How to recognize the seriousness of a burn?
Burns are usually classified into three degrees corresponding to the level of destruction of the skin tissue.
First degree burns
They are recognized by the presence of a red and painful plaque, type “sunburn”, healing in 48 to 72 hours
These lesions are only of concern if they are extensive, especially in small children, which can cause dehydration.
Second degree burns
They are recognized by the presence of blisters on the skin, or phlyctene .
Under the blister, the skin may turn crimson red (because it remains vascularized) if the burn is superficial. In this case, the burn heals spontaneously between 1 week and 10 days. If the skin has turned white, surgery is needed to treat the burn.
Third degree burns
The burns appear as hard, painless patches because all the nerve endings have been destroyed.
How to treat a burn?
Treating a 1st degree burn
Pain management with paracetamol and placement of fatty dressings (Jelonet®, Adaptic®, Tulle gras, etc.) under a bandage. The dressing is removed after 2-3 days and there is healing with desquamation, ie the skin peels like after a sunburn.
Treating a 2nd degree burn
Excision of the blister (phlyctene) and rinsing with saline or non-alcoholic antiseptics (Chlorexidine, etc.)
Application of a fatty dressing (Jelonet®, Adaptic®, Tulle gras, etc.) under a bandage, to be renewed every 48 to 72 hours
Any unhealed burn beyond the 21st day must be treated surgically.
Treating a 3rd degree burn
Management is surgical : cleaning the wound (debridement) followed by healthy skin grafts taken from the burn patient in an unaffected area.
