How can you identify burn?

Answer 1

The classification depends on how deep, that is what bodily structures, the burn involves. It is normally also noted with how much of the body or area is effected. Even lower degree burns involving a large percentage of the body are very serious: Degree 1 - Epidermis (very top layers of skin), generally reddening, no blistering Degree 2 - Dermis (virtually all skin layers), blistering Degree 3 - Subcutaneous involvement (normally some bleeding, all skin removed) Degree 4 - Muscle/fat and below

Answer 2

As usual, the most important aid to diagnosing any disease, condition or injury is to find out the mechanism of injury (how the injury happened), and the history.

If you see a bottle of acid toppled over, lying next to the patient, it would be logical to assume the burn is chemical. However, don't always assume what you see is what caused it.

The best person to help you diagnose the burn is the patient himself. Ask him what happened, how it happened, how long ago since it happened and what the pain is like (tingling, sharp and how bad it is).

As a general rule, any burn that takes up 5% or more of the body's surface area will require immediate medical attention.

WARNING: Make sure that you are not putting yourself in any danger by assisting the patient. Burns caused by electricity can cause a serious hazard as the electricity source may still be live. NEVER approach a scene which will jeopardise your safety.

When in doubt of the patients condition, always seek medical aid.