The biggest organ in or on your body is the skin; it offers protection, regulates your temperature, enables sensations like touch or feeling the cold and NOT to forget the big one PAIN. This is due to the number of nerve endings attached to the skin; think about the last time you got a paper cut sore? this is due to the vast amount nerve endings to your fingertips. Also our skin makes us look beautiful!
The key areas of the skin are:
• Epidermis Outer layer which keeps nice and dry
• Dermis Under the epidermis is our sweat glands, Hair follicles & nerve endings
• Subcutaneous fat This is the last layer which connective tissues
Burns are also classified in 3 areas in the UK as:
• Superficial or (1st Degree)
• Partial Thickness or (2nd Degree)
• Full Thickness or (3rd Degree)
The types and causes of burns can be remembered us CIDERS
• Chemical Domestic or Industrial such as Bleaches or gases / acids
• Ice Touching ice or frozen object or inhaling vapours
• Dry Fire or friction or touching hot surfaces
• Electrical Transference of low (domestic) or high (commercial) voltage
• Radiation Sunburn, UV light (through clouds) standing to closed to bon fires etc
• Scald Hot water and vapour from stem
Some things you should NOT do with burns:
• Burst Blisters Open to infection and loss of bodily fluids
• Use oils or Fats Open to infection or reaction and may be removed at Hospital
• Remove Clothes These may be stuck to the skin and will cause scarring if removed
Things we SHOULD do with burns:
• Cool or immerse the area with water for at least 10 minutes
• Leave clothing in place to prevent scarring of the skin
• If possible remove rings and watches or other restrictive jewellery or bands
• Cover the area with a sterile (Not Fluffy) dressing Cling film is one of the best dressings (NOT on FACE)
Hospital Treatment is required for:
• Children and Infants
• Burns that extend round a limb
• Burns that affect breathing (mouth, throat and Chest)
• Burns with differing depths (% is 1% of palm of their hand)
• Superficial over 5% & 1% of Partial thickness & all full thickness
• If in doubt take to hospital Burns can be very painful.
