Understanding Burns
A burn refers to damage inflicted on the skin or underlying tissues by heat, radiation, electricity, chemicals, or friction. These injuries can range from minor to extremely severe. The leading cause is exposure to heat, especially from hot drinks, foods, cooking oils, and fats. In Australia, nearly 50,000 people are hospitalised each year due to burn injuries, most commonly occurring within the home.
Common Burn Causes
Many sources can lead to burns. Scalds, from boiling water, steam, hot bottles, or oils, are the most frequent cause, surpassing even sunburns. Other common sources include:
- Radiation (sun exposure, excessive x-ray contact)
- Heated objects (such as stovetops, ovens, wax, hair appliances)
- Open flames (fireplaces, BBQs)
- Electrical burns, including from lightning
- Harsh chemicals (bleach, cleaners, fuels, phosphorous)
- Friction burns from surfaces like gravel, carpets, or treadmills
Who Is Most Vulnerable?
While everyone can suffer burns, certain groups are more susceptible:
- Children under age 4
- Older adults, roughly 1 in 8 adult burn patients are over 65
Burn injury hospitalisation rates are higher in males, and Indigenous Australians are 2.7 times more likely to be admitted due to burns than non-Indigenous individuals.
Immediate Care for Burns
Quickly cooling the area is critical. Yet, only 70% of children and 60% of adults receive appropriate first aid when burned. For epidermal/superficial burns, use cool running water for 20 minutes, even up to 3 hours after injury, to reduce depth and ease pain.
Burn First Aid, Step-by-Step
Regardless of the burn’s type, the basic first aid process remains the same:
- REMOVE any clothing or jewellery near the burn (except clothing stuck to the skin). This prevents heat retention and allows for swelling.
- COOL the burn under running water for exactly 20 minutes. If that’s unavailable, alternate two wet cloths every 30 seconds to keep the area cool.
- COVER the wound loosely using cling wrap or a clean damp cloth.
Avoid applying the following:
- Ice
- Butter
- Toothpaste
- Creams
- Bandages
When to Seek Medical Help
Minor burns often heal in 10 to 12 days without needing medical care. But call emergency services (000) if the burn:
- Is larger than a 20-cent coin
- Affects face, genitals, hands, or airway
- Appears deep but is painless
- Has a leathery appearance
- Contains white, black, or brown patches
- Was caused by chemicals or electricity
- Is paired with breathing difficulty
Burn Treatment Options
The goal is to ease pain, remove damaged tissue, guard against infection, and reduce scarring. Treatment depends on the burn’s depth and severity.
- Epidermal burns, such as mild sunburns, often heal with no intervention, though pain relief medications may help.
- Superficial burns might need dressings, pain management, and monitoring by a doctor.
- Severe burns could require:
1. Prescription painkillers 2. Cool showers 3. IV fluids 4. Antibiotics if infected 5. Hospital stay or treatment in a specialised burns unit 6. Surgery, including skin grafts or amputation if necessary
Possible Burn Complications
Burns can lead to serious health issues, especially when extensive. These may involve:
- Lung injury from smoke inhalation
- Shock due to fluid loss
- Low body temperature from impaired skin regulation
- Infections, potentially causing sepsis
- Scars, deformities, and joint or bone damage
Burn Prevention Tips
Burns can often be avoided by practicing everyday safety:
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+ and water-resistant) outdoors
- Keep hot liquids far from children
- Turn pot handles inward
- Use oven mitts when cooking
- Disconnect electrical devices when not in use
- Maintain a working smoke alarm and have a fire extinguisher
- Wear gloves and eye protection when using chemicals
- Store hazardous materials securely
- Ensure tap water stays below 50°C
- Add fireplace guards if you have kids