Why burns hurt

First, run your burn under cool water. Your first instinct might be to put ice or butter on the wound, but that actually hinders blood flow to the affected area.

Run your burn under water for at least 15 minutes. Burns always require medical attention if they are third-degree or fourth-degree. A third-degree burn will result in large blisters almost immediately.

Fourth-degree will go deep into your muscle tissue. You should also seek medical attention if the burns begin to show signs of infection. Medical professionals should deal with any oozing wounds with a pus discharge.

You can never be too safe with burns. There are over 12, deaths related to thermal injury every year. Rehabilitation therapy is used to restore near-normal movement to the contracted areas. If a burn injury damages the nerve endings in the skin, the nerves will need to regrow.

Throughout this regrowth period, the sense of touch may be affected. Because the sensation of touch is experienced through the skin, any areas that have nerve damage due to the injury may be less sensitive to touch. Nerve regrowth is usually a slow process and sensations may be permanently changed. As a result of a burn injury, sweat glands and blood vessels on the skin may have been damaged.

The blood vessels are surrounded by scar tissue and cannot expand and contract properly. Sweat glands cannot make moisture on the skin surface as they did prior to the injury. Understanding Skin To understand different kinds of burns, it is helpful to know about skin.

Your skin: Acts as a physical barrier for you to the outside world Protects you against infection and injury Provides a water-tight barrier Helps regulate body temperature Contains glands that lubricate and moisturize your skin Undergoes constant repair and regeneration Lacerations, abrasions or burns alter the skin's ability to protect and buffer you from your surroundings.

Anatomy of the Skin The epidermis is the thin top layer of the skin. Types of Burns First-Degree or Superficial Burns A first-degree burn is damage to the first or outer layer of skin epidermis. Second-degree burns are divided into two categories based upon the depth of the burn: Superficial second-degree burns typically heal with conservative care no surgery required in one to three weeks.

Topical medications are placed on the burn wound. Daily wound bandage changes are the norm. New epidermis grows in one to three weeks with proper wound care. Deep second-degree burns appear more pale than pink.

The skin is drier and the sensation of that skin can be diminished. Sometimes, these burns will need surgery for skin grafting. This decision cannot be made in the first few days, and a short course of conservative treatment topical medications will be tried to allow wounds to heal, if possible.

Initial Treatment for Small Burns in the First 48 Hours Ice is not recommended as an initial treatment for burns because it can decrease circulation and make the burn worse. Content Area Two. Give Now.

Blisters are present should be removed or blisters may have popped; skin under blisters is usually wet, weepy, pink and painful. Small burns can be cleaned and treated with topical antibiotic ointment at home. Blisters may be present or not; color varies red, pale pink, white or tan ; low or no pain. Fact sheets from the Burn Model System discuss many topics related to burn injury, such as sleep problems, body image, social interactions, and nutrition.

They cover exercise and employment after a burn injury. Feeling anxious and afraid is common after a traumatic injury. Several local and national support systems offer support and suggestions about burn injuries.

Patients and family members and friends should ask the healthcare team about options for support systems. This group is made up of burn survivors and their family members. They are trained to offer support and can schedule a visit and share their recovery process. The Phoenix Society offers a support program in more than 60 hospitals and burn clinics throughout North America.

Understanding a Burn Injury was developed by Laura C. Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should consult your healthcare provider about specific medical concerns or treatment. The contents of this fact sheet do not necessarily represent the policy of the U. Department of Health and Human Services, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

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