HOW TO TREAT BURNS

Hey y'all its --- here! Come on, let’s face it. We all need to be prepared before a volcanic eruption occur, isn’t it? We should know how to detect a volcanic eruption and what to do after that calamity; we should also know the emergency hotlines, how to prepare our own survival kits and take note of the different tips that can be our guide when it occurs. But hey, it’s not only that! We should also be fully aware of what kinds of injuries we can possibly have during a volcanic eruption and how to treat those by ourselves.

Most deaths in volcanic eruptions are caused by pyroclastic flows and surges (nuées ardentes) and wet debris flows (lahars). High temperature of the gases and entrained particles causes severe burns to the skin and the air passages and the presence of both types of injury may combine to increase the risk of respiratory complications or from infection of burns.

There are three primary types of burns: first (most minor), second, and third-degree (most severe). Each degree is based on the severity of damage to the skin, with first-degree. Damage includes:

* first-degree burns: red, nonblistered skin

* second-degree burns: blisters and some thickening of the skin

* third-degree burns: widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance

There are also fourth-degree burns. This type includes all of the symptoms of a third-degree burn and also extends beyond the skin, specifically to tendons and bones, and are usually caused by:

* scalding from hot, boiling liquids

* chemical burns

* electrical burns

* fires, including flames from matches, candles, and lighters

First-degree burns or superficial burns cause minimal skin (outermost layer) damage. Signs of a first-degree burn include:

* redness

* minor inflammation, or swelling

* pain

* dry, peeling skin occurs as the burn heals

The signs and symptoms of these burns disappear once the skin cells shed.

First-degree burns usually heal within 7 to 10 days without scarring.

You‘re advised to see a doctor if the burn affects a large area of skin (more than three inches) and if it’s located on your face or a major joint (knee, ankle, foot, etc.).

First-degree burns’ healing time may be quicker the sooner you treat the burn. Treatments for a first-degree burn include:

* soaking the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer

* taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief

* applying lidocaine (an anesthetic) with aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the skin

* using an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area

Make sure you don’t use ice, as this may make the damage worse. Never apply cotton balls to a burn because the small fibers can stick to the injury and increase the risk of infection. Also, avoid home remedies like butter and eggs as these are not proven to be effective.

Second-degree burns are more serious because the damage extends beyond the top layer of skin. This type burn causes the skin to blister and become extremely red and sore. Some blisters pop open, giving the burn a wet appearance. Over time, thick, soft, scab-like tissue called fibrinous exudate may develop over the wound. Keeping the wounded area clean and bandaging it properly is required to prevent infection and helps the burn to heal quicker.

These burns take longer than three weeks to heal, but most heal within two to three weeks without scarring, but often with pigment changes to the skin. The worse the blisters are, the longer the burn will take to heal.

As with first-degree burns, avoid cotton balls and questionable home remedies. Treatments for a mild second-degree burn generally include:

* running the skin under cool water for 15 minutes or longer

* taking pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

* applying antibiotic cream to blisters

However, seek emergency medical treatment if the burn affects a widespread area, such as the face, hands, feet, etc.

Excluding fourth-degree burns, third-degree burns are the most severe. They cause the most damage, extending through every layer of skin. With this type of burn, the damage is so extensive that there may not be any pain because of nerve damage.

Depending on the cause, the symptoms third-degree burns can exhibit include:

* waxy and white color

* char

* dark brown color

* raised and leathery texture

* blisters that do not develop

Without surgery, these wounds heal with severe scarring and contracture. There is no set timeline for complete healing for third-degree burns. Never attempt to self-treat a third-degree burn. While waiting for medical treatment, raise the injury above your heart, and make sure no clothing is stuck to the burn.

Burns also causes infections, blood loss, and shock, which often happens and could also lead to death. All burns carry the risk of infections due to bacteria that can enter broken skin.

Tetanus is a bacterial infection, and is a possible complication with burns of all levels. It affects the nervous system, eventually leading to problems with muscle contractions. It is advised that every member of your household should receive updated tetanus shots every 10 years to prevent this type of infection.

Severe burns also carry the risk of hypothermia and hypovolemia. Dangerously low body temperatures characterize hypothermia. While this may seem like an unexpected complication, the condition is actually prompted by excessive loss of body heat from an injury.

Hypovolemia, on the other hand, is also known as the low blood volume. It occurs when your body loses too much blood from a burn.

Have a great day and Stay safe guys! x.