Burns are painful injuries that leave long-lasting effects such as scars, nerve damage, and disfigurement. Most people associate burns with fire, but there are actually several types of burns, and medical professionals use a degree scale to classify the burns they treat. It’s important to understand the different types of burns and how they happen to prevent injuries to yourself and others.

Thermal Burns

The most common type of burn is a heat burn or thermal burn. This type of burn occurs when a person comes into contact with a hot surface, boiling liquid, open flame, or explosion. Some common examples of thermal burns include touching a hot stove burner, spilling hot tea on exposed skin, or suffering a burn from a flare-up on a gas grill.

Electrical Burns

High-voltage electrical discharges can cause severe burns as well as a host of other medical issues. The human body conducts electricity, so people are vulnerable to electrocution and electrical burns. Exposure to electrical currents can also cause severe nerve damage, interfere with the rhythm of the victim’s heartbeat, and cause other neurological problems.

Chemical Burns

A chemical burn occurs when a person comes into contact with corrosive or toxic substances. An example would include touching wet concrete, which can cause severe burns if it remains on the skin for too long. Breathing in corrosive gasses can also cause burns in the respiratory tract and esophagus, and some inhaled chemicals can cause brain damage.

Radiation Burns

Exposure to dangerous radiation can burn the skin and increase the risk of developing certain cancers. Sunburn occurs from overexposure to the sun’s rays and is the most common type of radiation burn. Most people experience this type of burn at least once in their lifetimes. The sun emits ultraviolet rays that can burn the skin, cause eye damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer over time.

Treating Burns

Doctors and medical professionals use a degree scale to classify burns. A first-degree burn is the least severe and a victim can generally treat such a burn at home with over-the-counter first aid supplies, such as burn ointment and bandages. Most people can also treat mild sunburn at home using aloe-based ointments and over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. However, a first-degree burn in a sensitive area of the body or one that covers more than 10% of the surface area of the skin should receive medical attention.
Second-degree burns are more severe, penetrate more deeply through the skin, and have a high potential for scarring. Third-degree burns penetrate completely through the skin and are medical emergencies. Chemical burns and electrical burns almost always require medical attention due to the high chances of secondary issues such as respiratory problems, neurological interference, and altered heart rate.

Long-Term Medical Issues from Burns

Most severe burns carry a high potential for scarring and long-term damage. Scar tissue in certain areas of the body, such as the joints, can limit range of motion or cause discomfort when moving. Scar tissue doesn’t have the same elasticity as healthy skin, and a burn victim will notice as he or she moves the affected part of the body, the scarred skin tugs on the healthy skin surrounding it, causing itching, discomfort, and pain.
People who suffer severe burns must often undergo multiple skin-grafting surgeries and other restorative procedures to correct function in the affected parts of the body. Scars can also be emotionally devastating, and many burn victims experience psychological trauma as well as physical issues. It’s vital to understand how to tell the difference between a burn that is treatable at home and one that demands medical attention.

Bicycles are responsible for more injuries than skateboards, trampolines, playground equipment, and swimming pools combined across all age groups, according to significant findings from a 2015 report by the National Safety Council. According to this study, nearly half a million people received treatment in emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries. For comparison, this number is significantly higher than the number of injuries sustained playing football, at 399,873.
The report noted that 1,100 cyclists lost their lives in accidents involving motor vehicles in 2015. There are more than 80 million bike riders around the country, all at risk of injury. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways you can remain safe on the road. Follow these bicycle safety tips to reduce your risk of injury.

Wear a Helmet

The importance of this simple safety tip cannot be overstated. While most people know that wearing helmets is the safest option, they don’t know how much of a difference it makes – according to the National Safety Council, cyclists who don a helmet reduce their risks of injury by 60% and a traumatic brain injury by 58%. Bicyclists who lose control or collide with an object are most likely to fly forward and contact with the ground at high speeds can prove devastating, even fatal.
For maximum safety, choose a helmet that meets minimum federal safety standards. Always wear a helmet snugly with the strap flush with your chin.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Motorists and bicyclists have an implicit duty to “share the road.” Motorists must provide a safe passing distance and be aware of bicyclists, but cyclists also must follow the rules of the road. If you routinely take the same route, become acquainted with local traffic laws and ride single file in the direction of traffic.
Cyclists are most vulnerable at intersections, so use extra caution in these areas. Look to the right, to the left, and over the shoulder before crossing or entering traffic. Use appropriate hand signals when turning and be aware of hazards like opening car doors.

Equip Your Bike

Make sure your bike has proper safety features like reflectors. At minimum, your bike should have them on the front, rear, pedals, and spokes. Attach a rear-view mirror for enhanced visibility and use a horn or bell to alert drivers to your presence.

Suit Up

If you’re biking in traffic, dress for the occasion. Wear bright or reflective clothing that makes you visible to drivers. Avoid biking at night if possible, but if you must ride at night, all your clothing should be reflective.

Be Aware of Common Hazards

Some bicycle accidents are more common than others. In an urban environment, a common scenario called a “right hook,” occurs when a cyclist travels in the same direction as a vehicle, and the motorist turns to the right and into a cyclist’s path. This is most common at intersections, by highway entrance and exit ramps, and driveways. Mitigate your risk of injury by glancing over your left shoulder frequently and using exaggerated hand signals to make your intentions known to other drivers.
Another common hazard is car doors – specifically, a vehicle door opening and striking someone when a motorist exits his or her car. The best way to avoid this risk is to assume that every door in your path will open. Leave a door-sized space between you and the side of the road when passing parked or stopped cars.
Bicycling can be a wonderful way to commute while getting a little exercise, but it’s not without its dangers. Observe these basic safety tips to reduce your risk of injury.