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Learning Objectives
Discuss the various causes of burns &
scalds.
Explain the various categories &
classification for burns.
State the percentage of burns & scald.
State the signs & symptoms for burns.
Explain the First Aid Treatment for

BURNS AND SCALDS

Burns and scalds are wounds caused by
heat that damages your skin.
Burns can be caused by:
- Thermal - flame/fire/scald
- Electrical
- Chemical acid/alkali
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Results of Burn
When skin is damaged by burn
it no longer function effectively as a
natural barrier against infection
body fluid may be lost because tiny
blood vessels in the skin leak tissue
fluid (serum)
Classification of Burns according
to depth of skin damage
There are 3 different depths:
Superficial
Partial thickness
Full thickness

Degree of Burns Against the

Skin Penetration

BURN CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE

CATEGORIES

FIRST DEGREE BURNS

SECOND DEGREE BURNS

THIRD DEGREE BURNS

First Degree Burns

First-degree burns are red and very
sensitive to touch, and the skin will
appear blanched when light pressure is
applied.
Firstdegree burns involve epidermis
(skin surface) with minimal tissue
damage.
These burns affect the outerlayer of
skin causing pain, redness and swelling.
Sunburn is a good example of a firstdegree burn.
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First Degree Burns

Second degree burn

Second-degree burns involve the outer-layer
(epidermis) and the under lying layer of skin
(dermis) causing redness, pain, swelling and
blisters. These burns often affect sweat
glands and hair follicles.
If a deep second-degree burn is not properly
treated, swelling and decreased blood flow in
the tissue can result in the burn becoming a
third-degree burn.
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Second Degree Burns

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Third degree burn

Third-degree burns affect the epidermis, dermis and
hypodermis, causing charring of skin or a
translucent white color, with coagulated vessels
visible just below the skin surface.
These burn areas may be numb, but the person may
complain of pain. This pain is usually because of
second-degree burns.
Healing from third-degree burns is very slow due the
skin tissue and structures being destroyed. Thirddegree burns usually result in extensive scarring.
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Third Degree Burns

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Third Degree Burns

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You can estimate the body surface area on an adult that has been burned by
using multiples of 9.
An adult who has been burned, the percent of the body involved can be
calculated as follows:

Head = 9%
Chest (front) = 9%
Abdomen (front) = 9%
Upper/mid/low back and buttocks = 18%
Each arm = 9%
Each palm = 1%
Groin = 1%
Each leg = 18% total (front = 9%, back = 9%)
As an example, if both legs (18% x 2 = 36%), the groin (1%) and the front
chest and abdomen were burned, this would involve 55% of the body.

Burn area more than 20% (adult) - critical

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Signs & Symptoms of

Burns

Redness
Swelling
Pain
Peeling skin
Shock (pale, clammy skin, weakness,
bluish lips and finger nails)
White or charred skin
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Second-degree burn blisters

First-degree (superficial) burns affect the
skin's outer layer (epidermis)

Third-degree
(full-thickness) burns

Chemical burn from Sulfuric acid

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FIRST AID TREATMENT

1) Start cooling the injury with cold water ( but NOT
ice water) at least 10 mins or until pain is relieved.
2) Gently remove any rings, watches, belts, shoes,
burnt or smoldering clothing before tissues begin to
swell.
3) Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the burn.
4) A clean plastic bag can be used to cover a hand or
foot, secure it with a bandage or adhesive tape
applied over the plastic, not the damage skin.
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FIRST AID TREATMENT

5) If no sterile towel, cover the injured area with
kitchen film to protect it from infection.
6) Monitor and record vital signs (breathing and
pulse), level of response.
7) Reassure the casualty and treat for shock.
8) Watch for signs of breathing difficulty. -ABC
CPR if breathing stop.
9) Send casualty to hospital. (2nd & 3rd degree
burns)
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1st Aid Treatment - Chemical Burn

Acid burn:
damage to the body caused by a strong acid. The type of burn
depends on the kind of acid and the length of time and amount of
tissue exposed. Emergency treatment includes washing the area
with large amount of water.

Alkali burn:
tissue damage caused by an alkaline compound. Treatment
includes flushing with water to wash off the chemical. Then
vinegar or another mildly acidic substance mixed with water is put
on the burn to neutralise any alkali that is left and to reduce pain.
The victim should be taken right away to a hospital or other
treatment center if the damage is severe.
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COOLING THE BURN

UNDER RUNNING WATER
FOR 10 MINUTES

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COOLING BURN USING TOWEL

SOAK WITH WATER

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CAUTION !!
DO NOT apply ointment, butter, ice, medications, fluffy cotton
dressing, adhesive bandages, cream, oil spray, or any
household remedy to a burn. This can interfere with proper
healing.
DO NOT allow the burn to become contaminated. Avoid
breathing or coughing on the burned area.
DO NOT disturb blisters or dead skin.
DO NOT apply cold compresses and DO NOT immerse a
severe burn in ice water. This can cause shock.
DO NOT place a pillow under the victim's head if there is an
airway burn and they are lying down. This can close the
airway.
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Any
Question??

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