Acne Treatments Guide - Articles

Burns destroy skin, which controls the amount of heat our bodies retain and liberate, holds in fluids, and protects us from disease. Even though burns on fingers and hands are not innately dangerous, they can lead to swelling.

In fact, burns of the face and neck can sometimes swell enough to cause difficulty breathing and restrict blood flow. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or a prickling sensation in the affected area, call for medical assistance at once.

How to Deal with Hot Water Burns

Hot water burns are caused by hot liquids or gases. This type of burn is usually local and rarely life threatening. Young children and the elderly over 65 years of age are at a higher risk because of their delicate skin.

If you have experienced minor hot water burns, hold the burned area under cool, running water for 15 minutes. Do not apply ointments or butter or pop any blisters. Finally, protect the area with dry, sterile gauze.

If the burn is severe, call for medical attention at once and keep the burned area under cool, running water. Do not irritate the injury in any way until help arrives. To decrease the swelling in burned limbs, keep them elevated.

Don't forget to consult a doctor if burns, minor or severe, occur on the face, hands, genitalia, feet, or for any burn on an infant.

How to Deal with Cold Burns

A cold burn is produced by contact with a low-temperature object. It can be caused by prolonged contact with moderately cold objects (snow or ice which is called frostbite) or brief contact with very cold objects like dry ice. In the following text, we will discuss how to take care of a person who has been affected by frostbite.

Victims should be moved to a warm, sheltered location as soon as possible. The affected areas should be covered with sterile cloth taking care to separate fingers and toes. Any constricting or wet clothes should be removed, and the victim should be kept hydrated with warm liquids.

Only when the victim has been taken to a permanent, safe location, re warming can begin. This can be done by immersing the affected parts in warm, circulating water or by applying warm clothing to the injured areas for 20-30 minutes. Do not attempt this process if you have not reached a secure location because there is the danger of severe damage due to the potential re-freezing thawed extremities.

Scar Treatment for Burns

Severe burns can leave scars. Burn scars can be treated with special lotions or surgery, depending on the extent and type of scar.

Since scars tissue is less elastic it does not allow for the normal range of motion. Lotions can help moisturize the scarred tissue and help with the dissolution of old scars. In some cases, scar removal through surgical procedures is necessary.