• Any form of heat greater than 49 degrees Celsius may cause Burns.
• It may from the sun (sunburn), hot liquids, steam or fire, electricity, friction (rope burns) and chemicals (caustic burns).

Burns are characterized by degree, based on severity of tissue damage.

• First-degree burn: causes redness, swelling and blistering in the top layer of skin -epidermis.
• Second-degree burn involves redness, swelling and blistering and damage extends to deeper layers of skin (dermis).
• A third degree burn destroys the entire depth of skin causing significant scarring. Damage may extend to underlying fat, muscle or bone.

The severity of the burn will determine the type of treatment

Treatment

• Pain relief.
• Preventing infection
• Maintaining body fluids, electrolytes and calorie intake while the body heals
• A medical practitioner should always treat major burns.
• Do not put butter, oil, ice or ice water on burns.

First degree burns – treatment

For first-degree burn no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, take the following action:

Cool the burn:

• Hold the burn under running water for at least 5 minutes or until the pain subsides. Or immerse burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling reduces the swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Never put ice on a burn.
• Cover the burn with a sterile quaze bandage. Don't use cotton wool as it may irritate and stick to the skin. Wrap the quaze loosely to prevent pressure on burned skin. Bandaging reduces pain and protects blisters and keeps air off the burnt skin.
• Take over- the- counter pain relief.

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. First-degree burns usually heal in 3 to 6 days. Second-degree burns usually heal in 2 to 3 weeks. Third degree burns usually take a long time to heal.

Second degree burn - treatment

• For a second degree burn covers an area larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter or is on your face, hands, feet or genital you must see a doctor.
• Soak the burn in cool water for 15 minutes.
• For small burns put cool, clean, wet cloths on the burn for a few minutes every day, apply burn cream and cover with non-stick dressing held in place with quaze or tape.
• Change the dressing every day, check for signs of infection such as redness, increased pain, swelling or pus. If this occurs see doctor.
• Avoid breaking any blisters.
• Burnt skin itches as it heals, avoid scratching the burn skin.
• Burnt skin will be sensitive to sunlight for up to a year.

Third degree burns- treatment

• For third degree burns, go straight to the hospital.
• Don't take off any clothing that is stuck to the burn.
• Don't soak the burn in water or apply any ointment.
• You can cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth until medical assistance received.