Burn treatments vary depending on the severity

Ouch! “Ow, ow, ow”, you say, and maybe add an expletive or two. You just burned yourself on the oven, curling iron, wood stove or burn pile. Most likely it’s just a first-degree burn and a little cool, not cold, water will relieve the stinging pain and, with no further treatment, it will heal in just a few days.

But what if it doesn’t? Perhaps the burn wasn’t as minor as you first thought. Or perhaps an infection has set in. Serious burns can cause widespread infection, can dangerously lower your body temperature, can affect your breathing and can limit movement of your joints and muscles. Worst-case scenario is death. That’s serious.

Over half of all burns occur to the 18-64 year old range and men are twice as likely to have burn injuries than women. Children under five and senior citizens are most vulnerable to burns from hot scalding liquids, according to webmd.com.

Like any injury, prevention is preferable. But there’s a reason it’s called an “accident” instead of an “intentional.” So the key is to be able to identify the severity of the burn and then to quickly determine how to treat it.

First-degree burns affect the outer layers of the skin resulting in redness and soreness as described in the first paragraph. Save the butter for toast. Even if Grandma told you to, do not put it on any burn. A little cool water should do the trick. You can cover the wound with a light sterile gauze pad, if necessary.

Second-degree burns go deeper into the epidermis and can look wet or moist with blisters and cause pretty severe pain. Remove jewelry, if near the burn, in case of swelling. Treat as you would a first-degree burn by running cool water over the affected area, apply a topical antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a non-stick sterile pad. Take an analgesic for the pain. If the burn covers a large area, take a trip to the doctor.

Third-degree burns go even deeper under the skin and will make the skin feel stiff and look waxy white or leathery. Instead of a burning sensation the area may feel numb which is in indication of nerve damage. You must see your physician, go to the emergency room or call 911 for treatment.

Fourth-degree burns are the worst. These burns go deep into the muscle, bones and nerves resulting in the patient not feeling any pain at all. The skin will look black or charred. Immediately call 911. Medical attention is crucial and time is of the essence.

Get emergency medical attention for smoke inhalation, and burns that are accompanied by weakness, illness or uncontrolled pain, any burn on the face particularly near your eyes. See your doctor if pain continues, if the burn doesn’t heal in a few weeks, if there is any swelling or discharge or if you develop a fever.

If your burn involves a household or industrial chemical, contact Bonner General Hospital Emergency Department at 263-1441 or the National Poison hotline 1-800-222-1222. Identify the chemical and they will give you instructions for treatment. Although reactions may be minor, some chemicals can jeopardize life and limb and mishandling shouldn’t be taken lightly.

You’ve heard the old adage that it’s better to be safe than sorry? Remember it when deciding whether or not to seek medical care. Contact Bonner General Immediate Care Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Call 263-0649. Bonner General Hospital Emergency Department is open 24-hours per day.

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com, 264-4029. Sources: www.webmd.com, mayoclinic.com and medicinenet.com.