Skin burns in general cause a traumatic experience. This can lead to far more serious issues as the skin damage associated can be very unsettling. People that are affected by severe burns can lose tissue, muscle and even bone.

Individuals that have been affected by third degree burns may require skin grafts to replace the loss of tissue. Grafting also helps the healing process of the burn.

No matter what degree burn you have, it's important to know what you can do to help dealing with these tough situations.

Guide for First and Second Degree Burns

Cool Burned Area: Hold the burned area under cool not-cold running water for ten to fifteen minutes or until finally the pain subsides. If the burned area cannot be placed under running water, then immerse the burned area in water instead. Another cooling method involves cold compresses instead of water.

Keep Burned Area Protected: Wrap the affected area using a sterile gauze bandage, but be careful not use a fluffy cotton ball or any other material that can produce lint. Keep the bandage loose enough so that it doesn't put too much pressure on the wound. By maintaining the affected area protected, you are helping reduce the pain and keeping air off of the burn.

Lessen the Pain: You can use an OTC pain killer to help minimize the pain caused by a burn, however, if the pain is too severe, consult with a doctor about stronger medication.

For third degree burns, you should call for urgent medical support quickly. While you're awaiting assistance, ensure never to take away any burned clothes. Also avoid immersing your body in cold water because this may cause shock and hypothermia.

Begin CPR if the person is not breathing. Elevate the burned parts so that they are above heart level and use a cool, moist, sterile bandage to cover the burned areas.

Once the burn is treated properly, it is time to start dealing with the burn scars. Minor burns usually cause some discoloration but not scars. The discoloration will fade in time.

After suffering from a severe burn it is highly likely that the person will develop scar tissue. Burn scar removal can be accomplished using various therapies. Constrictive tissue is normally treated with grafts and surgical treatment to release the skin.

Other scar removal treatments can include application of laser therapy, excision, and compression therapy. Excision is only possible on smaller scars while laser therapy will work on all kinds of scars. Compression therapy is a good way to keep the scar tissue pliable.

All of these methods can be accompanied by the use of scar creams. When looking for the right scar cream you should make sure that it contains natural ingredients that can help dissolve damaged tissue and boost the production of collagen. Scar creams can also be used by themselves on minor scars.