Wounds and Burns

More information about Wounds & Cuts:

Wounds, cuts and scrapes can be caused by blunt force to the skin; sharp-edged objects slicing or puncturing the skin; or a combination of the two.

Cuts are very common injuries, especially in children. They look like slices in the skin and often includes blood loss. Serious cuts that result in massive blood loss or spurting blood require immediate medical attention.

Cuts can be prevented by practicing safe measures when using sharp or blunt objects. Always pay attention when using knives or other cutting devices. Use protective gloves whenever possible. Always carry objects with the dangerous side away from you. Keep dangerous objects away from children, and teach children about the dangers of knives, scissors and other tools. Do not work with dangerous objects when using alcohol or drugs. Cuts can usually be treated effectively at home unless threat of excessive blood loss or infection are present. It is important to stop bleeding as quickly as possible by applying pressure to the wound and avoiding infection by keeping the cut clean. Cover the wound with a bandage to keep it clean and protected until healed.


More information about Burns:

Burns are usually caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation and friction.

- Heat burns, or thermal burns, are caused by steam, fire, hot objects or hot liquids. These are the most common burns for children and the elderly.

- Electrical burns are the result of direct contact with electricity or lightning.

- Chemical burns occur when the skin comes in contact with household or industrial chemicals.

- Radiation burns are caused by over-exposure to the sun, tanning booths, sun lamps, X-rays or radiation from cancer treatments.

- Friction burns occur when the skin rubs against a hard surface, such as a carpet, gym floor or concrete.

Burns fall into four categories:

- First Degree Burns This usually involves redness of the skin surface that is very warm to the touch. A mild or moderate sunburn is an example of a first degree burn.

- Second Degree Burns: A second degree, or partial thickness burn, is more serious, and involves blistering of the skin and redness. This type of burn is painful, but unlike a first degree burn, the affected skin will likely appear moist.

- Third Degree Burns: A third degree burn, or full thickness burn, all of the skin layers are penetrated and inner-muscle tissue may be affected. The burned area appears white, charred, firm and leathery. A third degree burn also destroys nerve endings, so the person may not feel pain in the burned area.

- Fourth Degree Burns: Fourth degree burns affect muscle and/or bone. Fourth degree burns are rare.

Most burns can be prevented by following general safety guidelines. Never smoke in bed. Make sure smoke detectors are installed and in working order. Make a fire escape plan and make sure the entire family knows the plan. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it. Avoid fireworks.

Children are especially susceptible to burns, so parents must be especially careful to protect them from harm. Never hold a hot beverage when carrying a child. Be sure to push hot foods and appliances away from counter or table edges to prevent access by toddlers. Always turn pan handles toward the inside of the stove. Water heaters should be set at 120º F or the "warm" setting. Before getting in or putting your child in a bath or shower always test the water with your finger first. Better yet, use a bath thermometer before placing the child in the tub. Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub because she may turn the water to hot. Teach children to “Stop, Drop and Roll” in case their clothing catch on fire.

In the event of a burn, immediately apply clean cold packs and cover the burn to decrease risk of bacterial infection. For (minor) first degree burns, cool with cold water, not ice or ice water. Consult a doctor if the burn is larger than the size of the burn victims palm. Consult a doctor if it is not healed in 24 hours.

First degree burns are limited to the outer layer of the skin, causing it to be dry, red and painful, but without blistering. After the burn victum has been removed from the source of the burn, if he has a minor burn, you should soak it in cold water for about fifteen minutes, by placing it under running tap water or by covering the area with a cold, clean, wet towel. You should not put ice, butter, or any ointments on the burn and do not break any blisters that have formed. If possible, remove burned clothing or cut it away. Next, place a sterile dressing over the burned area and call a doctor for further instructions, especially for second or three degree burns.

Serious burns and burns that cover a large area of the body should be treated by a medical professional immediately. In these situations, you may just want to cover the burns with a clean dry sheet until emergency personnel arrive.