctor for burns from boiling water, hot oil, steam, iron or other hot objects is needed in the following cases:
1 If the burn area is larger than the size of the victim's palm. It does not matter what the burn looks like or the degree of intensity.
2 If the burn, regardless of its size and location, resembles a third-degree burn in appearance. In this case, the skin is subject to complete destruction and has a dark or whitened wound color. Burns of this degree may cause virtually no pain, but are considered the most dangerous.
3 If you have burned your genitals, joints (hands, knees, elbows or fingers). In this case, the burn has a second degree of intensity, in which the skin becomes covered with transparent blisters with liquid inside and begins to gradually peel off. Until you get to the doctor, it is forbidden to touch the affected areas, open these blisters or rip off the skin.
4 In case of a large burn, which, for example, completely covers the chest, leg, arm or stomach.
5 When a burn occurs as a result of an electric shock (in fact, tissue damage can be much larger and more intense than it might seem at first glance).
6 If a wound has formed at the site of tissue damage, regardless of its depth, and you have not received a tetanus vaccination for ten years.
Urgent medical care is also necessary for the following indicators:
1 The victim suddenly began to feel unwell. There is severe weakness, breathing becomes faster, and the person loses consciousness.
2 If a pregnant woman has been burned since the fourth month of pregnancy, as well as a person over sixty years old, or a child under five years old, or the victim suffers from reduced immunity.
Before the ambulance arrives or you get to the hospital yourself, try to cover the burn site with a special bandage. Find out how to do this below.
How to properly cover a burn site with a bandage?
If you decide to treat yourself at home, or are waiting for the first chance you get to go to the doctor, then your next step after cooling the tissues will be to prevent the burn from drying out.
This procedure will help the wound regeneration, which occurs at a given level of humidity.
To prevent the surface of the wound from drying out, it is necessary to apply a bandage correctly; this can be done by following the suggested recommendations:
1 If you don’t have a special non-stick dressing on hand, which is treated with special substances to prevent sticking, then you can use several household items, for example, a plastic bag or even cling film. Of course, it must be pure material.
2 Try to ensure that the film is located only at the burn site and does not affect areas of healthy skin, as you risk squeezing the burn site and disrupting blood circulation. This is especially true for burns on an arm, leg or finger. It is best to stick the film to healthy skin using an adhesive plaster. The film can also be secured using a loose gauze bandage.
Only after this can you go to the pharmacy for all the necessary bandages and medications, or, if necessary, consult a doctor.
What are special burn dressings?
Today in pharmacies you can pick up any dressings designed specifically for burns. These dressings have a special composition that promotes rapid healing and also reduces the chances of scar formation.
If you can’t find such a dressing in the pharmacy, then you can buy gauze impregnated with special
substances that also prevent it from sticking to the wound.
If a bandage had already been applied, or the burn was simply covered with cellophane, then carefully remove it. Wash the burn site itself with water and a diluted soap solution. Then you can apply a new bandage purchased at the pharmacy. Remember that the bandage should not fit tightly to the body, but be a little loose.
The next dressing change should be made the next day, and then it should be changed every two days. There is no need to change them more often.
Do not lubricate the burn with various healing ointments!
It is strictly forbidden to lubricate the burn site with various creams, oils such as castor, sea buckthorn, sunflower or olive and other means that you may have heard as the best remedy for quickly healing burns.
Why should you not lubricate a burn caused by steam, hot oil, boiling water, an iron or other hot object?
Scientists conducted several experiments, as a result of which it turned out that victims who applied various improvised means for a speedy recovery and healing of the wound only worsened the healing process. In addition, the risk of scar formation increases.
Is it possible to use creams and antibiotics as a single comprehensive treatment?
Today, scientists have managed to destroy the stereotype that by using various healing ointments and creams with antibiotics, the healing process is significantly accelerated and you can get back on your feet in the near future. All these statements are far from the truth. As practice shows, such treatment only complicates the treatment process and increases the chance of the formation of scars, scars and other traces of a burn.
Why can’t you pierce or rip off blisters from a burn?
As previously stated, do not puncture or rip off blisters under any circumstances; the medical name for such blisters is phlyctene. Such conflicts best protect the burn site from bacteria and microbial contamination. They will go away on their own within a few days. Sometimes this process can take up to two weeks. It all depends on the depth of the burn.
What should you do if the burn site from steam, boiling water, hot oil, iron or other hot object hurts a lot?
If the burn site of a child or adult is unbearably painful, painkillers can be taken as needed. They can be recommended to a person at a pharmacy, but it is better to consult a doctor about the choice of painkiller for a burn.
Don't forget to wash the affected area on the second day. This procedure is carried out using water and soap. Then inspect the burn again.
What should you do on the second day after getting a burn?
The bandage should be removed very carefully, then the burned area of skin should be washed only with warm water and a diluted soap solution. After rinsing, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel until it has absorbed all the water. You can also use gauze instead of a towel.
Wash the burn area on the second day with soap and change the bandage
Examine the burn area and find out what you see:
1 If the skin looks intact, the color is red, without dark spots, blisters or wounds, then you have a first-degree burn.
2 If blisters appear at the site of the burn and the skin begins to peel off in layers, then the burn has a second degree.
3 If you see black, brown spots or deep wounds in front of you, this indicates a third degree burn.
Make sure that the victim’s condition has not changed for the worse; if otherwise, you should immediately seek medical help. For example, new blisters could appear within a day, the wound could become deeper, or the burn area could increase in size - do not hesitate.
If you decide to go through the entire course of treatment yourself, apply the bandage again.
Changing the bandage on the third and subsequent days after the burn, how to change the bandage correctly?
In the following days, this dressing should be changed every two days, but the burn itself should not be treated with anything.
As you change the dressing, do not forget to wash the area with a special solution. You can also use a mild area disinfectant available at pharmacies. This will be quite enough for the wound to heal quickly.
You should not treat the burned area with alcohol or iodine, or other strong agents to fight germs.
What to do if the burn site becomes inflamed and an infection appears?
If an infection becomes noticeable at the burn site, you should definitely consult a doctor. The following factors indicate the development of bacteria:
1 The wound at the burn site began to become covered with ulcers;
2 The liquid in the blisters has become cloudy in color with a dark tint;
3 The degree of pain doubled. The edges of the wound became inflamed, new swelling appeared, the wound site began to increase in temperature;
4 The patient has an increase in body temperature.
What to do if the burn does not go away after two weeks?
If a burn from steam, boiling water, hot oil or iron, or other hot objects does not heal within a few weeks, then you should definitely seek help from a doctor. It is worth remembering the fact that the healing time of a burn depends on the degree and depth of the lesion.
If we are talking about first-degree burns, then depending on the size of the injury, recovery can last from one, two days, to two weeks.
Typically, pain of this degree goes away quickly and does not bother the victim. The skin begins to recover. After a couple of weeks, peeling may occur on the burn, which means that recovery is coming to an end and the tissue has almost recovered.
If we are talking about burns of degrees two and three, then everything depends on the area of the burn where the blisters form. Complete resolution of blisters and sloughing of dead skin should also be considered. Minor burns disappear within one to two weeks.
Larger burns may take longer to heal.
Unlike mild burns, grades two and three result in scarring. But as research results show, it is difficult to answer the question: in which cases the likelihood of a scar is high, and in which cases it is not. It all depends on the skin.
It can be assumed whether a person is inclined to form scars or not. To do this, remember if you have had previous injuries, cuts or burns that left a rough scar. If yes, then you are predisposed to scarring. And there is a high probability that this damage or damage in the future will entail such consequences.
If you are afraid of the appearance of a scar, and two weeks have already passed since the burn occurred, then consult a cosmetologist. He will help you deal with this problem. Your doctor will prescribe specific treatments to promote healing and reduce the likelihood of scar formation.
In addition, you can get advice on removing old scars and other things.
FAQ:
What needs to be done for complete recovery of the burn?
Use additional products to completely restore the epidermis after a burn. This problem is easier to solve at the initial stage of education.
At the site of the burn, new skin is formed, which is very delicate in structure and can be subject to mechanical stress. To protect the skin from damage, experts advise using various emollient skin creams that will moisturize it. This cream will make the skin more moist and elastic. This way, you will get rid of unnecessary peeling or the formation of small cracks.
In principle, today you can easily find many skin care products for burns.
Is it possible to take solar treatments or sunbathe after a recent thermal burn?
The answer to the question of whether it is possible to sunbathe after receiving a thermal burn is versatile and depends not only on the degree of damage to skin tissue, but also on the location where the thermal burn occurred. If the area of the thermal burn does not extend to the area of the body that you cover with clothing, then it is not recommended to tan this area of skin over the next six to twelve months. In addition, it is necessary to constantly care for the area that has suffered from a thermal burn, to apply special sunscreens to the site of the thermal burn itself, as well as to adjacent undamaged areas. This procedure will help reduce the likelihood of age spots and prevent possible differences between the color of healthy skin and the color of the skin at the burn site.
If you have any concerns about the recovery period after a burn, you should definitely contact your doctor, and don’t forget to visit a dermatologist. Let your doctor give you full advice regarding caring for the burned area of skin.
How to disguise an existing burn scar?
If you do develop a scar, then, in principle, you can easily hide it at home, without using the services of a special doctor.
What is a burn scar camouflage product?
One of the most common methods is to apply a special mask, which in its color resembles the natural color of the skin and perfectly masks the resulting defect. This mask can last from eight to sixteen hours and is not afraid of water.
How to properly apply burn scar concealer?
Usually, to hide a scar, they resort to the use of special creams, and powders also come to the rescue. To begin with, a thin layer of cream is applied to the scar, and powder is applied on top of it.
Foreign companies have become producers of camouflage creams. Their products can be easily found on the Internet or purchased in large supermarkets.
To begin with, it is recommended to purchase a small batch of this product. Do a little compatibility test. It may be that this remedy is absolutely not suitable for you. Otherwise, you can safely order the cosmetic product in large quantities.
Any home first aid kit contains a bandage, cotton wool and adhesive plaster - first aid for wounds and abrasions. We all know that it is better for children to bandage any damage to the skin so that germs do not penetrate into the wound. But is it necessary to bandage burns? It would seem that burns in children are as common a problem as broken knees, scratches and cuts. And yet, every time there are burns, parents fall into a stupor. It seems that the impact of a hot object or boiling water on the skin is also tissue damage, but there is no blood, there is no wound, so is it necessary to bandage the burned surface? Will this protect the baby’s skin or, on the contrary, slow down the process of tissue restoration after a burn? There are different opinions and methods.
Should burns be bandaged?
Burns that we treat at home do not need to be bandaged. Without seeking medical help, small 1st and 2nd degree burns can be left behind. With a 1st degree burn, the skin only turns red and swells, and with a 2nd degree burn, it becomes covered with blisters. In these cases, there is no violation of the integrity of the skin (there is no wound as such), but there is swelling and redness. In the first days after a burn, tissue fluid actively sweats through the skin. It is important that it does not accumulate on the bandage, wetting the gauze, and does not create an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
Remember, 1st and 2nd degree burns do not need to be bandaged.
They are treated using the open method, that is, they gradually dry out and heal under the influence of air. Some pharmaceutical preparations help speed up regeneration: Panthenol, Levomekol, sea buckthorn oil, oil solutions of vitamins A and E. As a first aid remedy and in the first 6 hours after a shallow burn, you can treat the skin with a napkin with Lioxazine or apply a gel.
There is a closed method of treating burns - under a bandage. It is used exclusively in hospitals, when there are medical staff nearby who can change the dressing under sterile conditions every 3-4 hours. This method treats deep burns (3rd and 4th degrees), in which the integrity of the skin is compromised and there is constant pain. The dressings are thickly moistened with an ointment containing an antiseptic and a wound-healing component. This softens the surface and relieves pain. Treatment of burns using this method is labor-intensive, and it is not always possible to prevent tissue infection.
In what cases is it necessary to bandage burns?
Many people ask whether it is necessary to bandage burns at night, because at night the child makes a lot of involuntary movements and can hurt himself or damage the bladder. If the burn is really painful, then in the first days you can bandage it. In this case, a sterile bandage is used; the layers are placed very loosely so that oxygen circulates between them. After a night spent with such a bandage, the burn should be unbandaged.
If you are not sure that the burn is shallow and are afraid to treat it at home yourself, then after first aid measures (cooling the skin and taking painkillers), the burn is loosely bandaged with a sterile bandage. After this, the child should be taken to the nearest emergency room. Whether it is necessary to bandage the burns in this case, or whether they can be treated openly, let the doctor determine.
Do I need to bandage burns if I accidentally damage the blister? Yes, in this case it is better to apply a protective sterile bandage for 2-3 days. The thin skin that covers the top of the bladder acts as protection. If it is suddenly damaged or removed, a wound will form that can become infected. Treat the damaged edge of the bladder (only the edge!) with an antiseptic (brilliant, iodine, semi-alcohol solution), apply a dry gauze bandage for 2-3 days. After this, we treat the burn openly.
Burns - This is tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity or radiation. Burns are accompanied by severe pain—in persons with extensive burn surfaces and deep burns, shock phenomena develop.
Four degree burns
Depending on the depth of damage to the skin and tissues, four degrees of burns are distinguished (Fig. 1): mild (I), moderate (II), severe (III) and extremely severe (IV).
For first degree burns (redness and slight swelling of the skin), the burned area should be moistened with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and alcohol.
For second-degree burns (the skin becomes covered with blisters containing a clear liquid), apply a sterile bandage moistened with a solution of potassium permanganate and alcohol to the burn. Do not pierce the blisters or remove pieces of clothing stuck to the burn site.
Rice. 1. Burns of the hand: 1 - I and II degrees; 2 - II and III degrees; 3 - deep burn of III and IV degrees
For third- and fourth-degree burns (death of the skin and underlying tissue), a sterile bandage should be applied to the burn and all measures should be taken to transport the victim to a medical facility.
The course and severity of burns, as well as recovery time, depend on the origin of the burn and its degree, the area of the burned surface, the characteristics of first aid to the victim and many other circumstances. Burns caused by flames are the most severe, since the flame temperature is several orders of magnitude higher than the boiling point of liquids.
Thermal burns
At thermal burn First of all, it is necessary to quickly remove the victim from the fire zone. At the same time, if a person’s clothing catches fire, it is necessary to immediately remove it or throw on a blanket, coat, bag, etc., thereby stopping the access of air to the fire.
After the flame has been knocked off the victim, sterile gauze or just clean bandages from available material should be applied to the burn wounds. A victim with severe burns should be wrapped in a clean sheet or cloth without undressing him, covered warmly, given warm tea and kept calm until the doctor arrives. The burned face must be covered with sterile gauze. For eye burns, cold lotions should be made from a 3% solution of boric acid (half a teaspoon of acid per glass of water). The burn surface should not be lubricated with various fats. This can cause even more harm to the victim, since dressings with any fats, ointments, or oils only contaminate the burn surface and contribute to the wound’s suppuration.
Chemical burns
Chemical burns arise as a result of exposure to the skin and mucous membranes of concentrated inorganic and organic acids, alkalis, phosphorus, kerosene, turpentine, ethyl alcohol, as well as some plants.
In case of a burn from chemicals, it is necessary, first of all, to quickly remove or cut clothing soaked in the chemical compound. Chemicals that come into contact with the skin should be washed off with plenty of water from the tap until the specific odor of the substance disappears, thereby preventing its effect on tissues and the body.
Do not wash off chemicals that will ignite or explode upon contact with water. Under no circumstances should you treat the affected skin with tampons or napkins moistened with water, as this will rub the chemical compounds even further into the skin.
A bandage with a neutralizing or disinfectant agent or a clean, dry bandage is applied to the damaged areas of the skin. Ointment (vaseline, fat, oil) dressings only accelerate the penetration of many fat-soluble chemicals (for example, phosphorus) into the body through the skin. After applying the bandage, you should try to eliminate or reduce the pain by giving the victim an anesthetic orally.
Acid burns are usually very deep. A dry scab forms at the burn site. If acid gets on the skin, rinse the affected areas generously under running water, then neutralize the acid and apply a dry bandage. If the skin is affected by phosphorus and its compounds, the skin is treated with a 5% solution of copper sulfate and then with a 5-10% solution of baking soda. First aid for burns with alkalis is the same as for burns with acids, with the only difference being that alkalis are neutralized with a 2% solution of boric acid, solutions of citric acid, and table vinegar.
If acid or its vapors get into your eyes or mouth, you must wash your eyes or rinse your mouth with a 5% solution of baking soda, and if you get caustic alkalis, use a 2% solution of boric acid.
Electrical burns
Electrical burns arise from the action of an electric current, the contact of which with tissues, primarily with the skin, leads to the transition of electrical energy into thermal energy, resulting in coagulation (clotting) and tissue destruction.
Local tissue damage during an electrical burn manifests itself in the form of so-called current signs (marks). They are observed in more than 60% of victims. The higher the voltage, the worse the burns. Currents over 1000 V can cause electrical burns throughout the entire limb, on the flexor surfaces. This is explained by the occurrence of an arc discharge between two contacting surfaces of the body during convulsive muscle contraction. Deep electrical burns occur when exposed to electric current of 380 V or higher. In case of electrical injury, thermal burns from exposure to a voltaic arc flame or flaming clothing also occur; sometimes they are combined with true burns.
Electrical burns, like thermal burns, are divided into four degrees based on the depth of damage.
The appearance of an electrical burn is determined by its location and depth. Due to convulsive muscle contractions, severe immobility of the joints (contracture) is observed, and scars are formed that are rougher than with a thermal burn. After healing of electrical burns, in addition to contractures and rough scars, neuromas (nodular formations on the affected nerves) and long-term non-healing ulcers develop. If the electrical burn was in the head area, then baldness develops.
First aid consists of freeing the victim from the effects of electric current and, if necessary, carrying out resuscitation measures. Aseptic dressings are applied to the burn areas. After providing first aid, all victims of electric current should be sent to a medical facility for observation and treatment.
Radiation burns
Radiation burns- lesions resulting from local exposure to ionizing radiation on the skin.
The nature of radiation injuries depends on the dose of ionizing radiation, the characteristics of spatial and temporal distribution, as well as on the general condition of the body during the period of exposure. High-energy X-ray and gamma radiation, neutrons, which have great penetrating power, affect not only the skin, but also the underlying tissues. Low-energy beta particles penetrate to a shallow depth and cause lesions within the thickness of the skin.
As a result of skin irradiation, skin cells are damaged with the formation of toxic tissue breakdown products.
Radiation burns can result from local over-irradiation of tissue during radiation therapy, nuclear reactor accidents, or exposure to radioactive isotopes on the skin. Under conditions of the use of nuclear weapons and radioactive fallout, radiation sickness may occur on unprotected skin. With simultaneous general gamma-neutron irradiation, combined lesions may occur. In such cases, burns will develop against the background of radiation sickness.
Periods of radiation burn
There are four periods of radiation burn.
First- early radiation reaction - detected several hours or days after exposure and is characterized by the appearance of erythema (redness).
The erythema gradually subsides and appears second period - hidden - during which no manifestations of radiation burn are observed. The duration of this period is from several hours to several weeks; the shorter, the more severe the damage.
In the third period - acute inflammation, possible appearance of blisters and radiation ulcers. This period is long - several weeks or even months.
The fourth period is recovery.
Degrees of radiation burns
There are three degrees of radiation burns.
First degree radiation burns(lungs) occur at a radiation dose of 800-1200 rad. There is usually no early reaction, the latent period is more than 2 weeks. In the third period, slight swelling, erythema, burning and itching occurs in the affected area. After 2 weeks, these phenomena subside. At the site of the lesion, hair loss, peeling and brown pigmentation are noted.
Radiation burns of the second degree(moderate) occur at a radiation dose of 1200-2000 rad. The early reaction manifests itself in the form of mild, transient erythema. Sometimes weakness, headache, and nausea develop. The latent period lasts about 2 weeks. During the period of acute inflammation, pronounced erythema and swelling appear, affecting not only the skin, but also the underlying tissues. In place of the former erythema, small blisters filled with clear liquid appear, which gradually merge into large ones. When the blisters are opened, a bright red erosive surface is exposed. During this period, the temperature may rise and pain in the affected area may intensify. The recovery period lasts 4-6 weeks or more. Erosions and ulcerations become epithalized, the skin of these areas becomes thinner and pigmented, thickens, and an expanded vascular network appears.
Third degree radiation burns(severe) occur when exposed to a dose of more than 2000 rad. An early reaction quickly develops in the form of swelling and painful erythema, which lasts up to 2 days. Hidden period up to 3-6 days. In the third period, swelling develops and sensitivity decreases. Dotted hemorrhages and areas of skin necrosis of a purplish-brown or black color appear. With large doses of radiation, not only the skin dies, but also subcutaneous tissue, muscles and even bones, and vein thrombosis occurs. The rejection of dead tissue is very slow. Ulcers that form often recur. Patients have fever and high leukocytosis. It occurs with severe pain. The recovery period is long - many months. In places where the scars have healed, unstable, rough scars are formed; ulcers often form on them, which tend to degenerate into cancer.
For superficial radiation burns that are not accompanied by a general reaction of the body, only local treatment is indicated. Large bubbles are opened. Bandages with antiseptics, antibiotics and wet-dry dressings are applied to the affected surface. Under the bandages, small blisters dry out and a scab forms in their place.
For more severe radiation burns, complex, including surgical, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting, including restorative therapy, blood transfusions and blood substitutes.
The skin consists of the following layers:
- epidermis ( outer part of the skin);
- dermis ( connective tissue part of the skin);
- hypodermis ( subcutaneous tissue).
Epidermis
This layer is superficial, providing the body with reliable protection from pathogenic environmental factors. Also, the epidermis is multilayered, each layer of which differs in its structure. These layers ensure continuous skin renewal.The epidermis consists of the following layers:
- basal layer ( ensures the process of skin cell reproduction);
- stratum spinosum ( provides mechanical protection against damage);
- granular layer ( protects underlying layers from water penetration);
- shiny layer ( participates in the process of cell keratinization);
- stratum corneum ( protects the skin from the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms into it).
Dermis
This layer consists of connective tissue and is located between the epidermis and hypodermis. The dermis, due to the content of collagen and elastin fibers in it, gives the skin elasticity.The dermis consists of the following layers:
- papillary layer ( includes capillary loops and nerve endings);
- mesh layer ( contains blood vessels, muscles, sweat and sebaceous glands, as well as hair follicles).
Hypodermis
This layer of skin consists of subcutaneous fat. Adipose tissue accumulates and stores nutrients, thanks to which the energy function is performed. The hypodermis also serves as a reliable protection for internal organs from mechanical damage.When burns occur, the following damage occurs to the layers of the skin:
- superficial or complete damage to the epidermis ( first and second degrees);
- superficial or complete damage to the dermis ( third A and third B degrees);
- damage to all three layers of skin ( fourth degree).
It should also be noted that with burn injuries, the protective function of the skin is significantly reduced, which can lead to the penetration of microbes and the development of an infectious-inflammatory process.
The circulatory system of the skin is very well developed. The vessels, passing through the subcutaneous fatty tissue, reach the dermis, forming a deep skin-vascular network at the border. From this network, blood and lymphatic vessels extend upward into the dermis, feeding nerve endings, sweat and sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. A second superficial dermal-vascular network is formed between the papillary and reticular layers.
Burns cause disruption of microcirculation, which can lead to dehydration of the body due to massive movement of fluid from the intravascular space to the extravascular space. Also, due to tissue damage, fluid begins to leak from small vessels, which subsequently leads to the formation of edema. With extensive burn wounds, destruction of blood vessels can lead to the development of burn shock.
Causes of burns
Burns can develop due to the following reasons:
- thermal effects;
- chemical exposure;
- electrical influence;
- radiation exposure.
Thermal impact
Burns occur due to direct contact with fire, boiling water or steam.- Fire. When exposed to fire, the face and upper respiratory tract are most often affected. With burns to other parts of the body, it becomes difficult to remove burnt clothing, which can lead to the development of an infectious process.
- Boiling water. In this case, the burn area may be small, but quite deep.
- Steam. When exposed to steam, in most cases, shallow tissue damage occurs ( the upper respiratory tract is often affected).
- Hot items. When the skin is damaged by hot objects, clear boundaries of the object remain at the site of exposure. These burns are quite deep and are characterized by the second to fourth degrees of damage.
- influence temperature ( the higher the temperature, the stronger the damage);
- duration of exposure to skin ( the longer the contact time, the more severe the degree of burn);
- thermal conductivity ( the higher it is, the stronger the degree of damage);
- condition of the skin and health of the victim.
Chemical exposure
Chemical burns occur as a result of exposure of the skin to aggressive chemicals ( e.g. acids, alkalis). The degree of damage depends on its concentration and duration of contact.Chemical burns can occur due to the following substances on the skin:
- Acids. The effect of acids on the surface of the skin causes shallow lesions. After exposure, a burn crust forms on the affected area in a short time, which prevents further penetration of acids deep into the skin.
- Caustic alkalis. Due to the influence of caustic alkali on the surface of the skin, it is deeply damaged.
- Salts of some heavy metals ( e.g. silver nitrate, zinc chloride). Skin damage by these substances in most cases causes superficial burns.
Electrical impact
Electrical burns occur from contact with conductive material. Electric current spreads through tissues with high electrical conductivity through blood, cerebrospinal fluid, muscles, and to a lesser extent through skin, bones or adipose tissue. A current is dangerous to human life when its value exceeds 0.1 A ( ampere).Electrical injuries are divided into:
- low voltage;
- high voltage;
- supervoltaic.
Radiation exposure
Burns due to radiation exposure can be caused by:- Ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet skin lesions predominantly occur in the summer. The burns in this case are shallow, but are characterized by a large area of damage. When exposed to ultraviolet light, superficial burns of the first or second degree often occur.
- Ionizing radiation. This impact leads to damage not only to the skin, but also to nearby organs and tissues. Burns in this case are characterized by a shallow form of damage.
- Infrared radiation. May cause damage to the eyes, mainly the retina and cornea, as well as the skin. The degree of damage in this case will depend on the intensity of the radiation, as well as on the duration of exposure.
Degrees of burns
In 1960, it was decided to classify burns into four degrees:
- I degree;
- II degree;
- III-A and III-B degree;
- IV degree.
| Burn degree | Development mechanism | Features of external manifestations |
| I degree | superficial damage to the upper layers of the epidermis occurs, healing of burns of this degree occurs without scar formation | hyperemia ( redness), swelling, pain, dysfunction of the affected area |
| II degree | the superficial layers of the epidermis are completely damaged | pain, formation of blisters containing clear fluid inside |
| III-A degree | all layers of the epidermis to the dermis are damaged ( the dermis may be partially affected) | a dry or soft burn crust forms ( scab) light brown |
| III-B degree | all layers of the epidermis, dermis, and also partially the hypodermis are affected | a dense dry burn crust of brown color is formed |
| IV degree | all layers of the skin are affected, including muscles and tendons down to the bone | characterized by the formation of a dark brown or black burn crust |
There is also a classification of burn degrees according to Kreibich, who distinguished five degrees of burn. This classification differs from the previous one in that the III-B degree is called the fourth, and the fourth degree is called the fifth.
The depth of burn damage depends on the following factors:
- nature of the thermal agent;
- temperature of the active agent;
- duration of exposure;
- the degree of heating of the deep layers of the skin.
- Superficial burns. These include first, second and third-degree burns. These lesions are characterized by the fact that they are able to heal fully on their own, without surgery, that is, without scar formation.
- Deep burns. These include third-B and fourth-degree burns, which are not capable of full independent healing ( leaves a rough scar).
Symptoms of burns
Burns are classified according to location:
- faces ( in most cases leads to eye damage);
- scalp;
- upper respiratory tract ( pain, loss of voice, shortness of breath, and a cough with a small amount of sputum or streaked with soot may occur);
- upper and lower extremities ( with burns in the joint area there is a risk of limb dysfunction);
- torso;
- crotch ( can lead to dysfunction of the excretory organs).
| Burn degree | Symptoms | Photo |
| I degree | With this degree of burn, redness, swelling and pain are observed. The skin at the site of the lesion is bright pink, sensitive to touch and slightly protrudes above the healthy area of skin. Due to the fact that with this degree of burn only superficial damage to the epithelium occurs, after a few days the skin, drying out and wrinkled, forms only a slight pigmentation, which goes away on its own after some time ( on average three to four days). |  |
| II degree | With a second degree burn, just like with the first, there is hyperemia, swelling, and burning pain at the site of the injury. However, in this case, due to the detachment of the epidermis, small and relaxed blisters appear on the surface of the skin, filled with a light yellow, transparent liquid. If the blisters break, reddish erosion is observed in their place. Healing of this kind of burns occurs independently on the tenth to twelfth day without the formation of scars. |  |
| III-A degree | With burns of this degree, the epidermis and part of the dermis are damaged ( hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands are preserved). Tissue necrosis is noted, and also, due to pronounced vascular changes, swelling spreads throughout the entire thickness of the skin. In third-degree A, a dry light brown or soft white-gray burn crust is formed. Tactile pain sensitivity of the skin is preserved or reduced. Blisters form on the affected surface of the skin, the size of which varies from two centimeters and above, with a dense wall, filled with a thick yellow jelly-like liquid. Epithelization of the skin lasts on average four to six weeks, but if an inflammatory process occurs, healing can last for three months. |
|
| III-B degree | In third-degree burns, necrosis affects the entire thickness of the epidermis and dermis with partial capture of subcutaneous fat. At this degree, the formation of blisters filled with hemorrhagic fluid is observed ( streaked with blood). The resulting burn crust is dry or wet, yellow, gray or dark brown. There is a sharp decrease or absence of pain. Self-healing of wounds at this stage does not occur. | |
| IV degree | With fourth-degree burns, not only all layers of the skin are affected, but also muscles, fascia and tendons down to the bones. A dark brown or black burn crust forms on the affected surface, through which the venous network is visible. Due to the destruction of nerve endings, there is no pain at this stage. At this stage, severe intoxication is noted, and there is also a high risk of developing purulent complications. |  |
Note: In most cases, with burns, the degrees of damage are often combined. However, the severity of the patient’s condition depends not only on the degree of the burn, but also on the area of the lesion.
Burns are divided into extensive ( damage to 10 - 15% of the skin or more) and not extensive. With extensive and deep burns with superficial skin lesions of more than 15–25% and more than 10% with deep lesions, burn disease may occur.
Burn disease is a group of clinical symptoms caused by thermal damage to the skin, as well as nearby tissues. Occurs with massive tissue destruction with the release of large amounts of biologically active substances.
The severity and course of burn disease depends on the following factors:
- age of the victim;
- location of the burn;
- degree of burn;
- affected area.
- burn shock;
- burn toxemia;
- burn septicotoxemia ( burn infection);
- convalescence ( recovery).
Burn shock
Burn shock is the first period of burn disease. The duration of shock ranges from several hours to two to three days.Degrees of burn shock
| First degree | Second degree | Third degree |
| Typical for burns with skin damage of no more than 15–20%. At this degree, burning pain is observed in the affected areas. Heart rate up to 90 beats per minute, and blood pressure within normal limits. | It is observed in burns affecting 21–60% of the body. The heart rate in this case is 100–120 beats per minute, blood pressure and body temperature are reduced. The second degree is also characterized by feelings of chills, nausea and thirst. | The third degree of burn shock is characterized by damage to more than 60% of the body surface. The condition of the victim in this case is extremely serious, the pulse is practically not palpable ( filiform), blood pressure 80 mmHg. Art. ( millimeters of mercury). |
Burn toxemia
Acute burn toxemia is caused by exposure to toxic substances ( bacterial toxins, protein breakdown products). This period begins on the third or fourth day and lasts for one to two weeks. It is characterized by the fact that the victim experiences intoxication syndrome.The following symptoms are characteristic of intoxication syndrome:
- increase in body temperature ( up to 38 – 41 degrees for deep lesions);
- nausea;
- thirst.
Burn septicotoxemia
This period conventionally begins on the tenth day and continues until the end of the third to fifth week after the injury. It is characterized by the attachment of an infection to the affected area, which leads to the loss of proteins and electrolytes. If the dynamics are negative, it can lead to exhaustion of the body and death of the victim. In most cases, this period is observed with third-degree burns, as well as with deep lesions.The following symptoms are characteristic of burn septicotoxemia:
- weakness;
- increased body temperature;
- chills;
- irritability;
- yellowness of the skin and sclera ( with liver damage);
- increase in heart rate ( tachycardia).
Convalescence
In case of successful surgical or conservative treatment, the burn wounds heal, the functioning of internal organs is restored, and the patient recovers.Determination of burn area
In assessing the severity of thermal injury, in addition to the depth of the burn, its area is important. In modern medicine, several methods are used to measure the area of burns. The following methods for determining the burn area are distinguished:
- rule of nines;
- palm rule;
- Postnikov's method.
Rule of nines
The simplest and most accessible way to determine the area of a burn is the “rule of nines.” According to this rule, almost all parts of the body are conditionally divided into equal sections of 9% of the total surface of the entire body.| Rule of nines | Photo |
| head and neck 9% |  |
| upper limbs (each hand) at 9% |
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| anterior surface of the body18% (chest and abdomen 9% each) |
|
| posterior surface of the body18% (upper back and lower back 9% each) |
|
| lower limbs ( each leg) at 18% (thigh 9%, lower leg and foot 9%) |
|
| Crotch 1% |
Palm rule
Another method for determining the area of a burn is the “rule of the palm.” The essence of the method is that the area of the burnt person’s palm is taken as 1% of the entire surface area of the body. This rule is used for small burns.Postnikov method
Also in modern medicine, the method of determining the burn area according to Postnikov is used. To measure burns, sterile cellophane or gauze is used and applied to the affected area. The contours of the burned areas are marked on the material, which are subsequently cut out and placed on special graph paper to determine the area of the burn.First aid for burns
First aid for burns consists of the following:
- eliminating the source of the active factor;
- cooling burned areas;
- application of an aseptic dressing;
- anesthesia;
- calling an ambulance.
Eliminating the source of the active factor
To do this, the victim must be taken out of the fire, extinguish burning clothing, stop contact with hot objects, liquids, steam, etc. The faster this assistance is provided, the shallower the depth of the burn.Cooling burned areas
It is necessary to treat the burn site with running water as quickly as possible for 10 – 15 minutes. The water should be at an optimal temperature - from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius. This is done in order to prevent the process of damage to healthy tissues located next to the burn. Moreover, cold running water leads to vasospasm and a decrease in the sensitivity of nerve endings, and therefore has an analgesic effect.Note: For third and fourth degree burns, this first aid measure is not performed.
Applying an aseptic dressing
Before applying an aseptic dressing, you must carefully cut off the clothing from the burned areas. Under no circumstances should you attempt to clean burned areas ( remove pieces of clothing, tar, bitumen, etc. stuck to the skin.), and also open the bubbles. It is not recommended to lubricate burned areas with vegetable and animal fats, solutions of potassium permanganate or brilliant green.Dry and clean scarves, towels, and sheets can be used as an aseptic dressing. An aseptic dressing must be applied to the burn wound without pretreatment. If fingers or toes are affected, additional fabric must be placed between them to prevent the skin parts from sticking together. To do this, you can use a bandage or a clean handkerchief, which must be wetted with cool water before application and then squeezed out.
Anesthesia
If you experience severe pain during a burn, you should take painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. To achieve a quick therapeutic effect, you need to take two 200 mg tablets of ibuprofen or two 500 mg tablets of paracetamol.Calling an ambulance
There are the following indications for which it is necessary to call an ambulance:- for third and fourth degree burns;
- in the event that the second degree burn in area exceeds the size of the victim’s palm;
- for first degree burns, when the affected area is more than ten percent of the body surface ( for example, the entire abdominal area or the entire upper limb);
- when such parts of the body as the face, neck, joint areas, hands, feet, or perineum are affected;
- if nausea or vomiting occurs after a burn;
- when after a burn there is a long ( more than 12 hours) increased body temperature;
- if the condition worsens on the second day after the burn ( increased pain or more pronounced redness);
- with numbness in the affected area.
Treatment of burns
Burn treatment can be of two types:- conservative;
- operational.
- affected area;
- depth of lesion;
- localization of the lesion;
- the cause of the burn;
- development of burn disease in the victim;
- age of the victim.
Conservative treatment
It is used in the treatment of superficial burns, and this therapy is also used before and after surgery in case of deep lesions. Conservative treatment of burns includes:
- closed method;
- open method.
Closed method
This method of treatment is characterized by applying bandages with a medicinal substance to the affected areas of the skin.
| Burn degree | Treatment |
| I degree | In this case, it is necessary to apply a sterile bandage with anti-burn ointment. Usually, replacing the bandage with a new one is not required, since with the first degree of burn, the affected areas of the skin heal within a short time ( up to seven days). For household burns, Panthenol Spray with dexpanthenol has proven itself well. Unlike analogues, which are cosmetics, this is a certified medicinal product. It does not contain parabens, making it safe for both adults and children from the first day of life. It is easy to apply - just spray it on the skin without rubbing. PanthenolSpray is produced in the European Union, in compliance with high European quality standards; you can recognize the original PanthenolSpray by the smiley face next to the name on the packaging. |
| II degree | In the second degree, bandages with bactericidal ointments are applied to the burn surface ( for example, levomekol, silvacin, dioxysol), which have a depressing effect on the vital activity of microbes. These dressings must be changed every two days. |
| III-A degree | With lesions of this degree, a burn crust forms on the surface of the skin ( scab). The skin around the resulting scab must be treated with hydrogen peroxide ( 3% ), furatsilin ( 0.02% aqueous or 0.066% alcohol solution), chlorhexidine ( 0,05% ) or other antiseptic solution, after which a sterile bandage should be applied. After two to three weeks, the burn crust disappears and it is recommended to apply bandages with bactericidal ointments to the affected surface. Complete healing of the burn wound in this case occurs after about a month. |
| III-B and IV degree | For these burns, local treatment is used only to speed up the process of rejection of the burn crust. Bandages with ointments and antiseptic solutions should be applied to the affected skin surface daily. In this case, healing of the burn occurs only after surgery. |
There are the following advantages of the closed method of treatment:
- applied bandages prevent infection of the burn wound;
- the bandage protects the damaged surface from damage;
- the medications used kill germs and also promote rapid healing of the burn wound.
- changing the bandage provokes painful sensations;
- dissolution of necrotic tissue under the bandage leads to increased intoxication.
Open way
This treatment method is characterized by the use of special equipment ( e.g. ultraviolet irradiation, air purifier, bacterial filters), which is available only in specialized departments of burn hospitals.
The open method of treatment is aimed at accelerating the formation of a dry burn crust, since a soft and moist scab is a favorable environment for the proliferation of microbes. In this case, two to three times a day, various antiseptic solutions are applied to the damaged surface of the skin ( for example, brilliant green ( brilliant green) 1%, potassium permanganate ( potassium permanganate) 5% ), after which the burn wound remains open. In the room where the victim is located, the air is continuously cleaned of bacteria. These actions contribute to the formation of a dry scab within one to two days.
In most cases, burns of the face, neck and perineum are treated using this method.
There are the following advantages of the open method of treatment:
- promotes the rapid formation of dry scab;
- allows you to observe the dynamics of tissue healing.
- loss of moisture and plasma from the burn wound;
- high cost of the treatment method used.
Surgical treatment
For burns, the following types of surgical interventions can be used:
- necrotomy;
- necrectomy;
- staged necrectomy;
- limb amputation;
- skin transplantation.
This surgical intervention consists of cutting the resulting scab in deep burn lesions. Necrotomy is performed urgently in order to ensure blood supply to the tissues. If this intervention is not performed in a timely manner, necrosis of the affected area may develop.
Necrectomy
Necrectomy is performed for third-degree burns in order to remove non-viable tissue in deep and limited lesions. This type of operation allows you to thoroughly clean the burn wound and prevent suppurative processes, which subsequently promotes rapid tissue healing.
Staged necrectomy
This surgical intervention is performed for deep and extensive skin lesions. However, staged necrectomy is a more gentle method of intervention, since the removal of non-viable tissue is carried out in several stages.
Limb amputation
Amputation of a limb is performed in case of severe burns, when treatment with other methods has not brought positive results or the development of necrosis and irreversible tissue changes with the need for subsequent amputation has occurred.
These surgical methods allow:
- clean the burn wound;
- reduce intoxication;
- reduce the risk of complications;
- reduce the duration of treatment;
- improve the healing process of damaged tissues.
Skin transplantation
Skin transplantation is performed to close large burn wounds. In most cases, autoplasty is performed, that is, the patient’s own skin is transplanted from other parts of the body.
Currently, the most widely used methods for closing burn wounds are:
- Plastic surgery with local tissues. This method is used for deep burn lesions of small size. In this case, the affected area is borrowed from neighboring healthy tissues.
- Free skin grafting. It is one of the most common methods of skin transplantation. This method consists in using a special tool ( dermatome) in the victim from a healthy area of the body ( e.g. thigh, buttock, stomach) the necessary flap of skin is excised, which is subsequently applied to the affected area.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is used in the complex treatment of burn wounds and is aimed at:- inhibition of microbial activity;
- stimulation of blood flow in the affected area;
- acceleration of the regeneration process ( recovery) damaged area of skin;
- prevention of the formation of post-burn scars;
- stimulating the body's defenses ( immunity).
| Type of physiotherapy | Mechanism of therapeutic action | Application |
| Ultrasound therapy
| Ultrasound, passing through cells, triggers chemical and physical processes. Also, acting locally, it helps to increase the body's resistance. | This method is used to resolve scars and increase immunity. |
| Ultraviolet irradiation
| Ultraviolet radiation promotes the absorption of oxygen by tissues, increases local immunity, and improves blood circulation. | This method is used to speed up the regeneration processes of the affected skin area. |
| Infrared irradiation
| By creating a thermal effect, this irradiation helps improve blood circulation, as well as stimulate metabolic processes. | This treatment is aimed at improving the tissue healing process and also produces an anti-inflammatory effect. |
Prevention of burns
Sunburn is a common thermal injury to the skin, especially in the summer. Preventing sunburn
To avoid sunburn, you must follow these rules:- Direct contact with the sun should be avoided between ten and sixteen hours.
- On particularly hot days, it is preferable to wear dark clothes, as they protect the skin from the sun better than white clothes.
- Before going outside, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to exposed skin.
- When sunbathing, the use of sunscreen is a mandatory procedure that must be repeated after each bath.
- Since sunscreens have different protection factors, they must be selected for a specific skin phototype.
- Scandinavian ( first phototype);
- light-skinned European ( second phototype);
- dark-skinned Central European ( third phototype);
- Mediterranean ( fourth phototype);
- Indonesian or Middle Eastern ( fifth phototype);
- African American ( sixth phototype).
Prevention of household burns
According to statistics, the vast majority of burns occur in domestic conditions. Quite often, children who are burned are children who suffer due to the carelessness of their parents. Also, the cause of burns in the home is non-compliance with safety rules.To avoid burns at home, the following recommendations must be followed:
- Do not use electrical appliances with damaged insulation.
- When unplugging an electrical appliance from the outlet, do not pull the cord; you must hold it directly at the base of the plug.
- If you are not a professional electrician, you should not repair electrical appliances and wiring yourself.
- Do not use electrical appliances in damp areas.
- Children should not be left unattended.
- It is necessary to ensure that there are no hot objects within the reach of children ( for example, hot food or liquid, socket, turned on iron, etc.).
- Those items that can cause burns ( for example, matches, hot objects, chemicals and others), should be kept away from children.
- It is necessary to carry out educational activities with older children regarding their safety.
- You should stop smoking in bed, as this is one of the common causes of fires.
- It is recommended to install fire alarms throughout the house or at least in those areas where the likelihood of a fire is higher ( for example, in a kitchen, a room with a fireplace).
- It is recommended to have a fire extinguisher in the house.
