Third degree burns are severe burns that destroy all layers of the skin down to the subcutaneous fat. Because the nerve endings are burned, the area is usually painless. The area can be black due to charring or may appear white, brown or bright red. Third degree burns require immediate medical treatment, and here is a strategy for treatment.
Immediate Burn Care
Before calling 911, evaluate the burn victim. Make sure he is away from any burning materials. Check the person's pulse and whether he is breathing. Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary. Then call 911.
Place a moist bandage on the burned area. A sheet works well for large burns. If the hands or feet are affected, place dressings between the fingers and toes to keep them separated. Try to reduce pressure on the affected area. To prevent shock, elevate the burned area above the patient's head (if possible), and cover her with a blanket to keep warm. Continue monitoring the person's vital signs until paramedics or emergency personnel arrive.
What Not To Do
Do not apply ointments or medications. Try not to break blisters. Try to keep dirt and other contaminating substances out of the wound. Do not place a pillow under the person's head if there is an airway or inhalation burn. Although it may be tempting, do not place the burned area in cold water or in ice because this can cause shock.
Hospital Care
Hospital burn units provide specialized care for life-threatening burns. If the local area has a hospital with a burn unit, paramedics will probably take the burn victim directly there. If not, the paramedics will take the person to the closest hospital equipped to treat third degree burns. After the person is evaluated and stabilized, he may be transferred to a hospital with a burn unit.
Surgeons with specialized training and experience in trauma and burns operate burn units. Hospital care for third degree burns involves pain medications, intravenous (IV) fluids, IV antibiotics and special creams. The physician may recommend a high-protein diet and humid environment to encourage healing.
Sometimes a third degree burn must be surgically debrided, meaning that a surgeon removes infected and dead tissue by scraping or cutting. The most severe third degree burns require a surgical procedure called skin grafting.
Skin Grafting
In skin grafting, healthy skin is removed from one part of the burn victim's body and used to cover the wound. Sometimes pigskin may be used instead, especially if a large area of healthy skin is not available for donation. This often happens when a large part of the body is burned.
The area where the healthy skin is removed is called the donor site. After a skin graft, the original burned area--as well as the donor site--are vulnerable to infection. Both areas require continued medical care for proper healing.
Depending on the location of the third degree burn, a plastic or reconstructive surgeon may be required to restore appearance or function to the damaged area.
Tags: burned area, degree burns, burn victim, healthy skin, third degree