Second Degree Burns
When the epidermis and part of the dermis of the skin are involved in any burn injury, it is known as a second-degree burn. Depending on the level of nerve involvement, the severity of the pain varies in second-degree burns. In the case of second-degree burns, in addition to superficial blistering, there is accumulation of clear liquid in the area. Involving superficial or papillary dermis, second-degree burns sometimes involve the reticular or deep layer of the dermis.
According to the severity of these burns, they are further classified as deep or superficial. When only the outermost part of the dermis is involved, it is called superficial. Extreme pain and hypersensitivity to touch are characteristics of superficial burns. Appearing moist and red or mottled pink in color, the skin at the area of the burn blanches on pressure. Usually blisters appear after some time. Normally, this kind of superficial second - degree or partial thickness burns heal by themselves.
Tissue destruction to the deeper layers of the dermis is involved in deep second - degree and deep partial thickness burns. In contrast to the superficial type, these deep second -degree burns are usually dry and whitish in appearance, but they may appear like superficial burns. Normally pain is associated with this type of burns, though the skin does not blanch. It may take three to four weeks for the burn to heal. Thick or hypertrophic scars may remain even after the injury heals.
Causes of a second-degree burn include scald injuries, flames and a brief contact of the skin with a hot object. Sometimes deep sunburn, contact with hot liquids or chemicals and burning gasoline or kerosene also may cause second-degree burns. With second degree burns, the skin color turns to deep red and you will notice blisters. The burnt area appears shiny and moist. Second-degree burns that are only superficial normally heal in about three weeks. Care should be taken to keep the wound clean and protected. Treatment of second degree burns, the following conditions are considered:
The medical history, overall health and the age of the patient
To what extent the burn has damaged the skin
Site of the burn
Incident that caused the burn
Person affected by burns of this type may go into shock, since they lose lots of fluid from the burned site, if the injury involves more than 10% of skin. If a second-degree burn is greater than 2 or 3 inches in diameter, only a medical professional should treat it. It is safe to treat a burn like this at home only when it is a smaller. According to the severity of the burn, treatment may vary from antibiotic ointments to systemic antibiotics. Every day cleaning of the wound is necessary to remove dead skin. Depending on the severity of the burn, the dressing should be changed at least once or twice a day. It may be painful for the patient when the dressing is changed. A pain reliever or analgesic will help to reduce the pain. Care should be taken not to burst any blisters that have formed.
First Aid for second-degree burns
Before the area begins to swell, tight clothing and jewelry should be removed.
Cold-water compresses like a wet towel can be applied or flushing the burn with cool running water may also help to lessen the pain. Using ice or ice water can do more harm to the burned area and should be avoided.
Do not try to burst the blisters. Breaking blisters will expose the skin which will lead to infection.
Covering the burn with a sterile, non-fluffy and dry bandage can be done, but tapes should not be used on top of it.
Ointments, grease, petroleum jelly, butter or any home remedies are better avoided.
By keeping the burned arms or legs raised, you can reduce swelling.
Getting medical help is the best for second-degree burns greater than 2 to 3 inches in diameter or for those on hands, buttocks, penis or vaginal region.
When there are open blisters following second-degree burns:
If the clothing is stuck to the burn, better not remove them.
Running water over the burn or using water on the bandage will increase the risk of shock and so do not do it.
You can cover the burn with a clean, dry, non-fluffy bandage like gauze pad, but do not use tapes on the bandage.
Get the help of a doctor if the burn is very extensive and more than 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Cold Sores
Cold sores or fever blisters refere to facial lesions foudn on the area around the mouth. Cold sores usually appear on your lips. Occasionally, cold sores can be noticed on the nostrils, chin or fingers. Cold sores are painful and the swelling and redness last nearly for about 10 days. Fever sores are a reaction to the latent herpes simplex virus that is already present in the body. A person suffering from fever blisters is likely to suffer fever and headache and pain while swallowing. The cold sores may also affect the person's ability to eat. These sores later develop a yellow crust that is sloughed off to reveal new skin. Cold sores are contagious and this virus can be passed on from sharing towels or eating utensils. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may aggravate the condition of fever blisters or even bring on a recurrence. Cold sores are usually treated with anti-viral creams and cold compress. Aspirin or Ibuprufen may be taken to reduce the pain. When high fever or eye irritation is noticed, it is necessary to contact a doctor.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a common skin infection, commonly noticed in school-going kids. This skin condition is characterized by blisters and sores and is caused by group A streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus. Skin irritations caused by insect bites, allergies or eczema are more prone to turning into impetigo, because of repetitive scratching. Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads on contact with infected skin or infected items.
Typically symptoms of impetigo are noticed on the face and arms. What begins as tiny blisters may turn into moist areas of skin that develop a crust. The blisters and sores are itchy but rarely painful. Ecthyma is a serious manifestation of impetigo infection that leads to painful sores on the limbs. These pus-filled sores may leave scars on healing. Maintaining good hygiene is critical to prevention of impetigo. Ensure that the infected area is kept clean. Kids must be inculcated with regular cleaning habits such as bathing and cleaning regularly as well as cutting fingernails short. Use of antibacterial soap is recommended.
An infection of impetigo usually clears up in a few weeks. Treatment for impetigo usually begins with antibiotic creams or ointment. Oral antibiotics are prescribed if the infection festers. These medications are based on the severity of the infection. In most cases, derivatives of penicillin, erythromycin or cephalexin are prescribed.
|
