Burns

The severity of a burn depends upon its size, depth and location. Burns are most severe when located on the face, neck, hands, feet and genitals. Also, when they are spread over large parts of the body or when they are combined with other injuries. Burns result in pain, infection and shock. They are most serious when the victims are very young or very old.

FIRST DEGREE burns are the least severe. They are characterized by redness or discoloration, mild swelling and pain. Overexposure to the sun is a common cause of first degree burns.

SECOND DEGREE burns are more serious. They are deeper than first degree burns, look red or mottled and have blisters. They may also involve loss of fluids through the damaged skin. Second degree burns are usually the most painful because nerve ending are usually intact, despite severe tissue damage.

THIRD DEGREE burns are the deepest. They may look white or charred, extend through all skin layers. Victims of third degree burns may have severe pain -- or no pain at all -- if the nerve endings are destroyed.

First Aid for Burns

FIRST DEGREE: Flush with cool running water, Apply moist dressings and bandage loosely.

SECOND DEGREE: Apply dry dressings and bandage loosely Do not use water as it may increase risk of shock.

THIRD DEGREE: Same treatment as second degree.

ALL VICTIMS OF SERIOUS BURNS SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP QUICKLY!

Burns may also be caused by CHEMICALS. In these cases, it is important to remove clothing on which chemicals have spilled and flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for 15 to 30 minutes.