The most common things you may notice at first are redness, pain, and swelling of the skin. Pain and swelling may be mild and the skin may begin to peel after a session. Symptoms · Causes · Treatments The symptoms of first-degree burns are usually mild and tend to heal after several days. Pain and swelling may be mild and the skin may begin to peel after about a day.
Conversely, second-degree burns blister and are more painful due to the increase in the depth of the burn. First-degree superficial burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. The burn site is red, sore, dry, and free of blisters. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually involves an increase or decrease in skin color.
Apply petroleum jelly two or three times a day. Do not apply ointments, toothpaste, or butter to the burn, as they can cause infection. Finally, the nurse should provide basic education on how to treat the pain of a first-degree burn and on the importance of preventing any other trauma to the burn site. However, if the first-degree burn is very large, if the victim is a baby or an elderly person, or if you think the burn is more serious, go to the emergency room immediately.
First-degree burns caused by electricity can affect more of the skin than what is seen on the top layer. First-degree burns and minor second-degree burns can usually be treated at home, but second-degree burns and more extensive third-degree burns require immediate medical attention. These burns occur as first or second degree burns; however, third degree burns can also result from prolonged exposure. First-degree burns may not be considered serious, but their morbidity depends on location and extent of the burn.
