Emergency Room Advice:Burns Part I: Josyann Abisaab

One reason why a person might decide to go to the emergency room is if he suffered a severe burn. Burns can be caused in many ways; some of the more common sources of burns are hot substances such as boiling water, or from fire. Certain chemicals which are caustic can also cause serious burns.

How can a person decide whether a trip to the emergency room is really needed? The following guidelines in three parts should be helpful.

First-degree burns are the least serious. These types of burns only affect the outermost layer of skin, and do not penetrate further. The skin usually appears red with some swelling, and sometimes pain as well. You can treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless there are major portions of skin involved at the hands, feet, face, groin, or buttocks. Also, if a major joint is affected, emergency medical attention is in order.