How to Heal Skin Burns
The skin is the largest organ in the body by surface area, and every inch of it is vulnerable to injury. The American Burn Association classifies burns into three levels of severity based upon patient risk. Major burns include any incurred by infants or the elderly, those complicated by other trauma, electrical burns, and injuries that cover at least 20 percent of the body's surface area. Moderate burns affect slightly less surface area, and minor burns less than 15% of the surface area.
Instructions
-
-
1
Evaluate the degree of injury. For major burns, go directly to the hospital. Do not remove any clothing that may be stuck to the injured area, apply any ointment, or run water over the burn.
-
2
Soak minor burns in cool water for up to 15 minutes.
-
-
3
Apply a cooling agent, such as aloe vera or an over-the-counter burn antibiotic cream, in accordance with product instructions.
-
4
Cover the burn with a nonstick dressing or gauze.
-
5
Change the dressing daily, after washing your hands thoroughly.
-
6
Check the burn daily for signs of infection, which may include redness, yellow or green discharge, swelling or an increase in pain. If the burn doesn't heal or you see red streaks radiating away from it, see a physician.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
In case of a chemical burn, remove any clothing that may be contaminated with the chemical, wash the area with large amounts of running water, and call 911 or your local poison control center.
Skin itches as it heals and regenerates. To avoid infection, do not scratch healing skin.
