Burns are one of the most common skin injuries. It is important to note that Burns, as palatable as it sounds can be very paradoxical ; point being, A simple burn can require a less medication like an antibiotic ( penicillin ) while another type of burn can cause a cul-de-sac to the dermatologist's treatment.
Which is why we need to understand the kinds of burns that exist in Nature.
Meanwhile and in a nutshell, Burns are amongst other skin injuries that usually occurs. Other examples includes ;
- Lacerated Wound : This involves the injuries to the skin by serrated or sharp objects like knives and razors.
- Punctured Wound : This is a type of skin injury caused by pointed objects such as needles, pins e.t.c.
- Abrasive Wound : This is a type of skin injury caused by rubbing the body on hard and rough surfaces like cracked walls e.t.c
Burns on the other hand, are injuries that occur when the skin is vulnerably exposed to open fire, dry heat, steam, heat from hot materials and concentrated chemicals.
The effects of each of theses types of burns have varying effects, while some can be benign ( A temporary and nonlethal effect ), Some can be terminal, malignant and chronic.
The major classes of burns are ;
- First Degree Burns : This is the type of burn in which it damages does not affect the inner skin (dermis), This burn only go as far as affecting the outer skin (epidermis) with also less intensity. Examples of events that can lead to having a first degree burn are ; Temporary burns from a fire, hot water(substance) or steam. This burn can be treated with immediate effect and with the scar also going into remission as well.
- Second Degree Burns : This is the type of burn that causes great damage to the outer skin and skin follicles but less effect on the inner skin. Burns like this leave a blistering scar on the body of the affected with few side effects. Examples of Events that can lead to the sustaining of this burns are ; scalding from hot water or steam, being injured in open fire, prolonged background exposure to undiluted heat (Sun Burns).
- Third Degree Burns : This is the most advanced form of burn injury that occurs. The effects of acquiring a Third degree burn are also malignant that it can cause permanent scars, Necrosis ( death of the tissue and cell of the skin area affected), Nerve damage, vulnerability and susceptibility of the skin to other infections and diseases, overall body shock which can lead to death. Examples of Third Degree Burns includes ; long lasted and prolonged exposure to carbonized smoke (probably being trapped in a burning building ), fire or concentrated chemical attack.
TREATMENT OF BURNS
- In Emergency Situations : Since a burn injury can increase the average room temperature of the victim affected, it is important the Victim is allowed enough space to breathe, relax and a coolant ( probably ice ) should be applied on the affected area to forestall any unknown side effect.
- Daily Medication & Regimen :
(I) Regularly running the affected skin under cool water for 10-20minutes depending on the type of burn ; the higher the degree of burn, the more the time taken.
(ii) Use of Analgesics and painkillers such as ; acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
(iii) Application of Anaesthetics and Lotion ( as prescribed by a physician ) to graze and smoothen the burnt area of the skin.
(iv) Use of antibiotics and antiseptic solutions when washing the affected skin.
Never try to self medicate a Third degree burn ! You might not be aware of the unknown and unforseen effects that will occur in later times.
P.S: Inasmuch as we don't appeal to burns and other forms of blistering and body staining injuries ; It is important to remember that some things get screwed up for the better (Even to ourselves).
What is the crux of this PostScript ?
Some bad things happen for the good things to emerge. If not for us, but to our future selves and posterity ( It has happened to me few times )
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REVOIR !