Let's be aware of Third-Degree Burns. These things will be very important for you and your family!

A burn is not something we do intentionally, without harming anyone. But it is an accident that can happen at an unexpected time and in an unexpected way. While some burns heal quickly like a minor scratch, some burns are very dangerous and can affect life. Today we are going to talk about one of the most severe and deepest types of burns. We call this a third-degree burn, or as it is known in medical science (Third-Degree Burns) . Knowing exactly about this is very important for you and your loved ones.

What is a burn, simply put?

Simply put, a burn is damage to our skin caused by excessive heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Our skin is not just one layer. It has several main layers. The thin layer on top is called the epidermis . Beneath it is the dermis . This dermis contains things like blood vessels, nerve endings, and sweat glands. Beneath it is the subcutaneous tissue . This is where the fatty layer is located. The severity of a burn depends on how deeply these layers of skin are damaged.

Are there types of burns? Yes, there are three main ones!

Yes, burns can be divided into three main categories based on their severity. Just like grades in school, first, second, and third.

• First-Degree Burn: This is the least serious type of burn. It is similar to a sunburn. Only the top layer of skin is damaged. The skin becomes red, slightly swollen, and painful. But there are no blisters. It heals in a few days.
• Second-Degree Burn: This is a bit deeper. It damages both the top layer of skin and part of the underlying layer. It causes severe pain and blisters. The skin may become red and moist. It can take several weeks to heal, and sometimes a small scar may remain.
• Third-Degree Burn: This is the most dangerous type we're talking about today. In this, all layers of the skin are destroyed . Not only that, but the underlying fatty tissue, and sometimes muscles, tendons, and even bones can be damaged.

So what exactly is a third-degree burn?

Imagine, this is like our skin being completely burned off.

• Appearance: The area of ​​a burn may be waxy white, dry, brown, or black like leather. Sometimes the burn may feel numb. This is because the nerve endings in the skin are destroyed, so you don't feel pain. But don't be fooled by this! Just because it doesn't hurt doesn't mean it's not serious. First- or second-degree burns can cause severe pain around the burn.
• Blisters: Third-degree burns usually do not blister because there is not enough top layer of skin left to form blisters.
• To the touch: The burn may feel dry, leathery, or hard to the touch.

What are the main causes of third-degree burns?

There are several reasons why such severe burns occur.

• Fire: Things like house fires, explosions, and clothes catching fire.
• Hot liquids: If something like very hot water, oil, or milk is spilled on the body, especially if it comes into contact with the skin for a long time. Imagine how dangerous it would be if boiling water spilled on a small child.
• Hot objects: If something like a very hot piece of iron, a stove burner, or a muffler comes into contact with the skin for a long time.
• Electricity: Electrical burns caused by high-voltage electric shocks are very deep and can damage internal organs.
• Chemicals: If things like strong acids and alkalis get on the skin.
• Prolonged contact: Even a brief contact with something hot can cause a second-degree burn. However, third-degree burns usually require a longer exposure to the heat.

What exactly are the symptoms of a severe burn like this? How do you recognize it?

As we said before, it is very important to remember these characteristics.

• Burnt skin can be white, waxy, or brown, black, or charcoal in color .
• The skin may become dry and leathery .
• The burned area may swell .
• No numbness or pain at the burn site (due to nerve damage).
• When you press the burned area with your finger, it turns white and does not turn red again (doctors call it ``no blanching'').

Important: Don't assume that a burn victim is in pain just because they say they don't feel it. In a third-degree burn, the nerves are destroyed, so you may not feel any pain. This is a dangerous situation!

Why are third-degree burns so dangerous? What are the possible complications?

This is something we all need to understand. Third-degree burns are life-threatening. There are many reasons for this:

• Severe Dehydration and Shock: Our skin is the body's main reservoir of water. When the skin is damaged, a large amount of fluid is lost quickly from the body. This can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, and shock.
• Infections: The skin is the first line of defense against germs entering our bodies. When this line is broken, germs like bacteria can easily enter the body and cause serious infections. Sometimes, these infections can spread throughout the body and lead to a dangerous condition called sepsis .
• Breathing Problems: If areas such as the face and neck are burned, or if smoke is inhaled, the airways may swell and make it difficult to breathe.
• Hypothermia: When skin is lost, it is difficult to regulate body temperature, which can cause the body temperature to drop dangerously low.
• Scars and Contractures: These deep burns can leave large scars after they heal. Sometimes, these scars can cause the skin to become stiff and joints to become unable to move properly (contractures).
• Organ Damage: In very severe burns, internal organs, such as the kidneys, can also be damaged.
• Need for Skin Grafts: In third-degree burns, the skin that is destroyed does not regenerate. Therefore, healthy skin from another part of the body must be taken and transplanted to the burned area (Skin Grafting).
• Psychological Trauma: A person who experiences such a traumatic experience is also psychologically affected. This can lead to long-term feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What should we do immediately if we get a third-degree burn? (First aid)

If you have a burn like this, the most important thing is to get to the hospital immediately! Don't even think about treating it at home. Call the 1990 Suwaseriya Ambulance Service, or take the person to the nearest government hospital as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do:

1. Stop the burn: Immediately remove the person from the fire, hot objects, or chemicals. If clothing is on fire, have them roll to the ground and extinguish the fire, or cover them with a thick cloth or blanket to extinguish the fire.

2. Remove clothing and jewelry: If the clothing is not stuck to the burn, remove it slowly. If there are any rings, bracelets, or necklaces, remove them as well. This is because the burn will start to swell after a while, and you will not be able to remove them. If the clothing is stuck to the skin, do not pull it off forcefully!

3. Cooling (very carefully!):

• For only a minor burn (such as a small area on an arm or leg), wash it with lukewarm water (not ice water, like tap water) for about 10-15 minutes.
• If the burn is large (e.g., entire leg, chest), do not pour a lot of water! Doing so can cause hypothermia, which is dangerous.
• Never use ice! Ice can cause further damage to the skin.

4. Cover with a clean, dry cloth or bandage: Gently cover the burn with a clean, dry, non-sticky cloth (e.g., a clean sheet). This will help protect against infection. Do not use anything like cotton wool, as it can stick to the wound.

5. Elevate the burned area above the level of your heart if possible: If an arm or leg is burned, elevating the area slightly can help reduce swelling.

6. Do not apply any home remedies or ointments!

Don't think that applying toothpaste, butter, oil, aloe vera, blue powder, coffee powder, etc. at home is okay. These things will only make the condition worse, cause infections, and make it difficult for doctors to clean the wound.

How is medical treatment done? `(Medical Treatment)`

Once a person with a third-degree burn is admitted to the hospital, specialist doctors and nursing staff provide the necessary treatment. Often, there are special burn units for this purpose.

• Intravenous Fluids (IV fluids): Things like saline are given to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
• Pain Medication: Strong painkillers are given to control severe pain.
• Wound Care and Debridement: Debridement is the removal of burned, dead skin. This is necessary to prevent infection and prepare the wound for new skin grafting.
• Skin Grafting: In place of the damaged skin, a thin layer of skin is taken from another healthy part of the patient's body (e.g., the thigh) and transplanted to the burned area. Sometimes, artificial skin grafts are also used.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are given to prevent infections or treat existing infections.
• Tetanus Shot: A tetanus shot is given because the tetanus germ can enter through burn wounds.
• Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: These treatments are very important during the recovery period to prevent joint stiffness, strengthen muscles, and help you practice daily activities independently.
• Nutritional Support: The body needs more energy and nutrition to heal from a burn. Therefore, a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is provided.
• Mental Health Support: Psychiatric counseling and support are provided to reduce the stress that can arise after an experience like this.

What is the recovery time and long-term care like?

Third-degree burns take a long time to heal. It can take months, even years. It depends on factors such as the size and depth of the burn, the age and health of the patient.

• Scar management: Things like special pressure garments, silicone sheets, and massage can help reduce scars.
• Continue physical therapy: You will need to continue exercising to maximize the function of your joints and muscles.
• Sun protection: Since scarred skin is sensitive to sunlight, you should cover up and apply sunscreen when going out in the sun.
• Mental and emotional support: This journey is difficult to go through alone. Support from family, friends, doctors, and counselors is essential.

What can we do to prevent burns? (Prevention)

"Precaution is the best medicine," they say. There are many things we can do to protect ourselves from burns.

• Be careful in the kitchen: When cooking, keep pot handles from slipping off the stove. Be very careful when using hot oil and hot water. Keep small children away from the kitchen and stove.
• Hot water: When setting the temperature of the water heater, do not set it too hot for children to use.
• Smoke Detectors: Install smoke detectors in your home and regularly check that they are working properly.
• Fire extinguisher: It's a good idea to keep a small fire extinguisher at home.
• Flammable materials: Keep things like kerosene and gasoline safely out of reach of children. Do not keep things like matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• Electrical appliances: Do not use damaged electrical appliances or wires. Protect yourself from electric shock.

The most important things we need to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you have a good understanding of third-degree burns from what we have discussed today. Finally, keep these points in mind:

• Third-Degree Burns are a very dangerous, life-threatening condition.
• If you get a burn like this, seek medical attention immediately. Do not treat it at home.
• Do not apply any home remedies or ointments (such as toothpaste, butter, or oil) to the burn.
• It's best to avoid burns, so be sure to take safety precautions.
• Recovery is possible with proper medical treatment and long-term care. Although the journey is difficult, it can be overcome with courage and support.

May you and your family be protected from such dangers and have the strength to stay healthy!

` Burns, Third-Degree Burns, Skin Burns, Severe Burns, Burn Treatment, Burn Prevention