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The severity of burns is categorized
as follows: First degree, second degree & third degree.
The
following is a brief description of each:
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First Degree
Burns:
Reddening of the skin; looks
somewhat like a sunburn.
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Treatment:
Stop the burning process: extinguish
flaming clothing/skin. wet down, smother, and attempt
removal of smoldering clothing, hot metal, rings, or
other tight bands. Cut around clothing which has adhered
to the skin. Remember NEVER PUT GOO ON A BURN!
Home remedies such as butter and cream only make it more
difficult to keep the wound clean and dressed as
required.
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Second Degree Burns:
Second degree burns can be described as a blistering
or bubbling of the skin surface; often the skin peels
away exposing a raw, pink underside.
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Treatment:
Second degree burns less than 15%: cover
with a wet, sterile dressing or a clean wet sheet. Cover
more extensive burns and all third degree burns with a
dry, clean sheet (sterile if available), once the
burning process has stopped. NEVER BREAK
BLISTERS! Leave all blisters intact. * Cooling
of burns which are more extensive than 10 - 15% second
degree may result in hypothermia and contribute to
‘burn shock’. If shivering develops, stop cooling
efforts and keep the child warm.
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Third
Degree Burns:
Third degree burns, also known as full thickness
burns, are the most serious. These burns are generally
caused by fire and or corrosion. Unlike second and first
degree burns, the third degree burn leaves the skin
charred.
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Treatment:
Assess your child for signs of smoke inhalation and
or upper airway injury. Specifically, look for:
- smoky breath odor; burns to the lips or mouth
- facial burns, burns to nasal hair or eyebrows
- soot in the saliva or spit
- cough, drooling, whistling or wheezing, hoarseness
- shortness of breath, shallow respirations, rapid
breathing
After you have taken care of the child’s airway
needs, treat third degree burns in the same manner that
you would treat second.
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