Mahaska Health Partnership Offers Advice about Burns

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – As the days get longer, barbeques, campfires and other outdoor activities are abundant and injuries like burns become more frequent. Mahaska Health Partnership offers advice for when to seek medical care should you or a loved one experience a burn.

According to MHP Emergency Physician Kym Life, DO, there are three levels of burns, each with an increased amount of severity. “First-degree burns are minor injuries that only affect the outermost layer of skin. They can cause redness, swelling and will most likely cause some discomfort. However, these usually go away after a few days. A good example is a sunburn.”

For these types of burns, medical care at home is often the only treatment necessary. “Make sure to cool the burn immediately by holding it under cool water for 10-15 minutes or until the pain lessens,” Dr. Life explained. “If you cannot run the burned area under water, apply a cold compress, but do not put ice on the burn.

“Afterwards, cover the burn with gauze, but keep it loose. Protecting it from air exposure reduces pain and protects any blistered skin. If you are still experiencing pain, use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen until symptoms subside.”

Though most first-degree burns heal on their own, some may develop symptoms that require a visit to your primary care provider. “Keep an eye out for signs of infection, including fever, oozing or swelling. If these symptoms occur, contact your family provider or visit MHP’s Walk-In for further evaluation. Do not apply ointments to burns as this may encourage infection. Prevent children from breaking any blisters, as this may increase their risk of infection and slow the healing process.”

For more severe burns, immediate medical attention may be necessary. “Second-degree burns affect the top and second layer of skin. These can cause skin discoloration and swelling. The wound often looks wet and blisters may also develop, causing severe pain. While some of these burns may heal on their own with the same treatments used for first-degree burns, seek immediate medical care if a widespread area of the body is affected or if the burn happened on the hands, feet, face or groin.”

The most severe type of burn is third-degree, which reaches clear to the fat layer beneath the skin. “The burned area may be charred black or white and the skin may look waxy or leathery if a third-degree burn occurs,” Dr. Life said. “This type of burn can cause numbness due to damaged nerves. For these burns, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to treat these at home. While waiting for medical care, hold the affected area above your heart if possible and keep clothing off of the burn.”

Though burns can be severe, many do not require emergency medical care and prevention should be the focus. “While fires, grills and sparklers are tons of fun, it’s important to remember to protect yourself and small children from a painful accident,” Dr. Life encouraged. “Keep children away from open flames and make sure to take precautionary measures to ensure an accident doesn’t occur and everyone can have a fun, safe summer!”

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, call 641.672.3240 or visit mahaskahealth.org.