ASK THE PHARMACIST | How do I treat a burn and when do I need to get medical care?

Burn injuries can be caused by accidental contact with flames or steam, as well as by exposure to radiation (such as excessive sun exposure), chemicals or electricity (including lightning).

Burns are classified into three levels and two groups:

• First-degree burns affect only the top layer of the skin, causing pain, redness and possibly a little swelling.
• Second-degree burns affect the outer and under layer of skin, causing pain, redness, swelling and blistering.
• Third-degree burns affect the deep layers of the skin, resulting in blackened or white skin which may feel numb.

First-or second-degree burns less than 7.5cm wide are regarded as minor. Major burns include all third-degree burns, second-degree burns bigger than 7.5cm, and/or burns on the face, hands, feet, groin, genitals or buttocks or over a major joint like the shoulder, knee or hip.

Major burns, chemical and electrical burns need urgent medical attention. Minor burns can be treated at home unless the patient is over 60 years old or a child under four years. Though not that serious, minor burns can hurt quite a bit and leave a scar if not treated correctly.

If you witness a burn injury, first try to calm the patient. If you are sure the burn is minor, you can treat it as follows: Cool and clean the burn by holding it under cold, running tap water. If this is not possible, apply a clean, wet cloth or soak the burn area in a cool water bath. Do this for about 10 minutes or until the pain is better.

Do not use ice or extremely cold water because it can damage the tissue more.

Never apply ointments, butter, egg white or any other home remedy to a burn because these may trap heat, worsening the injury, or cause an infection or allergic reaction.

Once the area is clean and the pain is better, apply petroleum jelly such as unscented Vaseline. Continue this two to three times a day. Loosely cover the burn with a sterile bandage to keep it free from bacteria. Burns heal better if they are covered and moist. Change the dressing once a day. If blisters form, do not break them. Let them heal on their own and keep them covered.

You can take medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed for pain.

Keep an eye out for infection and contact your doctor if the pain increases, the burn becomes very red, swollen or oozes, if a fever or swollen lymph nodes develop, or if there is a red streak extending from the burn.

Minor burns usually heal on their own in several days to about three weeks. They itch as they heal. Do not scratch.

* Thealdi Mitchell is a qualified registered pharmacist (B.Pharm) and managing editor of MIMS, a leading South African medical reference publisher owned by Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd. She has experience in retail and hospital pharmacy, manufacturing and the medical aid industry. She believes in a holistic approach to health and taking small, daily steps to make better choices in self-care.

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