WHAT IS SKIN?
Skin is the soft outer tissue covering vertebrae i.e. the animals that have a spinal cord. In mamals, the skin acts as a protection system, made up of multiple layers. It guards the underlying muscles, bones and internal organs. Skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin interfaces with the environment and is the first line of defense from external factors.Functions of skin are:
1. Physical barrier & infection control
2. Sensation
3. Temperature regulation
The skin consists of two layers with different properties. The covering layer or epidermis, which finally completes wound healing. The deeper layer is called the dermis, which is the layer providing strength and stability to the skin.
WHAT IS BURN?
Burns is a injury affecting the skin. The term “burn” means more than the burning sensation associated with this injury. Burns are characterized by severe skin damage that causes the affected skin cells to die.
TYPE OF BURNS
BURNS BY DIRECT FIRE:
They are quite accidental. Some of the types of direct burn by
flames include explosion in the gas cylinder or kerosene pressure
stove and carelessly burning of crackles or any type of fire accident.
SCALD:
Scald is the most common cause of burns in children. Scalds are
caused when any hot liquid spills on the skin.
CHEMICAL BURNS:
They are often seen as accidental burns due to spillage of strong
acids on the skin.For example. Nitric acid, sulphuric acid and
Hydrochloric acid. They are often very devastating injuries claiming
vision, appearance or sometimes even the life of the victim. They
occur in factories as well as households.
ELECTRIC BURN:
Almost always accidental. These burns can occur due to short
circuit in the wires or lossening of the connection wire. They are
very fatal sometimes leading to the death of the victim.
DEGRESS OF BURN
Depending on the severity of the burn, the burns are divided into
three categories namely, first degree burn, second degree
burn and third degree burn.
FIRST DEGREE BURN:
First-degree burns cause less skin damage. They are also called
“superficial burns” because they affect the outermost layer of
skin. Signs of a first-degree burn include:
1. SWELLING
2. PAIN
3. REDNESS IN THE AFFECTED AREA
SECOND DEGREE BURN:
Second-degree burns are more serious because the damage extends beyond the top
layer of skin. The skin may appear quite red, there is appearance of blisters and due to
the poping up of this blisters the wound may become wet. These burns take a little
long time to heal.
THIRD DEGREE BURNS:
Excluding fourth-degree burns, third-degree burns are the most severe. They cause
the most damage, extending through every layer of skin. These wounds are quite
severe and fatal with symptoms such as white or brown chars and marks. Without
surgery, these wounds heal with severe scarring and contracture. There is no set
timeline for complete spontaneous healing for third-degree burns.
DEGREE WISE REMEDY TO THE BURNS
The following are some of the treatments of burns:
FIRST DEGREE BURN:
First degree burns should be treated in the following manner:
1. Pouring or soaking the wound in cold water.
2. Taking pain relievers.
3. Applying Aloe Vera gel or cream to soothe the skin
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. Due to the delicate nature of these wounds, keeping the area clean and
bandaging it properly is required to prevent infection.
SECOND DEGREE BURN:
The preventive measures as well as remedies are the same as that for the first-degree
burns. Follow the same metjods for cure and the same preventive measures but only
if the burn is mild otherwise Consult Doctor.
PREVENTION OF ALL TYPES OF BURN
The obvious best way to fight burns is to prevent them from happening. If in case burn happens the following are the steps you can take as first aid:
- In case of electrical burns, putting the main switch off as soon as a person has come in contact with an electrical circuit.
- In case of chemical burns, washing the area with running water for at least half to one hour to cause dilution of the wound.
- All burn areas are cleaned and loose dead skin is removed. Dressing is further supported with absorbent cotton pads. Dressing needs to be changed at regular intervals.
MEDICATIONS
Burns causes a lot of pain and infection so proper medication is required. Medicine named (ATMOBURN) by (ALVIZIA HEALTHCARE) is a very effective medicine for burns available as antiseptic cream and pain relieveing tablets as well. For furthur details. Visit: (www.alviziahealthcare.net/)