Proper care of burns on the skin

     What does the summer sun and the Fourth of July fireworks have in common? They both can cause burns.

   Whether you receive a burn from the sun or from handling fireworks, here are some tips to help you manage them and when to seek help.

   One of the most dangerous parts of a burn isn’t just the damage it does to your skin, but what it can do to your other organs. First-degree burns involve the surface or first layer of skin called the epidermis. Second-degree burns involve two layers of skin, the epidermis and part of the dermis. These burns are red, blistered, and painful. Third-degree burns we call full thickness burns and cause a white or charred color to the skin. All layers of the epidermis and dermis are affected. Fourth-degree burns involve the muscles and the nerves, so often there is no pain as nerves are damaged.

   One of the biggest dangers that comes with burns is dehydration. When your body becomes dehydrated, your skin (an organ) and other organs can start to fail. So whether you have a first-degree or third-degree burn, it is important to get water to the site and seek medical attention if needed. Run clean cool water over the burn. If the area blisters, do not pop the blister. A blister is the best Band-Aid you can have to keep bacteria out. If the burn is bad enough that it needs to be evaluated by a medical professional after running under cool water, apply a cool wet soaked rag to the burn and wrap it loosely with Saran Wrap (make sure burn area is covered fully with a wet towel and Saran Wrap doesn’t touch it) until you can be seen. This will help hold the moisture in. Do not apply antibiotic ointments or lotions, seek medical attention first. Some lotions or ointments can trap the bacteria or create a source for bacteria to grow.

   Some burns will need special cleaning, care, and medication. Some burns may require hospitalization and IV fluids.

   Dehydration can set in quickly and be the start of multiple problems. I have seen a person with a 20 percent body surface burn on their leg, end up in the ICU. I have treated people with all degrees of burns; infection can set in quickly if not treated promptly and appropriately.

   One of the most common reasons for burns that land people in the hospital is improper handling of fireworks and adding gasoline to fires. Please use caution in these areas.

   And if you are unsure if your burn should be seen, I’m just a phone call away. I’d be happy to evaluate it. Wishing you all a safe and healthy summer and Fourth of July.