What to do in case of burns?

The most important points in brief:

• There are four different levels of burns
• First degree burns can be treated at home
• Burns must be cooled immediately

Unfortunately, it usually happens faster than expected: you burn your skin while ironing or the boiling water splashes on your skin when pouring it or you touch the curling iron in the wrong place and it happens. The skin immediately turns red and hurts incredibly hard. And not just for a few seconds, but for minutes, if not hours. But in order for the burn to be treated properly, one must first know what kind of burn it is. The degree of combustion and the extent of the combustion must be ensured. The depth of the combustion, i.e. the degree of combustion, is divided into four levels:

• the first degree burn (redness and swelling)
• the second degree burn (blisters, severe pain)
• the third-degree burn (the epidermis and dermis are completely destroyed, treatment by a doctor)
• the fourth degree burn (tissue damage down to the subcutaneous tissue, surgical intervention necessary)

Smaller burns, i.e. first-degree burns, can be treated at home if they are treated quickly. However, it must always be noted that it is necessary to remove objects and / or clothing from the affected area. However, if the fabric sticks to the burned area, do not remove it under any circumstances. The following tips can be helpful during treatment:

• First, immediately cool the affected area (using water / ice pad)
• Disinfect the wound with an alcohol-free wound spray
• Aloe vera gel also has a calming and cooling effect and can also relieve pain
• Plasters can help relieve the pain to touch
• The cooling Fenistil gel can also help against burning and itching

If the burns are second, third or fourth degree, you must contact the (emergency) doctor. In the case of serious injuries, it must be noted as first aid that sticking material must not be removed under any circumstances. The burn can be covered with a sterile wound pad and fixed with a loose bandage.

Be careful with zinc ointments and greasy creams

Of course there are also some home remedy tips here. Since these are injuries that can leave (large) scars on the skin, caution is required when using home remedies. Zinc ointments and greasy creams should be avoided as they close the pores.