Acne Treatments Guide - Articles

Our skin controls the quantity of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and shields us from infection. When it is burned, our skin loses these aptitudes.

Burns on fingers and hands are not usually dangerous, but any burn will cause swelling. In fact, burns of the face and neck can produce enough inflammation to cause difficulty breathing and restrict blood flow. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or a numbing sensation in your extremities, call for medical assistance immediately.

Dealing with Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are usually accidental due to the misuse of common household products such as skin, hair or nail care products or cleaning products. With minor chemical burns you can take the following steps to treat them:

* Remove the chemicals by flushing them off the skin surface with cool, running water for at least 20 minutes. If the burning chemical is a powder-like substance, brush it off the skin before flushing. . *Remove clothing that has been contaminated by the chemical.

*Apply a cool, wet cloth to alleviate the pain and wrap up the burned area loosely with a dry, sterile dressing.

*Rewash the burned area for several more minutes if the burning sensation heightens after the initial washing.

But when the burn is severe or causes symptoms such as shock, fainting, paleness or shallow breathing, you must seek medical attention immediately. Also seek out medical attention if the burn has caused a second degree burn or involves an area more than 3" in diameter, if the burn is on the eye, hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint or if over-the-counter drugs cannot control the pain.

Dealing with Electrical Burns

Electrical burns are produced when someone comes in contact with external electrical shock. They may seem unimportant, but the injury can extend deep into the skin tissues. Strong electrical currents can produce internal damage, such as arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.

This type of burn is so hazardous that you should seek medical attention at once. While you are waiting for help to arrive, follow the steps detailed below.

The first steps to helping someone who has experienced a chemical burn are quite simple: look first and then touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Next, shut off the source of electricity or remove it from the injured person using a non conducting object.

Check for breathing and a pulse. If absent, begin CPR right away. Finally prevent shock by keeping their legs elevated and protect the burnt area area with a sterile gauze, if available. Do not use a towel or blanket to cover the wound because loose filament could get stuck to the wound.

Scar Treatment for Chemical and Electrical Burns

Chemical and electrical burns will usually leave scars. There are several treatment options in these cases ranging from creams to surgery.

Given that scars become less elastic, they limit our normal range of motion leading to pain and frustration. Creams and lotions can help hydrate the scarred tissue and stimulate the dissolution of old scars. In some cases,however, scar removal through surgical procedures is the only alternative.