Emergency Management and Treatment of Burns
Burns are one of the most common injuries in the US. Whether it’s caused by a hot stove, oven, or an electric appliance, just about everyone has suffered at least one nasty burn. CDC estimates that each year, over 486,000 burn victims will require medical treatment.
The First Step to Managing Burns: Understanding the First, Second, and Third Degree Burns
The treatment of a burn depends on the severity of the injury and the type of burn. Depending on the severity of the burn, hospitals and emergency rooms must apply different treatments.
- First-degree burns are the most common and are relatively minor. This type of burn is localized only on the surface of the skin. The skin will be red and irritated, but not blistered. These burns will likely heal on their own with some care and attention and won’t require you to visit an emergency room for treatment.
- Second-degree burns are more severe. The skin will blister and may swell. The skin can be white and splotchy, and the wound will often look wet or moist. These burns have a higher risk of getting infected and can cause deep scarring. If the burn covers a large area, emergency medical assistance may be required to prevent infection and maintain the integrity of the skin.
- Third-degree burns are the most serious burns. These burns go beyond the skin into the fat layer, bone, and nerves. Burned areas will look charred or white, and emergency medical assistance will always be required.
How Burns Are Treated in the Emergency Room
Depending on the size, degree, and severity of a burn, emergency rooms may use different treatment methods.
- First-degree burns rarely need treatment in the emergency room. Generally, a topical antibiotic is enough to heal a first degree burn with little scarring or risk of infection.
- Second-degree burns are usually treated in the emergency room, especially if they cover a large area of the body. The burns will be cleaned, rinsed, and bandaged, especially if the affected area have blisters. Severe cases may require surgery to remove the damaged tissue. Skin grafts may also be required.
- Third-degree burns always require emergency room treatment and may need surgery from specialists to remove the damaged tissue. A transfer to a specialized burn unit may be required. Without surgery, severe scarring will develop which may permanently damage underlying tendons and muscles. There is also a severe risk of infection, requiring regular cleaning and disinfecting of the affected areas by professional medical staff.
While most first and second-degree burns can heal without the intervention of a medical professional, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you have experienced a burn that’s giving you severe pain or is blistering, it’s a good idea to visit a Cibolo emergency room like Physicians Premier. With proper intervention, you can avoid scarring, pain, and infection.
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