show that there are more than 2 million people acquire heat burns
every year in the US. The burns may vary from heat burns, scald
burns, chemical burns, etc. Let us try to examine heat burns, being
the most common of all burns.
Heat or termal burns occur when the skin touches a hot surface.
The skin may either be in contact with hot liquids, flames, steam,
flash, or extremely hot surfaces. The minimum temperature that could
cause heat burns is 115º F. This can occur anywhere at home
like exposure to irons, stoves, hot kettles, and others.
Although 75% of the reported burns can be inhibited, it is still
necessary to know the degree of your burn. Classification of the
burn depends on what stage or layer of the skin is affected. The
severity of your burns determines what kind, for how long and to
what extent of treatment is going to be rendered.
Burn Rx: 15 Second Heat Burn Relief Guaranteed
Heat Burn: Causes
The most common sources of thermal burns are heat and fire. Scalds
or extremely hot steams are also known to be the cause of thermal
burns in households especially for children and housewives.
Heat Burn: Medical Attention
If you suffering from too much pain, it is advisable that
you seek your doctor advice for necessary treatment. If
sensitive areas like eyes, joints, hands, feet, ears, genitals,
or joints are affected, request for emergency medical attention.
It is recommended that you see a doctor in these following situations:
The thickness of the burn grows more than twice its original
When the thickness appears to be charred, dry and numb.
Majority of your body is swelling due to the burn.
If you have difficulty in breathing.
If unconsciousness results from the thermal burn.
Heat Burn Treatment
Certain medications are available for burn treatments. One example
is a topical antibiotic which can contain triple major ingredients
namely Silvadene, Neosporin, and Bacitracin. Pain relievers are
also sufficient to alleviate the pain born from the burn. Some of
the common over-the-counter pain relievers are acetaminophen and
ibuprofen. If severe pain still persists, doctors may recommend
Tylenol as an anesthetic pain reliever.
Medical experts have their own common procedures on attending heat
or thermal burns. The burned area is cleansed before removing damaged
or dead tissues. But blisters that may have developed on the hands
and feet may be left untouched to avoid further pain.
Heat Burn: First-Aid
It is essential to know the basic steps to home care in case you
receive thermal burns.
1. Put out the fire If your clothes are
in flame, take them off or you can drop and roll to put out the
fire. Avoid the risk of being in contact with hot steam or surfaces.
2. Cold Treatment Be sure to immediately
cool the burned area with tap water for a few minutes. This can
minimize the extent of the burn.
3. Antibiotic Ointments These are effective
for mild burns. Not only do they heal wounds but they also prevent
4. Blisters Do not attempt to remove blisters
on your own. Be sure that you seek your doctor advice on
procedures regarding blisters on your feet and hands.