الحروق (Burns) 

Burns

This page will help you prepare and act correctly to provide first aid for burns.

When do burns occur?

A burn happens when heat, chemicals, sunlight, electricity, or radiation damages skin tissues.

Most burns happen unexpectedly. There are different degrees of burns. A healthcare provider determines the severity (degree) of the burn based on the depth of the burn and the amount of skin affected. Burns can be painful. If left untreated, a burn can lead to infection.

What are the symptoms of burn injuries?

1. Burn symptoms vary depending on the severity or degree of the burn.

• First-degree burns affect the upper layer of the skin, like sunburns. Symptoms may include:
• Redness of the affected skin.
• Pain when touching the area.

1. Slight swelling of the skin.

• Second-degree burn symptoms: These burns affect the first two layers of skin.
• Skin discoloration to brown or dark red.
• Redness and swelling.
• Pain in the affected area.
• Appearance of fluid-filled blisters.

1. The skin in the affected area peels easily.

• Third-degree burn symptoms: These involve complete burning and damage to the skin tissues.
• Damage or loss of skin layers.
• No pain when touching the area.
• Dry and tough skin.

Charred skin or the appearance of white, brown, or black spots.

How to handle burns?

Handling burns depends on the type or degree of the burn.

• Handling first-degree burns:
• Apply cool, damp compresses or immerse the area in cool, fresh water. Continue until the pain subsides.
• Cover the burn with a sterile non-stick bandage or a clean cloth.
• Do not use ointments on the affected area as they may cause infection.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce and alleviate the pain.

Generally, first-degree burns heal without further treatment. However, if a first-degree burn covers a large area of the body or if the affected person is an infant or an elderly individual, seek medical attention.

• Handling second-degree burns:
• Immerse the burned area in cool, fresh water or apply cool compresses. Continue for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Dry the burned area with a clean cloth and cover it with sterile gauze.
• Avoid touching any blisters or wounds.
• Do not apply ointments on the burns as they may cause infection.
• Elevate burned armsShockor legs.
• Take steps to prevent shock: Lay the victim flat on the ground, raise the feet slightly (approximately 30 cm), and cover them with a coat or blanket.
• Do not put the victim in a shock position if there is a suspected head, neck, back, or leg injury, or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.

Seek further medical care and do not attempt to treat severe burns unless you are a trained healthcare practitioner in a facility equipped to handle burns.

• Handling third-degree burns
• Gently cover the burned area with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. (Do not use materials that may leave lint on the burn.)
• Do not apply ointments to theShockburns as they may cause infection.
• Take steps to prevent shock: Lay the victim flat on the ground, raise the feet slightly (approximately 30 cm).
• If the person’s face is burned, have them sit up and watch for breathing difficulties.
• Elevate the burned area above the victim’s head when possible. Keep the person warm and in a comfortable position, and monitor for signs of shock.
• Do not put a pillow under the victim’s head if they are lying down and there are airway burns, as this can block the airway.

Immediately seek medical care. Do not attempt to treat severe burns unless you are a trained healthcare practitioner in a facility equipped to handle burns.

Emergency numbers in Gulf countries:

Oman: 9999.

Saudi Arabia: 997.

Kuwait: 112.

Qatar: 999.

UAE: 998.

Bahrain: 999.