Having basic first aid knowledge of how to deal with minor burns and scalds is essential, both in the workplace or at home. Here, the team at health and safety training experts High Speed Training explain the difference between burns and scalds and how to treat them.
Dr Richard Anderson, Director of Learning at High Speed Training, said: “Burns and scalds are painful injuries caused by heat damage to the skin. Depending on their severity, both burns and scalds can be identified by red skin, peeling skin, blisters and swelling, or even white or charred skin in more serious cases.”
“Minor surface burns and scalds can be treated using appropriate first aid knowledge at home or in the workplace. However, more severe burns will require immediate medical attention.”
“There is a key difference between burns and scalds. A burn is caused by dry heat, such as a hot surface, fire or the sun, where a scald is caused by wet heat – such as steam, boiling water or hot liquid.”
Some common causes of burns include ovens, irons, open flames, hot surfaces, sun exposure, contact with corrosive chemicals or a live electrical current. Common causes of scalds include boiling water or steam, hot drinks and hot oil.
The NHS explains four main types of burns and scalds:
Superficial epidermal burns: The outer layer of the skin will appear red and slightly swollen. It might be painful but there is no blistering. This type of burn can be treated with basic first aid.
Superficial dermal burns: The outer layer of skin and parts of the tissue underneath are damaged and the skin will appear pale pink with small blisters. It is likely to be painful but can usually be treated with basic first aid.
Deep dermal or partial thickness burns – both the outer layer of skin and the tissue underneath are damaged and the skin will appear red and blotchy. The skin may also become swollen, blistered, moist or dry and it can be very painful or even painless. This type of burn requires immediate medical attention,
Full thickness burns – all layers of the skin are damaged, including the deeper layers of fat and tissue below the surface. The skin may be burnt away and look pale or blackened with a leathery or waxy texture. This type of burn can often be painless and requires immediate medical attention.
How to Treat Burns and Scalds
Burns and scalds are treated in the same way and your first priority should be to cool down the affected area as quickly as possible.
- Where possible, move the casualty away from the source of heat to prevent further burn injuries to them or to you.
- Remove any loose clothing or jewellery near to the burnt area of skin, but do not remove anything that has stuck to the skin.
- Use cool or lukewarm running water to cool the burn for at least 20 minutes. Do not use ice, creams or greasy substances.
- Cover the burnt area of skin, ideally with a layer of cling film or a clean plastic bag, and raise the affected area to help reduce any swelling.
- Keep the casualty warm and comfortable, avoiding touching the burnt area, and give them painkillers if needed.
Dr Anderson said: “Remember, if the casualty has received a severe, deep burn, a chemical burn or an electrical burn, you should contact the emergency services immediately for further medical care. Keep the casualty calm and reassured until the emergency services arrive.”
“Burns and scalds can be very painful injuries and are often caused by accidents with hot surfaces and liquids. Whether the burn occurs at home or in the workplace, it’s important to have the right first aid knowledge so you know how to respond and treat the burn or scald quickly and appropriately.”
For more information, visit the High Speed Training website, and view High Speed Training’s range of Health and Safety courses
