How To Treat A Burn

The need for fire is ever present in an apocalyptic situation or major disaster such an a hurricane, earthquake, Zombie outbreak and other similar survival scenario and when there’s fire you’re likely to get burned… at least every once in a while.

The proper cleaning and treatment of burns, regardless of their severity, is extremely important for continued survival and well-being. Improperly cared for or left untreated, burns can cause serious infection and even death in some cases.

Classifying a Burn: Determining the intensity or degree of a burn is the first step to applying the proper treatment.

 First Degree - Affects the outer layer of skin only. Mildly red and painful, no blistering, may peel slightly with time. (see: sunburns)

Second Degree – A slightly deeper burn that causes moderate pain and swelling as well as slight blistering.

Third Degree - Penetrating through the skin and into the underlying fat and muscle tissue of the body, these burns are extremely painful and much more difficult to treat. Burned skin will appear charred, leathery, and is “numb” to the touch, but the underlying nerves will throb and become extremely pained.

 Treating a Burn: Pour cold clean water over the burned area as quickly as possible, and remove burned clothing, jewelry and other contaminates from the affected area. After treating with cold water, keep the area clean and dry whenever possible and watch for signs of infection such as deep yellow, brown or green oozing and puss, redness and swelling beyond the extremities of the burn and bad smells emanating from affected area. Never pick at or scratch a burn as it can cause further irritation and invite infection to the area. When available seek medical attention as needed.

First Degree Burns - These burns often heal on their own, though they can be a bit painful at times. Clean and dry the area. Apply a clean cold compress and change as needed. On occasion some of the more extreme first degree burns – like an exceptionally bad sunburn – will flake and peel as they heal. This is normal and should not be cause for concern.

Second and Third Degree Burns - Clean and dry the area, apply a thin layer of anti-biotic ointment (or pure high grade honey) and apply a sterile non-stick bandage over the area. Change the bandage daily and clean the area until it heals, or if the burn gets wet or oozes. Repeat this process until the burn no longer presents a problem and has fully healed.