Welding burns are a common hazard arising from two primary mechanisms: intense heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Thermal burns occur from direct contact with hot metal, molten spatter, or equipment, damaging the skin’s layers. The powerful UV light generated by the welding arc causes “arc flash” or “welder’s flash,” which is a severe sunburn to the skin and a painful burn to the cornea of the eye. Knowing how to treat these injuries immediately minimizes damage and ensures recovery.
Differentiating Burn Severity
Assessing the burn’s depth determines the appropriate treatment path. First-degree burns are the least severe, affecting only the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). These injuries present with redness, minor swelling, and pain, much like a sunburn, but they do not blister.
Second-degree burns penetrate deeper, damaging both the epidermis and the dermis. They are characterized by significant pain, redness, swelling, and the development of fluid-filled blisters. The skin may also appear wet or weeping, indicating damage to deeper tissue.
Third-degree burns are the most serious, destroying all layers of the skin and potentially extending into underlying fat, muscle, or bone. The injury site may appear stiff, leathery, or waxy, and can be white, charred, or black. Paradoxically, these burns may result in a lack of pain because the nerve endings have been destroyed.
Immediate First Aid for Thermal Skin Burns
For thermal burns caused by contact with hot materials, the first goal is to stop the burning process and cool the tissue. The affected area should immediately be placed under cool, running tap water for 10 to 15 minutes. Cooling the burn reduces the temperature, alleviates pain, and limits the progression of burn depth.
Avoid using ice or extremely cold water, as this can cause further damage. While the burn is being cooled, gently remove any restrictive items like rings, watches, or clothing from the affected area before swelling begins. If clothing is stuck to the skin, do not pull it off; instead, cut around the fabric and leave the adhered portion in place.
For minor first or second-degree burns, cover the cooled area with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing to protect it from infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. Blisters should not be intentionally broken, as the intact skin serves as a natural barrier against infection.
Treatment for Arc Flash Burns to the Eyes
The eye injury known as “welder’s flash” or photokeratitis is a UV radiation burn to the cornea and conjunctiva. Symptoms, including severe pain, light sensitivity, a gritty feeling, and excessive tearing, may not appear until several hours after exposure. Initial self-treatment should focus on resting the eyes and managing the pain.
Applying a clean, cold compress over the eyelids can soothe irritation and reduce swelling. Avoid rubbing the eyes, as this can worsen corneal damage. Contact lenses should be removed immediately and not worn until the eyes have fully healed.
Pain can be managed with oral pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Resting the eyes in a dark environment and wearing sunglasses if light sensitivity is present also provides relief. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or if pain is severe, consult a medical professional, as treatment often involves prescription antibiotic drops to prevent infection.
Long-Term Care and When to Seek Professional Help
Ongoing care for minor burns involves meticulous wound hygiene to prevent infection and support healing. The burn site should be gently washed daily with mild soap and water, and then a non-stick sterile dressing should be reapplied. Monitor the burn for signs of infection, including increasing redness, warmth around the edges, pus drainage, or increased pain or swelling days after the injury.
Immediate emergency medical attention is required for all third-degree burns due to tissue destruction and potential nerve damage. Professional help is also necessary for specific second-degree burns, electrical burns, and severe eye injuries.
Seek professional medical help if the burn involves:
- All third-degree burns.
- Second-degree burns larger than three inches in diameter.
- Any burn occurring on sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, major joints, or genitals.
- All electrical burns, even those appearing minor on the surface, due to the possibility of hidden internal damage.
- Arc flash injuries where pain is debilitating, vision is affected, or symptoms have not improved within one to two days.
A medical professional can prescribe lubricating or antibiotic eye drops to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.