What are they, and what are the symptoms?

As most people know, burns may be classified as first, second and third degree. Being able to distinguish the difference is helpful in deciding when to go see the paediatrician.

First Degree
This type of burn causes the skin to become red but causes very little swelling and no blistering. People most often get first-degree burns when a small amount of hot water is accidentally splashed onto the skin or when they stay out in the sun a little too long without adequate sunscreen. Although these burns are painful, they heal within three to five days without scarring.

Second Degree
These are also called partial thickness burns. Superficial second-degree burns cause the destruction of the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis, and a minor portion of the second layer, the dermis. These burns are particularly painful because they expose the microscopic nerves of the skin. These burns are pinker than first-degree burns because they expose tiny blood vessels just under the burned skin. These blood vessels often become ‘leaky’, giving these burns a weepy appearance. In addition, second-degree burns can become quite swollen. Healing takes about two weeks and usually causes little if any scarring.

Third Degree
These burns destroy the epidermis and most, if not all, of the dermis. Because the nerves of the skin are destroyed with these layers, these burns may actually be less painful. They usually have a pale or charred appearance. These burns are quite susceptible to infection. Healing usually requires skin grafting and leaves scars.

What can/should be done at home

The first step in taking care of any burn is to remove the cause of the burn and then dissipate the heat from the skin. Fortunately, simply running cool water over the burn can accomplish both of these tasks. Despite what your grandmother may have told you, putting butter, grease, or any other lotion or salve on the burn is not a good idea. These methods do not dissipate the heat from the skin well, and, depending upon the type of burn, may actually allow infection to occur. Nor should you use ice – it can worsen the burn and be extremely painful.

Your next step depends on what type of burn it is:

• A first-degree burn requires only tender loving care and paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain. Once you have run cold water over the burn, use moisturising lotions to soothe the skin.
• A second-degree burn can be handled by first cleaning the burn with mild soap and water, using topical antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a bandage. Any blisters that form should not be broken.

• For a third-degree burn
• For any burn to the face, hands, feet or groin area