Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

Partial thickness (2nd degree) burns affect the epidermis and some part of the lower layers, the dermis. These burns do not destroy the entire thickness of the skin and do not affect the tissue underneath. Usually with this type of burn the skin is moist, mottled and white to red in colour. The skin will be blistered. Partial thickness burns are very painful.

Superficial (1st degree) burns affect only the top layers of the skin, the epidermis. Although the skin turns red it does not blister or actually burn through the top layer of skin. The burn site is painful. A sunburn is a good example of this type of burn.

1st Degree Burn

2nd Degree Burn

Treat a burn with cool water! - Apply cool water to a burn (not cold or ice) is the key. Do NOT apply ointments - Using ointments could prevent proper healing. Do not apply butter, toothpaste, lotions or other creams.

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