What are the Facts About Burn Injuries?

• For residential buildings , the most common causes of fires were cooking accidents, heating equipment and electrical problems.
• For non-residential buildings, the most common causes of fires were cooking accidents, carelessness and intentional lighting.
• Texas, Pennsylvania and California lead the nation in fire deaths by total.
• Alabama, Mississippi and D.C. lead the nation in fire deaths per million people.
• Almost 6 in 10 people that are injured or die from fires are men.
• For every 1 million people across the country, a little more than 10 are killed and 50 are injured from fires.
• African Americans and American Indians have the highest incidence of deaths from fires on average.
• People over 80 have the highest incidence of deaths from fires on average.
• People in their 30’s have the highest incidence of injuries from fires on average.

Treating your burns can be hard if you don’t realize exactly what kind of burn that you have. In fact, there are several different varieties of burn injuries and they each pose different risks to your health. Here is a review of the most important forms of burn types:

• First-degree burns: These are the most mild form of burn. They normally affect the top level of the skin and inflame the area until it becomes red and hurts to the touch.
• Second-degree burns: These burns can reach as far down as the lower level of the skin. They create more pain and inflammation than first-degree burns and can even cause calluses.
• Third-degree burns: These burns are the most serious. They burn through every level of the skin and completely char the affected area until it has blackened and become numb.

Some burns get better by themselves. Others will not and might require you to take action and even seek medical assistance. Here are some things you can do to treat your burn injuries:

• Eliminate the condition that is burning your skin by smothering the flame, pouring water on it, or rolling on the ground until it is gone.
• Run water over the burned area for 15 to 30 minutes if it has been scalded.
• Apply warm air, blankets, or pads to the area if it has been frozen or frostbitten.
• Continually check your pulse and heartbeat as well as other vital measures.
• Remove any materials of clothing, jewelry, or other items that might be irritating your skin.
• Wash your body of any substances that could be aggravating the burn.
• Put a dry material (like a cloth or bandage) over the burned area to secure the site and decrease the risk of infections.
• Do not put any cream, salve, or ice on the burn because this will inhibit your doctor’s ability to properly assess and treat the burn.
• Visit your doctor to see what course of treatment is most appropriate for your burn injuries.