BLISTERS AND BURNS

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Definition: Blister or burn is an injury to the skin caused by friction, heat or a chemical substance.

• First degree: redness only
• Second degree: blister formation
• Third degree: charred or whitish appearance to skin, numbness

SELF-TREATMENT

A. First degree burn:

1. Immerse affected area in cold water for several minutes
2. Wash area gently with soap and water
3. May apply over-the-counter topical ointments (aloe vera or Solarcaine) for comfort
4. No dressing needed

B. Second degree burn:

1. Immerse affected area in cold water for several minutes
2. Wash area gently with soap
3. Cover burned area with antibiotic ointment and nonstick pad
4. Change dressing and apply ointment daily; change dressing more often if it becomes wet or soiled
5. Normal healing includes weeping and clear watery drainage from blisters
6. Check tetanus immunization history (call the Health Services Ext. 4555, if you are unsure of the date). If it has been longer than 5 years since your last tetanus, please have the burn checked at the Student Health Center for our assessment of the need for a tetanus booster.

C. Third degree burn:

1. Contact Health Services immediately (Ext. 4555).

HEALTH SERVICE VISIT RECOMMENDED IF

1. Face, genitalia, hands or joints are burned.
2. Signs and symptoms of infection develop:
   a) Fever over 100.4 F after 24 hours.
   b) Drainage becomes pus-filled.
   c) Increased redness, swelling, warmth to burned area after 24-48 hours.
3. If tetanus booster was more than 5 years ago, please have burned area evaluated at the Health Services.