The difference between burns and scalds

Because burns and scalds leave similar scars on the surface of human skin, most people are not clear about the difference between burns and scalds. I believe that everyone often hears about burns and scalds in life. Moreover, no matter which of these two types of injury accidents, it will cause great harm to the surface of human skin. Let’s learn the difference between burns and scalds today.

Difference between burns and scalds

Everyone should be familiar with burns and scalds. Many different examples have appeared in various reports. Although the degree of burns and scalds on patients is different, the damage caused to the body is very serious. So what is the difference between burns and scalds? Let's read on.

First, let’s take a look at burns. Burns are mainly caused by damage to skin tissue due to liquids or solids such as high-temperature soup, oil, steam, flame, etc. According to the degree of burns in patients, they can be divided into several levels such as 1st degree, 2nd degree, and severe. If the burn area of ​​an adult reaches about 11% to 30%, it can be considered as moderate burns. If the burn area reaches about 31% to 50%, it can be called severe burns.

In addition, burns are caused by high-temperature boiling water, hot oil, and high-temperature solids without flames that damage the skin tissue. Burns are divided into first-degree burns with mild skin redness and swelling, second-degree burns with damage to the dermis of the skin, and third-degree burns with varying degrees of damage to the fat, muscles, and bones below the skin.

First aid for burns and scalds

Burns and scalds are both accidents that cause serious harm to the human body, so when danger comes, it is necessary to master some first aid measures to minimize the degree of injury. Below I will share with you the first aid measures for burns and scalds. Let’s read on.

First aid measures for burns: Be sure to stay away from the fire as soon as possible and take off the clothes on the burning part, or roll on the ground. If there is a pond or water source nearby, jump in immediately. Never run and shout at the same time, as this may easily damage your respiratory tract and cause more serious burns. If it is a liquid burn, remember not to tear off the clothes that are stuck to the flesh. Use scissors carefully to cut off the stuck part and go to the hospital for emergency treatment as soon as possible.

First aid measures for burns: First, immediately rinse the burned area with cold water and take off the clothes on the burned area immediately. Never apply ointments or other medicines to the burned area without permission to avoid infection. Then soak the burned area in cold water, then take clean gauze and simply cover the wound, and finally go to the hospital immediately for appropriate treatment.