Table of contents:
- A type of burn that can leave scars
- 1. First degree burns
- 2. Second degree burns
- 3. Third degree burns
- How to deal with burns
- 1. Cool burns
- 2. Apply petroleum jelly
- 3. Use sterile bandages
- 4. Take pain relievers
- 5. Avoid the sun
Overcoming burns can be done in certain ways, depending on the degree. The scars that are left behind can disappear over time and some may leave permanent traces. In case of minor burns it can be treated at home to prevent further effects. Previously, first know the types of burns that can leave marks on the skin.
A type of burn that can leave scars
You may have accidentally touched a hot pan or boiled water. After that, there is a feeling of heat that attacks the skin. Usually, a quick way to deal with burns that are classified as minor can be done immediately at home. However, for other accidents it can cause a certain degree of burns and leave scars.
So, know the burns that can leave scars.
1. First degree burns
These burns affect the epidermis or the outer skin. Burns usually leave red and painful marks. Generally, in the first degree, burns can heal without leaving scars within 6 days. How to deal with this degree of burns you can do immediately at home.
2. Second degree burns
In second degree burns, it usually affects the epidermis and dermis or under the skin, causing a reddish color. Patients usually experience pain in the wound area. Burn healing lasts 2-3 weeks and generally leaves a scar.
3. Third degree burns
Not only the skin layers of the epidermis and dermis, the damage in third degree burns also occurs in the tendons and bones. In fact, it can affect nerve endings. These burns cause skin changes that turn white or black in color. The healing period for these burns takes a long time and leaves scars.
In second and third degree burns, the following scars usually occur.
- Hypertrophic scars: burns can leave a reddish to purplish and convex color mark (raised sores). This hypetrophic scar usually causes pain and itching.
- Contracture scars: make the skin, muscles, and tendons tighter and restrict the skin from moving normally and freely.
- Keloid scars: healed skin with a shiny surface, and raised, hairless scars.
How to deal with burns
Minor burns or first degree burns can be treated immediately so that they do not leave scars and continue to the second degree. The following are recommendations for how to deal with burns that are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
1. Cool burns
How to treat burns can be done by wetting the affected area with cold tap water. Do it for 10 minutes until the pain subsides.
2. Apply petroleum jelly
Never use toothpaste or butter to grease a burn, because both can cause infection. Applying petroleum jelly 2-3 times every day to soothe burns is the recommended way to treat burns.
3. Use sterile bandages
You can use a non-stick sterile bandage as a way to treat blistered burns. Allow the wound to heal and avoid breaking the blister that swells up.
4. Take pain relievers
Sometimes minor burns also cause skin pain. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and inflammation.
5. Avoid the sun
How to deal with subsequent burns, don't forget to protect burns from sun exposure. You can adjust clothing to cover the burn area and wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Some conditions cause burn scars that are reddish for weeks. Therefore, this method is needed to minimize scarring.
For burns of the first degree it can be removed without the help of a doctor. However, for second and third degree burns it is better to immediately be referred to the hospital for further treatment.
