Understanding and Treating Burns

Tina Hipkiss

Alright, so when we talk about burns, they’re classified into four main degrees, each based on how deep they go and the specific layers of skin they affect. Let's start with First-Degree burns—these are what we call superficial burns. They only affect the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. Typically, they show up as redness, maybe a bit of swelling, but, um, no blisters.

Andy Cee

Oh, so like, uh... a sunburn, right?

Tina Hipkiss

Exactly—classic example. Then we move on to Second-Degree burns. These go deeper, involving both the epidermis and part of the dermis. The key thing here is you often see blisters... and the skin's shiny or wet, which makes them pretty distinct.

Andy Cee

And I guess they're, uh, loads more painful, yeah?

Tina Hipkiss

Absolutely. But then we hit a bit of a twist with Third-Degree burns. These are full-thickness burns, which... go right through the dermis and can even damage tissues underneath, like fat or muscle. What’s striking, though, is that they might not actually hurt at first.

Andy Cee

Wait, what? No pain?

Tina Hipkiss

Yeah, no pain—but not because it’s less serious, far from it. It’s just that the nerves in the area are typically destroyed. The skin might look... white, charred, or even leathery.

Andy Cee

Yikes. And I guess Fourth-Degree is even worse?

Tina Hipkiss

It is. It’s the most severe—these burns actually extend beyond the skin, affecting muscles, tendons, and even bones. They’re completely nerve-destroyed, so there’s no sensation at all. And the skin? Charred, blackened—it’s, uh, devastating.

Andy Cee

So, if someone’s not feeling pain, it might—might actually be really serious?

Tina Hipkiss

Exactly, Andy. That’s why careful assessment is crucial in these cases. Just because someone isn't screaming in pain doesn’t mean the burn isn’t life-threatening.

Tina Hipkiss

Now that we’ve talked about the different degrees of burns, let’s focus on what to do when someone gets burned. Treating less severe burns starts with cooling the area. Using cool running water for at least 20 minutes is crucial—it helps stop the damage from progressing deeper into the skin.

Andy Cee

Twenty minutes? That’s, uh, longer than I expected. Why so long?

Tina Hipkiss

It's all about reducing the skin temperature and preventing further tissue damage. A quick splash isn’t enough—it doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to cool the lower layers where the damage continues to spread. Proper cooling makes a big difference, especially for First- and minor Second-Degree burns.

Andy Cee

Makes sense. And after that, what’s next?

Tina Hipkiss

So, after cooling, you need to think about pain management and protecting the area. For first degree burns, you can apply a soothing moisturizer, like aloe vera—it hydrates the skin and helps with the healing process. Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen are also really effective for managing discomfort.

Andy Cee

Right, right. But what about blisters? I've heard people... you know, popping them. Bad idea, huh?

Tina Hipkiss

Exactly—never pop a blister. Those blisters are your body’s built-in protection against infection. By keeping them intact, you’re giving the burn the best chance to heal naturally without complications.

Andy Cee

Got it. No popping allowed.

Tina Hipkiss

And that brings us to sterile dressings. For deeper burns, this step is crucial. A sterile, non-stick dressing seals the wound, keeps germs out, and prevents infection, something like cling-film can be used And, don’t forget, you’ll need to change it as instructed by a healthcare professional to avoid any buildup of bacteria.

Andy Cee

Right. Makes sense too. Infection’s gotta be a big risk, yeah?

Tina Hipkiss

It is. Infection can make even a minor burn much more serious. It’s why burns, even small ones, deserve proper, careful treatment.

Tina Hipkiss

We’ve covered how to handle minor burns, but when it comes to serious burns—Third- and Fourth-Degree—it’s an entirely different situation. The stakes are incredibly high because these burns can lead to shock and life-threatening infections if not treated immediately.

Andy Cee

And by shock, you mean like—the body shutdown kind of shock, yeah?

Tina Hipkiss

Exactly. It happens when the body loses too much fluid or suffers extreme stress, and it’s dangerous. That’s why these burns require emergency medical attention—trying to handle them on your own just isn’t enough.

Andy Cee

So first aid for these burns... is there anything we can do before the medics arrive?

Tina Hipkiss

Yes. It’s critical to act fast and stay calm. First, you want to cool the burn—just like with less severe burns, use cool running water, but, obviously, don’t overdo it if the burn is too large because it could lead to hypothermia. Covering the area gently with something sterile, like a non-stick dressing or cling film, is the next step.

Andy Cee

Right. And no popping blisters or, uh, messing with the wound, I guess?

Tina Hipkiss

Exactly, Andy. You just want to protect the burn while waiting for the professionals. You should also keep an eye out for signs of shock—cold, clammy skin or confusion—and do what you can to keep the person warm and still.

Andy Cee

Got it. No cold water baths or anything drastic.

Tina Hipkiss

Correct. And here’s where planning ahead really helps. Having specific burn supplies in your first aid kit can, honestly, make all the difference. A burn gel or specialist dressings can buy some precious time during those critical moments.

Andy Cee

Yeah, yeah, like—being prepared for it makes everything less panicky.

Tina Hipkiss

Exactly. And on that note, first aid training is invaluable. Knowing what to do before a situation arises can save lives—and with burns like these, life-saving action is exactly what’s needed.

Andy Cee

Well, I think we’ve covered a lot today—burns of all kinds have their challenges, yeah?

Tina Hipkiss

They do, but the key takeaway is understanding the severity and acting swiftly. Whether it’s a minor sunburn or a deep burn needing emergency care, having the knowledge and tools to respond makes all the difference.

Andy Cee

Absolutely. And with that, I think we’re—we’re about done here. If you want to know more any sort of First aid why not take a training course with Stow Training?

Tina Hipkiss

Agreed. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you next time!