Burn Care |
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DESCRIPTION
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You can sustain a burn from heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation--including sunlight. Most burns heal in 1 to 3 weeks.
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SYMPTOMS
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There are three degrees of severity, each with distinctive symptoms: First-degree burns are mild and injure only the outer layer of skin. The skin becomes red, but will turn white when touched. The area may also be painful to the touch. Second-degree burns are deeper, more severe, and very painful. Blisters may form on the burned area. This type of burn takes about 2 weeks to heal. Third-degree burns are the deepest and most serious kind. The skin becomes white and leathery, but it does not feel very tender when touched. There may be swelling in the burned area. Serious burns may be accompanied by headache, fever, and dizziness.
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CARE
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Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Use it as directed, and follow the first-aid steps outlined below. If the burn is severe, you may need to be hospitalized to avoid infection and receive special care.
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