BURNS AND SCALDS
GROUP NINE (9)
DEFINITION
• Burns are injuries to the skin and in some cases,
underlying tissues caused by exposure to dry heat,
chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
• A scald is a type of burn injury caused by contact with
hot liquids, steam, or hot vapors. It is characterized by
damage to the skin and underlying tissues due to
exposure to substances at elevated temperatures.
CAUSES OF BURNS
• Heat exposure: - contact with flames, hot surfaces, or
hot objects
• Chemical exposure: - contact with corrosive substances
like acids or alkalis can cause chemical burns.
• Electrical currents: - contact with electrical sources can
result in electrical burns eg. faulty wiring
• Radiation: - exposure to sources like the sun, x-rays or
nuclear radiation can cause burns. Sunburn is A
prevalent example of a radiation burn.
CAUSES OF BURNS cont’d
• Friction: - severe friction or abrasion against
surfaces can cause friction burns. Common in
accidents involving road surfaces or fast-moving
objects.
• Explosions: - explosions can cause thermal,
chemical, and blast injuries.
• Hot objects: - touching hot objects or surfaces,
resulting in burns. Common in cooking accidents
CAUSES OF SCALDS
• Hot beverages: - spills of hot coffee, tea, or other
beverages can cause scald injuries. Often occurs
while drinking or carrying hot drinks.
• Cooking accidents: - handling hot cooking liquids,
such as boiling water or hot oil, can lead to scalds.
Common in kitchens during food preparation.
• Steam: - exposure to hot vapors or steam,
especially in industrial settings or around steam-
producing appliances.
CAUSES OF SCALDS cont’d
• Improper use of appliances: - mishandling
appliances that produce steam or hot vapors, such as
kettles, pressure cookers, or steamers.
TYPES OF BURNS
• First-degree burns: - superficial burns that affect only the
outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness,
pain, and mild swelling. Example: sunburn.
• Second-degree burns: - affect both the outer layer
(epidermis) and part of the underlying layer (dermis) of the
skin. Symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, and blistering.
Can result from more prolonged exposure to heat or chemicals.
• Third-degree burns: - full-thickness burns that extend
through all layers of the skin. The affected area may appear
white, charred, or leathery. Often involves damage to nerve
endings, leading to numbness.
THE RULE OF NINES
• The “rule of nines” is a quick and commonly used method to estimate
the percentage of body surface area (bsa) affected by burns. It is
particularly helpful in assessing the severity of burns and guiding
treatment decisions. The rule is as follows:
• 1. Head and neck: 9%
• 2. Each arm (including the hand): 9% each
• 3. Front of the trunk: 18%
• 4. Back of the trunk: 18%
• 5. Each leg (including the foot): 18% each
• 6. Genital area:1%
This adds up to 100%, representing the entire body.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BURNS
• 1. First-degree burns: Redness of the skin, Pain, Mild swelling, No
blistering (or minimal blistering)
• 2. Second-degree burns: Redness, Pain, Swelling, Blisters,
Tenderness
• 3. Third-degree burns: White appearance of the skin, numbness
(due to nerve damage), severe pain or painlessness (nerve endings
may be damaged), difficulty breathing if the burn affects the
airways
• 4. Additional general symptoms: Shock (pale, cool, clammy skin;
weakness; rapid breathing), difficulty breathing or respiratory
distress, headache, confusion or altered mental state, elevated
heart rate
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SCALDS
1. Redness: - the affected area may appear red or
flushed.
2. Pain: - pain is a common symptom, and its intensity
can vary based on the severity of the scald.
3. Swelling: - swelling may occur in the affected area,
especially in more severe scalds.
4. Blistering: - blisters may form, containing fluid.
These can be a sign of a second-degree scald.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SCALDS
5. Tenderness: - the skin may be tender to the touch.
6. Numbness: - in more severe cases, nerve damage
may result in numbness in the scalded area.
7. Skin texture changes: - the skin may feel different,
such as becoming more sensitive or developing an
altered texture.
8. Severity-dependent symptoms: - more severe
scalds may lead to charring, leathery skin, or significant
damage to underlying tissues.
PREVENTION OF BURNS
• 1. Kitchen safety: Use caution when cooking, Keep pot handles
turned inward to prevent accidental spills. Use oven mitts and
potholders when handling hot cookware.
• 2. Hot liquids and beverages: - Test the temperature of liquids before
consumption and Keep hot drinks away from the edges of tables
and countertops to prevent spills.
• 3. Electrical safety: - Ensure that electrical appliances and wiring are
in good condition. - Use childproof covers on outlets, especially if
there are young children at home.
• 4. Fire safety: - Install smoke detectors and check them regularly. -
Have fire extinguishers in key areas of your home and know how to
use them.
PREVENTION OF BURNS cont’d
5. Childproofing: - Keep hot objects, such as irons and curling irons, out of
reach of children. - Use safety gates to restrict access to potentially dangerous
areas.
6. Sun protection: - Use sunscreen to prevent sunburns when outdoors. - Avoid
prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours.
7. Chemical safety: - Store household chemicals out of reach of children. -
Follow safety guidelines when using and storing chemicals.
8. Workplace safety: - Follow safety protocols and guidelines in industrial and
workplace settings. - Use appropriate personal protective equipment (ppe)
when necessary.
9. Awareness and education: - Educate yourself and others about burn risks
and prevention strategies. - Stay informed about safety measures in different
environments.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF SCALDS:
• 1. Water temperature control:- test the water temperature
before using it, especially in baths or showers.
• 2. Supervise children: - always supervise young children during
bath time and other activities involving hot liquids.
• 3. Cooking safety: - use caution when handling hot liquids and
cooking with hot oil or water and keep pot handles turned
inward to prevent accidental spills.
• 4. Safe beverage handling: - allow hot beverages to cool
before drinking.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF SCALDS:
• 5. Steam safety: - Be aware of steam-producing appliances and
take precautions when using them. - Use caution when opening
lids or containers that may release hot steam.
• 6. Safe storage: - store hot liquids and foods away from the edges
of tables and countertops.
• 7. Educate family members: - teach family members, including
children, about the dangers of hot liquids and the importance of
caution.
• 8. First aid knowledge: - Learn basic first aid for burns, including
how to cool the affected area with running cool (not cold) water.
GENERAL STEPS FOR FIRST AID
• 1. Ensure safety: - ensure your safety and the safety of
others. Move away from the source of the burn if possible.
• 2. Assess the severity: - determine the degree of the burn
(first, second, or third degree) based on the symptoms and
appearance.
• 3. Cool the burn: - for first-degree and some second-degree
burns hold the affected area under cool (not cold) running
water for at least 10 minutes. Do not use ice, as it can
further damage the tissue. If it’s a scald, ensure that the
water flow is gentle to avoid causing additional trauma to
the injured area.
GENERAL STEPS FOR FIRST AID
• 4. Remove jewelry and tight clothing: - remove any jewelry
or tight clothing from the affected area, especially if there’s
swelling.
• 5. Cover with a clean cloth or bandage: - for mild burns,
cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth.
• 6. Pain relief: - over-the-counter pain relievers like
acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help with pain. Follow
dosage instructions.
• 7. Do not pop blisters: - if blisters form, do not pop them, as
it can increase the risk of infection.
GENERAL STEPS FOR FIRST AID
• 8. Seek medical attention: - for severe burns (third-degree
burns, large second-degree burns, burns on the face,
hands, feet, genitals, or major joints), or if the burn was
caused by chemicals or electricity, seek immediate
medical attention.
• 9. Watch for signs of shock: - if the burn is extensive,
watch for signs of shock (pale, cool, clammy skin;
weakness; rapid breathing).
• 10. Inhalation burns: - if the burn involves the inhalation of
hot air or smoke, seek immediate medical attention.
GENERAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
1. First-degree burns: - First-degree burns usually don’t require
professional medical treatment. You can use over-the-counter pain
relievers and apply a cool compress to alleviate pain and reduce
inflammation. The use of aloe-vera cream or antibiotic ointments is
recommended.
2. Second-degree burns: - Run cool (not cold) water over the burn
for at least 10 minutes.
• Do not pop blisters; instead, cover the burn with a clean, non-stick
bandage.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain.
• Seek medical attention if the burn is larger, on the face, hands, feet,
or genitals.
GENERAL TREATMENT OPTIONS cont’d
3. Third-degree burns: - Third-degree burns require immediate medical
attention.
- Do not use water or cold compresses on severe burns.
- Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing.
- Elevate the affected area if possible.
- Do not apply ointments or creams.
- Monitor for signs of shock and seek emergency medical care.
4. Inhalation burns: - seek emergency medical attention for burns
involving the airways.
- Ensure the person has a clear airway and assist with breathing if
necessary.
GENERAL TREATMENT OPTIONS cont’d
5. Hospital treatment:- Severe burns may require
hospitalization.
- Treatment may include intravenous fluids to prevent
dehydration, pain management, and specialized wound care.
- In some cases, surgical procedures such as skin grafts may
be necessary.
6. Burn rehabilitation: - Rehabilitation may be necessary for
severe burns to regain function and reduce scarring.
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological
support may be part of the recovery process.
