Burns and scalds are common injuries affecting the skin, but despite their similarities, they differ in cause, nature, and severity.
What Are Burns and Scalds?
Burns refer to skin damage caused by direct contact with dry heat, such as fire, hot metal, or electricity.
Scalds, on the other hand, are caused by moist heat, such as boiling water, steam, or hot liquids.
Although both injuries affect the skin’s integrity, the key difference lies in their source. Burns are often associated with prolonged exposure to heat or chemicals, while scalds occur when hot liquids or steam come into contact with the skin.
Differences Between Burns and Scalds
| Aspect | Burns | Scalds |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Dry heat (fire, hot objects, electricity) | Moist heat (boiling water, steam, hot oil) |
| Severity | Depends on duration of contact and heat intensity | Depends on temperature and volume of liquid |
| Common Locations | Hands, arms, face, legs | Neck, chest, arms (common from spills) |
Physiological Changes
When burns or scalds occur, the body initiates a series of physiological responses to protect and repair the damaged tissue:
- Inflammatory Response:
- Blood vessels in the affected area dilate, increasing blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients for healing.
- Immune cells are activated to fight infection and clear debris.
- Fluid Loss:
- Severe burns or scalds can lead to significant fluid loss through damaged skin, causing dehydration and shock.
- Pain and Sensation Changes:
- Nerve endings may become damaged, causing intense pain or loss of sensation depending on the depth of the injury.
- Tissue Damage:
- Superficial burns or scalds affect only the epidermis (outer layer), while deeper injuries may damage the dermis or even underlying tissues.
- Formation of Blisters:
- In partial-thickness burns, fluid accumulates between skin layers, forming blisters to protect the underlying tissue.
First Aid for Burns and Scalds
Immediate and appropriate first aid can reduce the severity of damage and improve recovery.
First Aid for Burns
- Remove the Source: Move the individual away from the source of heat or fire.
- Cool the Burn: Run cool (not cold) water over the affected area for 20 minutes to stop the burning process.
- Protect the Skin: Cover the burn with cling film loosely so that there is area for it to swell up; however, at the same time protecting the area. Avoid applying creams or ointments at this stage.
- Seek Medical Attention: For deep burns, burns covering large areas, or those involving the face, hands, or joints, consult a doctor immediately.
First Aid for Scalds
- Remove the Liquid: Carefully remove any clothing soaked with the hot liquid to prevent further heat transfer.
- Cool the Area: Like burns, place the scalded skin under cool running water for 20 minutes.
- Elevate the Area: If possible, keep the injured area elevated to reduce swelling.
- Seek Help: If the scald involves a large surface area or is deep, seek professional care.
Homeopathic Remedies:
For Burns
- Cantharis:
- Best for burns with severe burning pain and blister formation.
- Useful in both first-degree and second-degree burns.
- Urtica Urens:
- Ideal for minor burns that cause redness and stinging sensations.
- Causticum:
- For deep burns that heal slowly, especially when there is a sensation of rawness.
- Calendula:
- Promotes healing and prevents infection in burns with open wounds.
For Scalds
- Arnica:
- Effective for scalds with swelling and bruised sensations.
- Helps reduce trauma after the injury.
- Rhus Toxicodendron:
- For scalds with itching, redness, and blister formation.
- Phosphorus:
- Useful for scalds that leave the skin dry and peeling.
Additional remedies to consider include:
- Hypericum:
- Excellent for burns involving nerve-rich areas, relieving shooting pain.
- Aloe Vera:
- Provides soothing relief for superficial burns and scalds, particularly sunburns.
- Hepar Sulphuris:
- For burns or scalds that are slow to heal or show signs of infection.
- Silicea:
- Helps expel foreign particles (e.g., splinters) from burns and promotes healing.
- Sulphur:
- Useful for burns or scalds with persistent redness and itching during healing.
- Echinacea:
- Assists in preventing infection and promoting tissue regeneration in deep burns.