Burns and scalds are damage to the skin usually caused by heat.
A burn is caused by dry heat, for example, by fire, intense heat, electricity, light, radiation or friction. A scald is caused by something wet, such as hot water or steam. Both burns and scalds are treated in the same way.
One of the biggest concerns following a burn is that the affected area is vulnerable to becoming infected. Burns can be very painful and may cause:
No pictures of burns as they are pretty gruesome and not all of us can handle it. Hopefully the animals are a bit more pleasant and there are tenuous links to the words.
If you want to see pictures and you are unlikely to pass out, you can google “serious burns” and click on the images.
Depending on how serious a burn is, it may be possible to treat it at home. A superficial (slight) burn can be treated at home by flooding the burn with cool water. For minor burns, keep the burn clean and do not burst any blisters that form. More serious burns require professional medical attention.
You should go to a hospital A&E department for:
- all chemical and electrical burns.
- large or deep burns – any burn bigger than the injured person’s hand.
- burns that cause white or charred skin – any size.
- burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs or genitals that cause blisters.
You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it is not a 999 emergency, They will give you advice based on the situation.
NHS
If you would like to read more the 4 different types of burn and how to treat burns and scalds, the blue button links to the NHS web page providing more information.
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