The degree of burn is determined based on the depth of tissue damage caused by heat. Each degree has its own characteristics and symptoms. Therefore, it is important to determine the degree of burn injury so that the condition can be treated properly.
Burns are conditions that damage body tissues caused by hot temperatures, for example due to hot water, steam or oil, harsh chemicals, electricity, radiation, or flammable gases. The degree of burns consists of several levels, ranging from mild to severe.
When you have a burn, you need to know the degree of the burn to the skin. If it is difficult to determine how severe the burn is, you can consult a doctor.
The doctor can examine your condition and determine how severe the burn is, including how extensive the burn is on your body. The goal is for doctors to determine the appropriate treatment and care for burns.
Know the Degree of Burns and their Symptoms
There are several common appearances of burns, including redness, blisters, peeling, swelling, and even a charred appearance. The burn is also sometimes accompanied by pain or pain.
The degree of burns can be classified into 3 levels, namely grades 1, 2, and 3. Each degree of burn is assessed based on the severity and damage caused to the skin.
The following are the degrees of burns based on their severity:
1st degree burn (superficial burn)
The degree of burn that affects only the epidermis or the outer layer of skin. Clinically, the sign is skin that looks red, dry, and painful. For example, burns caused by sunlight. First-degree burns are not much of a concern and will heal on their own.
2nd degree burn (superficial partial-thickness burn)
The degree of this burn can be said to be a moderate degree of burn. Second-degree burns occur in the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of the skin (deeper layer of skin).
When you have a 2nd degree burn, your skin will appear red, blistered, blistered, swollen, and painful. Second-degree burns can be treated with several non-surgical or non-surgical treatment methods.
3rd degree burn (full thickness burn)
Tissue damage involves all layers of the epidermis and dermis, or deeper. Clinically, the burned skin will appear white and rough, but it can also look scorched and numb. Surgery or surgery is the main choice for treating burns at this level.
Determination of the severity of burns can also be classified into two groups, namely:
- Minor burns consisting of 1st degree burns anywhere on the body, including second degree burns 5–7.5 cm wide.
- Major burns consist of second-degree burns to the hands, feet, face, genitals, and other body parts with a wound width of more than 5–7.5 cm. Grade 3 burns are also included in the major burn group.
Compared to 1st and 2nd degree burns, 3rd degree burns are more at risk of causing dangerous complications, such as infection, severe dehydration, and even death.
Severe burns can also risk causing hypothermia and hypovolemia or a reduced amount of fluid in the blood. This condition can cause shock.
Treatment and Treatment Based on the Degree of Burn
Burn treatment is determined based on the type or degree of burn. The following are some steps for treating burns based on their degree:
Use of drugs
Mild and moderate burns can be treated with burn ointments that contain natural ingredients, such as aloe vera or binahong leaves, antibiotic ointments, and painkillers, such as paracetamol. If it does not improve, the burn you experience still needs to be examined and treated by a doctor.
Operation
Treatment of third-degree burns can include surgery and skin grafting. Burns that are severe and damage most body tissues require hospitalization.
During hospitalization, burn patients will receive intravenous therapy to maintain body fluid intake and prevent dehydration, as well as injections of antibiotics through an IV to prevent infection.
If the burn hits the patient's face, the doctor may intubate him to help the patient breathe through a ventilator. Patients with third-degree burns may also require postoperative care, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychotherapy.
To prevent the burn from getting worse, make sure you don't treat the burn with home remedies, such as ice, toothpaste, butter, or eggs. Also avoid applying cotton balls or tissue to burns, as tiny cotton fibers can stick to the wound and increase the risk of infection.
Never do home remedies for wounds with 3rd degree burns. If you experience severe burns, go to the doctor immediately for proper treatment.
Because, severe burns require medical treatment as soon as possible. This can help prevent scar tissue, deformities, and deformities from forming.