Burns

What are they and how do you recognize them?

A burn is damage to the skin, and possibly deeper tissues, from exposure to a flame, hot liquid, a hot object, electric current, or chemicals.

The depth of a burn depends, among other things, on the temperature to which the tissue has been exposed and the time of contact with the heat source, current or harmful substance.

A burn can be superficial or deep.

• In the event of a superficial burn, only the outer layers of the skin are affected. The sense of touch remains intact. If you put pressure on the skin, it will return to its red color once the pressure is released. A superficial burn heals in 2 to 3 weeks.
• In the event of a deep burn, the outer and deep layers are affected. The sense of touch is always affected. After applying pressure to the skin, it does not turn red again. The wound surface is often dry. Burns caused by flames or electric current are usually deep.

It is also important to assess the size of the burnt area. In adults:

• an area the size of the palm of the hand corresponds to about 1% of the total area of ​​the body;
• an area the size of an arm corresponds to about 9% of the total area of ​​the body;
• an area the size of a leg is about 18% of the total body area.

How is the diagnosis made?

Your doctor will observe the lesions. He will assess the depth, extent and location of the burns.

What can you do ?

Move the victim away from the heat source

First try to move the victim away from the heat source and turn off the heat source. For example, if the clothes are on fire, cover the victim with a jacket, blanket or non-synthetic material to smother the flames. If necessary, have the victim roll on the ground to extinguish the flames.

Cool

Start rinsing off the burns with lukewarm water as soon as possible.

• If the victim is an adult, do this for at least 20 minutes;
• If the victim is a child, do this for a maximum of 10 minutes.

Leave foreign objects (such as asphalt) in place. Do not try to remove them yourself.

Chemical burns

Immediately take the victim to the shower. Shower the victim for a long time and while under the water jet, have him remove his clothing (or cut them up) and shoes impregnated (except if they stick to the skin). It is very important to water the burn with plenty of lukewarm water for 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid flushing the rinse water onto healthy skin.

If a large area of ​​the body is burned, you should monitor the victim’s body temperature so as not to overcool (i.e. avoid hypothermia).

After rinsing

After rinsing, cover the burn with clean rags while transporting the victim.

• In case of a small burn, a wet bandage decreases the pain;
• In case of extensive burns, it is better to use dry rags.

Protect the victim from hypothermia and try to reassure them.

What can the doctor do?

The doctor will observe the injuries and give first aid.

Depending on his assessment, he will treat you himself or refer you to a center specializing in the management of burns (burn center).

For example, a specialized center is recommended if

• the burn is too extensive, i.e.
  • if it affects more than 10% of the total body surface in adults,
  • if it affects more than 5% of the total body surface in children or the elderly
• the burn affects sensitive areas such as the hands, face or joints
• the burn goes around an arm or a leg.

In case of small, superficial burns, the doctor will first remove the dead tissue and dirt. To cover the burn, use dressings that do not stick (non-stick dressings), moist and absorbent. Pain reliever may also be indicated. The burn may continue to progress for about 2 to 3 days. A new evaluation is therefore necessary after 2 to 3 days.

In the event of severe burns, the victim is transferred to a hospital or burn center after receiving first aid. In addition to administering first aid, the doctor will check that the person can breathe properly. It will also take care of a good hydration of the victim to prevent the development of a shock. It is best to inform the hospital in advance of the seriousness of the situation.

Want to know more?

• First Aid – Burns Foundation

• First degree burn (image) – DermIS – Dermatology Information System
• Second degree burn (image) – DermIS – Dermatology Information System
• First degree burn (image) – DermIS – Dermatology Information System

Are you looking for more specialized help?

• Specialized centers – Burns Foundation

Sources

• Foreign clinical practice guide ‘Burns’ (2000), updated on 09.05.2017 and adapted to the Belgian context on 10.06.2019 – ebpracticenet
• Burns Foundation