Protecting Yourself from Burns When Welding: Treatment and Healing

In April, we discussed the types of burns that occur when welding. While flame retardant clothing can protect you from burns, accidents can happen. Here’s how to treat a welding burn. 

First-degree burns

How do you treat a first-degree burn? After you first become burnt, run the burned part of your body underneath cold water for a few minutes. After the burn is cool, apply burn ointment. You can also take an over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain.

How long do these burns take to heal? A first-degree burn will usually heal in about three to seven days.

Second-degree burns

How do you treat a second-degree burn? Cool the burned area immediately after being burnt, apply burn cream, and then covered the burned area with a gauze dressing that won’t stick to the burned skin. Make sure you change the dressing daily and never puncture the blisters.

How long do these burns take to heal? A second-degree burn usually heals in about two to three weeks.

Third-degree burns

How do you treat a third-degree burn? Do not try to treat a third degree burn at home. If you think you have a third-degree burn, go directly to the nearest hospital.

How long do these burns take to heal? Healing time depends on the severity of the burn.

Protect yourself from burns when welding by wearing flame retardant clothing, welding gloves and other welding safety gear. You can find an assortment of affordable welding protection gear at USWeldingSupply.com. 

Protect Yourself from Burns When Welding: How to Identify a Burn

Welding is a dangerous industry. There are many ways a welder can get hurt, but one of the most common welding injuries are burns. There are three types of burns – first degree burns, second degree burns and third degree burns. In this blog post we’ll discuss the three types of burns that can occur when you’re not protected with flame retardant clothing. 

First degree burns are mild burns that only affect the top layer of skin, which is called the epidermis.

What does a first degree burn look like? When you have a first degree burn your skin becomes red and dry without forming blisters. You’ll also experience some minor swelling.

Second degree burns affect the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, which lies underneath the first layer of skin. Depending on how severe the burn is you may be able to treat it at home.

What does a second degree burn look like? A second degree burn causes severe pain and redness while also producing blisters, which can break open.

Third degree burns are the most serious. They cause damage to all layers of the skin.

What does a third degree burn look like? The burned skin usually looks white, charred, leathery, or brown. You may feel very little to no pain due to nerve damage.