Our body parts are covered with three layers of skin. These layers play a very important role in maintaining the body temperature and the fluid level. The bacteria and virus in the atmosphere are also harmful for the body, so the skin acts as a protector too. When we get a burn, one of these three layers or all the three layers of the skin get damaged. There could be various reasons for the burns. Some are injuries caused due to radiation, chemicals or heat. The injuries might be healed with a simple ointment or might even require surgery. Burn location is very important as for the burns on the area of face, nose or mouth would lead to breathlessness and might require immediate hospitalisation.

Types of burns :

Burns could be categorised as first degree, second and third degree.
The first degree burn is said to be mild and the inflammation and redness subsides in 3-6 days.
If the middle layer of the skin gets burn, the patient might experience instant swelling, redness with persistent pain. This is the second degree burn.
The damage when percolates to the third layer, this is when we see the third degree skin burns. Sweat glands, adjacent hair follicles are damaged.

Symptoms and signs of burns :

First degree burns: mild Inflammation and redness
Second degree burns: instant swelling, redness. The blisters would develop through which a white fluid would ooze out. Patient would experience dehydration.
Third degree burns: damage to sweat glands, hair follicles. As the nerves get destroyed, there is no pain. Discolouration of skin is experienced along with disfigurement. The patient would be in a state of shock. Circulation is impaired due to development of crusty surfaces which are called Eschars

Treatment for burns :

First degree burns: Applying an antibiotic would give the patient relief from pain. Tetanus vaccination might also be required. These are some of the treatment or first aid for burns.

Second degree burns: Sometimes even skin graft might be required to treat the second degree burns but it depends on the extent of the injury. But yes hospitalisation is necessary.

Third degree burns: Such a patient would require immediate hospitalisation. The surgeon would then treat for the dehydration by putting you on intravenous fluid supply. Surgery might be required right away.

Every burn should be given proper attention as what might appear a small first degree burn could result into second degree and subsequently to third degree without proper care. So consult your surgeon and seek medical advice before it is too late. First aid for burns should be given to patient to reduce the severity of the condition.