Burns are a common threat to us all in both our work environments and our homes. It is always advisable to have a fully stocked /?func=showcat&catLink=first_aid_kits" First aid kits available at all times which can be purchased from any good high street or online stores what sells first aid supplies.

Getting a burn can be a very painful experience indeed. Burns can destroy our skin which is extremely imported to us. Skin controls the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and protects us from infection. So by burning in a relatively small area of skin can potentially develop serious complications. Some burns can take a long time to heal and can often leave you with a permanent scars.

The severity of a burn is usually judged on how deep the burn damage goes into or through the skin. Burn thickness is classified by degree so the higher the number, the more severe the burn is. Three are three degrees of burns:

First Degree Burns

This is the least severe form of burn. A first degree burn usually involves the outer layer of skin only being damaged. The skin appears red and can be painful to the touch. A prime example of a first degree burn is sunburn. This type of burn can be treated successfully by yourself. Normally a first degree burn would be able to heal within six days.

Second Degree Burns

A second agree burn means the affected area is deeper then your outer layer of skin. The burn has managed to break you second layer of skin (the dermis). A second degree burn is usually a lot more painful than a first degree burn. This type of burn can lead to the skin becoming swallow and can create blisters. In fact blistering of the skin is an indication that you have a second degree burn. Second degree burns can take up to three weeks to heal.

Third Degree burn

A third degree burn is the most severe type of burn you can receive. A third degree burn is when you have burnt all the way through your skin and have reached the tissue underneath. Strangely third degree burns are usually less painful because by reaching the underlying tissue you would have destroyed the nerves within that area. Third degree burns often take much longer to heal due to the amount of damage to the skin that is caused. With third degree burns the skin becomes dry and leathery and can go black of white in colour.

What to do next?

With minor burns like a first degree burn then you should quickly cool the burn by placing the affected area under cold running water for at least ten minutes. Please use only clean, cool water or a saline solution from a first aid kit. After the application of cold water the burn should be left alone. If blisters start to form indicating it is a second degree burn then it is best you allow them to burst of their own accord, or to dry up naturally.

If you have suspected third degree burns or second degree burns which cover a large surface area, or the burn is on your face, hands, feet, groin or a a large joint then they should all be treated as a major burn and you should call the emergency services straight away because any severe burns will not heal properly without proper medical care and are beyond the scope of this article.

When it comes to any form of burn make sure you avid treating them with lotions, creams, oils, butter or any other ointments. Also remember if in doubt with a burn, always seek professional advice.