How to Clean a Burn: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Cleaning up a burn isn't easy. However, if it is not very serious, it is possible to do it at home. Burns caused by a heat source have four degrees of severity: they can be first, second, third or fourth degree. If the burn appears to be first or second degree and does not cover a large area of the body, it is usually possible to clean and bandage it at home. All third-degree burns and those that cover large areas of the skin should be examined by a doctor right away. Fourth-degree burns should instead be treated in the emergency room. If you are unsure of the severity of the burn, you should see a doctor to prescribe adequate treatment.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Determine the Severity of the Burn

Step 1. Consider a first degree burn

First-degree burns are the least severe. They are characterized by mild to moderate redness, swelling and pain. They are quite common and occur when the skin has a brief contact with a hot surface (for example the stove) or is exposed to sunlight. First-degree burns affect only the superficial layer of the skin and can usually be treated at home.

• Here are some of the symptoms to look for:

  • Skin that is red and painful to touch;
  • Tingling;
  • Dry skin to the touch;
  • Mild swelling.
• Severe sunburn or first-degree burns that cover a large area of the body should be examined by a doctor.

Step 2. Identify a second degree burn

Second-degree burns also damage the skin layer under the epidermis. They occur in case of prolonged contact with a hot surface or when you are exposed to the sun for a long time. Many second-degree burns can still be treated at home. In addition to the symptoms that distinguish first-degree burns, second-degree burns have the following characteristics: patches, blisters, and mild to severe pain.

• However, you should see a doctor right away in the following cases:

  • Second-degree burn affects the hands, feet, groin or face
  • The burn is accompanied by severe blisters;
  • It covers large areas of the body.

  

  Step 3. Determine if you have a third degree burn

  Third degree burns destroy both the outer and inner layers of the skin. The intensity of the pain varies, but tends to be stronger during healing than in minor burns. Third-degree burns occur when a source of heat penetrates multiple layers of the skin. Being serious, they should not be treated at home. If you ever have a third degree burn, it is vital that you go to the hospital as soon as possible.

  • Here are some symptoms you may observe:

    • Red or whitish skin
    • When you press the skin, the color of the epidermis does not undergo any alteration;
    • Absence of blisters;
    • Destroyed skin tissue.
  • Third degree burns are particularly prone to becoming infected. It is important to avoid touching the affected area or trying to treat it. Instead, seek immediate medical attention.

  Step 4. Go to the emergency room immediately if you have a fourth degree burn

  Fourth-degree burns are severe and people who suffer from them are usually in shock. These burns destroy both the layers of the skin and the underlying tissues, such as muscles and tendons. Since they generate an emergency situation, they require immediate medical attention.

  Being in shock, the patient is unlikely to experience any pain in the initial phase. Healing, on the other hand, is more painful

  Part 2 of 3: Disinfect and Protect the Burn

  

  Step 1. Wash your hands

  Wet your hands with warm water and apply a knob of soap. Rub them together making sure you wash the bottom and top of your palms, fingers and wrists. Rinse them off with warm water.

  You don't need to use an antibacterial soap - any one will do

  

  Step 2. Clean the wound with soap and water

  Wet the affected area with cold water to cool the skin and relieve pain. Apply a small amount of soap to the burn and massage it gently. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Washing the burn with soap and water helps prevent serious infections.

  • Any type of soap will do this. If possible, choose a fragrance-free one to reduce the risk of it irritating your skin. It does not need to be antibacterial.
  • Before washing, it is important to remove all accessories that restrict the blood supply to the burn area.

  

  Step 3. Apply antibiotic ointment

  Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (use a neomycin-based one, for example) on the affected area. In addition to keeping the skin moist, this product is effective in preventing infections.

  

  Step 4. Apply aloe vera

  If the burn is painful, aloe vera will help calm the skin, but only if the burn is first or second degree. A thin layer of aloe vera gel or extracted directly from a plant is enough to relieve the discomfort.

  You can also take an over-the-counter ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory to help relieve pain and swelling

  

  Step 5. Don't squeeze the blisters

  Torn blisters are prone to becoming infected. The body needs time to heal this type of swelling. Do not break or squeeze blisters that occur following a burn, as their function is to protect and keep the wound sterile. If they open on their own, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

  Part 3 of 3: Cover the Affected Area with Gauze

  

  Step 1. Determine if gauze should be used or not

  If the burn is first degree and has no torn blisters or skin cracks, no gauze should be applied. If your skin is cracked / exposed or you have a second degree burn, you should use sterile gauze on a roll to prevent possible infections.

  

  Step 2. Apply a thin layer of ointment

  As the burn heals, a new layer of skin will develop. To prevent the epidermis from adhering to the bandage, it is important to always apply a thin layer of ointment between the skin and the gauze. You can use antibiotic ointment, aloe vera gel, or ointment specifically formulated for burns.

  The ointment works to create a lubricating barrier between the burn and the gauze, so any of these products will do. It does not need to have antibiotic properties to be effective

  

  Step 3. Cover the burn with gauze

  Once the ointment is applied, gently cover the affected area with two or three layers of gauze. Secure it with medical tape. Be careful not to leave it excessively loose or tight.

  • Do what you can to keep it dry. You can cover it with a plastic bag before taking a shower.
  • Change the gauze if it gets wet or dirty.

  

  Step 4. Change the gauze two or three times a day

  Gently remove it around the same time every day. Apply the ointment and cover the affected area with new gauze. If it sticks to the wound, moisten it with a sterile saline solution and remove it carefully, avoiding damage to the underlying epidermis.