Indeed, many medical professionals recommend a doctor’s visit for all burns, except for minor ones. "If someone gets burned, immediate cold is best," agrees Ashinoff. "But then see a physician to be sure of the damage, especially with burns on the hands, which could get infected or scar."
Once the proper steps have been taken to care for a burn, then the healing process can begin. Healing time varies according to the person and the severity of the burn, Hendi notes, as well as other factors, including location, degree of burn, age and any other medical conditions (such as diabetes) that may be present. "Burns on the hands tend to heal faster than those on the feet," he relates. "A first-degree burn on the hands may heal in as fast as one to two weeks. Generally, burns or wounds closer to the heart heal faster."
The signs of burns may also stick around even after the healing process is complete. "Burns can leave dark or hyperpigmented marks on the skin, particularly in darker-pigmented individuals," Hendi says. "Sun avoidance minimizes this. However, if the dark spot persists, prescription bleaching creams can help."
Client Care
There are obviously many complications with skin that has suffered a burn. So how should you handle a client who has a burn? Experts agree that nail technicians should refrain from working on skin that shows signs of damage. “I would recommend that no nail products be applied and no esthetic services be rendered on anyone with a burn that has not totally healed,” says Ashinoff. Many clients who suffer a burn will also exhibit blisters on the skin. "If there is a blister in place, it should not be opened or drained," Hendi says.
Refusing to work on a client with a burn is the only way to ensure that you don’t worsen the problem. "Burned skin doesn’t have the same barrier function as normal skin, and chemicals or irritants, such as perfumes or preservatives in skincare creams or lotions, can cause irritation and should be avoided," Hendi emphasizes.
Experienced nail techs also suggest that salon employees avoid handling or working on any skin that has been recently burned. "I know how extremely painful a burn can be to the touch," says Lynette Guzman, 19-year veteran nail technician from Huron Township, Michigan. "Therefore, I would not recommend doing any service on the client until it completely heals, for fear of infection." Erring on the side of caution will protect your license and your livelihood.
With the proper care after a burn—and the proper avoidance of the burn by nail professionals—further harm can be avoided. To make sure your salon doesn’t get badly burned by a case that implicates you in worsening a client’s wound, advise the client to allow the skin to heal before you commence your regular appointments.
Tracy Morin is a freelance writer and editor based in Oxford, MS.
The Post-Burn Diet
The link between nutrition and skin has been proven by scores of research, so it makes sense that diet can have an impact on helping skin heal after a burn. According to the Burn Survivor Resource Center, a diet that includes the basic components of protein, carbohydrates and fats with added minerals is instrumental during this time. The body can break down carbohydrates to create glucose, which is necessary for healing. The Center reports, "Common recommendations include getting 30% of calories as fat, though this can be higher if needed. However, excess fat intake has been implicated in decreased immune function, and intake levels should be monitored carefully." Helpful vitamins include vitamins C and E, as well as zinc, which "may limit oxidative damage and promote wound healing." Suggest to your client that she consult with her doctor about nutritional guidelines before she hits the road to recovery.
