Health Tips for February 25

Health Tip: Caring for a Minor Burn

While serious burns require a doctor's care, even minor burns should be treated properly.

Here are suggestions for how to help a minor burn heal, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Immediately after the injury, soak the area in cool water.
* Don't apply butter, oil, ice or ice water to burns. These products can further damage the skin.
* Treat the burn with a soothing aloe vera gel, or an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
* Cover the burn with a dry gauze bandage.
* If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Health Tip: Classifying Burns

Burns are classified in three ways: as first-, second- or third-degree burns.

These designations are based on severity, and usually dictate what kind of treatment the burn requires.

Here is information about each type of burn, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* First-degree burns are least serious, characterized by red, painful, swollen areas on the skin that turn white when pressure is applied. They typically heal within three to six days.
* Second-degree burns are thicker, more painful burns that may blister. They usually swell significantly, and the skin may appear splotchy. They typically heal within two to three weeks.
* Third-degree burns are the most severe, affecting all layers of the skin, and may look white or charred. They may not be painful, as the nerves may be damaged from a third-degree burn. This type of burn typically requires a very long time to heal.