A burn refers to damage to the skin, layers of the skin, or other tissues caused by external factors such as excessive heat, chemicals, electrical currents, or radiation.
Burns are characterized by symptoms such as redness, pain, swelling, blistering (blisters),and signs of infection on the skin. In a first-degree burn, there is mild redness and pain in the upper layer of the skin, while second-degree burns involve the formation of blisters. Third-degree burns manifest with symptoms such as permanent damage to the skin.
A patient exposed to a burn should first be quickly moved away from the source of the burn. The burn area should be washed under cold running water to reduce the impact of heat and alleviate pain.
Carefully remove clothing from the burn area without causing further harm, and after cleaning the area, cover it with a sterile bandage or a clean cloth. If there are blisters from the burn, it's advisable to seek medical attention without attempting to puncture them. During these procedures, it is best not to apply anything to the burn area without consulting a doctor.
After reaching a healthcare professional, necessary treatment will be arranged following an examination.
For individuals exposed to burns, washing the burn area with cold water can help expedite the healing process and alleviate pain. The use of moisturizing creams or lotions can also contribute to the healing process.
Patients may experience significant pain, making the use of pain relievers appropriate for easing discomfort. After these temporary measures, if the burn covers a large area and exhibits severe symptoms such as intense pain and blistering, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly for treatment under the supervision of a doctor.
Burns can lead to serious injuries, and untreated burns can result in infection, scarring, and other severe complications. Therefore, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial in the case of a burn.
You should consult a doctor promptly if the burn is extensive and deep, if it is a third-degree burn, if the burn causes severe pain, if it involves children or elderly individuals with chronic illnesses, if it is a result of serious burns from factors such as chemicals or electricity, or if there are signs of infection around the burn area, such as redness, blisters, or swelling. In such cases, immediate medical assistance is necessary.
Burns from boiling water typically result in second-degree burns. In these types of burns, damage occurs to the upper layer of the skin, manifesting as redness, swelling, pain, and blisters.
While second-degree burns are generally serious, prompt and proper treatment often leads to significant improvement. However, depending on factors such as the location of the burn, the duration of contact, and the size of the affected area, burns from boiling water can also lead to third-degree burns. Since third-degree burns pose a more severe health problem, they require immediate medical intervention.
The treatment for boiling water burns is tailored based on the degree of the burn, the size of the affected area, its location, and the severity of the burn. The first step in treating boiling water burns is to rapidly cool the burn area, which should be done by holding it under cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This aims to alleviate pain and prevent further progression of burn damage.
Subsequently, the burn area is gently dried with a clean cloth, and it is covered with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Care should be taken not to pop any existing blisters on the burn area. Pain relievers can be used for pain management, but applying ice or icy water directly to the burn area should be avoided as it can exacerbate existing skin damage. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly afterward for more immediate and comprehensive care.
The first thing to do in the treatment of a boiling water burn is to remove the substance causing the burn and quickly cool the burned area. Holding the burn under cold running water for approximately 10 minutes is sufficient for this purpose.
To prevent infection of the resulting wound, it can be covered with a sterile cloth or gauze, and a pain reliever may be given to reduce pain. Subsequently, seeking professional medical assistance by visiting a healthcare facility is advisable.
The healing process of boiling water burns can vary depending on factors such as the location of the burn, the size of the burned area, the degree of the burn, and the treatment process. Mild boiling water burns may improve within approximately 1 week, while extensive and deep boiling water burns covering large areas may take several weeks to a few months to heal.
However, the return of the skin to its normal color and the restoration of its normal functions take much longer. Factors such as the patient's age, health condition, skin type, and the area exposed to the burn can affect the healing process and duration. The infection of the burn area can also prolong the healing time.
After initial interventions for a boiling water burn to prevent infection, it should be kept clean, and a treatment plan that can be applied at home is determined after consultation with a doctor. Following this process, the patient can manage the treatment at home independently.
A boiling water burn can range from a mild degree burn to a severe 3rd-degree burn. The degree, depth, location, and size of the burn determine the scar that will form in the burned area. While a mild burn may heal completely without leaving a scar, the treatment duration for larger and deeper burns is longer, and the likelihood of scarring increases. If scarring occurs in the burn area, signs such as changes in skin color, redness, and swelling may be observed. Over time, these scars may approach the normal skin color and become less pronounced.
In the case of burns caused by exposure to boiling water, creams can be used to alleviate pain. Creams can also be used to prevent infection in burns that carry a risk of infection.
To expedite the healing of the burn wound, healing creams can be applied. Subsequently, scar-reducing creams can be used to minimize the scar resulting from the burn. It is crucial to use these creams under the supervision and recommendation of a doctor for all these treatments.
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Prof. Dr. Sezai AydınGeneral Surgery Turkey
PROF. DR. SEZAI AYDIN
