Burns can happen in an instant, especially with children. It’s important to know the first aid steps to treat a burn
With curious little ones exploring the world, accidents like spills, falls, and burns can and do happen. Whether it’s tiny hands reaching for a hot stove, an iron left within arm’s reach, or a splash of boiling water, the risk is real. And it’s not just heat; burns can come from unexpected sources like chemicals, scalding showers, or even too much time in the sun.
If you’ve ever had a close call or experienced a burn, you know how important quick action is. Here’s how you can treat yourself and your family in these situations.
And an important reminder: a burn doesn’t have to be painful to be serious. Always assess the severity and act accordingly!
Types of burns
- A superficial burn affects the outer layer of the skin. It’s commonly caused by something like a sunburn. Expect it to be slightly painful, with some redness and swelling, but typically no blistering. You will probably see an improvement in a few days, leaving no or minimal scarring.
- With intermediate burns, there’s more injury on both skin layers. These are known as the epidermis and dermis. These burns are commonly caused by hot water or other liquids and can be very painful as they affect nerve endings. You’ll notice the burn area is tender, blotchy, and swollen and may blister up quickly. If superficial burns don’t become infected, they usually heal in a few days to three weeks. Unfortunately, you may be left with some scarring.
- Third-degree burns call for urgent medical assistance. Don’t try and sort this out at home, beyond taking a painkiller. Get to the doctor immediately. With a third-degree burn, the skin will have completely burnt away (all layers) and looks leathery. Look for brown or white patches too.
Step 1
First, do not use butter to treat a burn. This is an old myth – same goes for toothpaste. Butter is often salty, and this can worsen the burn, causing more pain. As for toothpaste, the same rule applies. The ingredients in toothpaste can actually seal in the heat under your skin – causing more damage.
Step 2
Immediately run cool water over the burn for at least 20 minutes. Make sure to gently remove any clothing or jewellery around the burn area, but if it’s stuck, leave for now. You don’t want to cause more pain and risk an infection to the skin.
Step 3
If it’s a superficial burn, apply cooling aloe vera ointment after the running water. A cold compress is also a good idea to draw out the heat.
Step 4
Apply an antibacterial treatment for a superficial burn and lightly wrap in non-stick material to protect against infection. If the person is in a lot of pain, give him or her a painkiller for some quick relief.
Step 5
Check the person’s fever and if it’s alarming, call the doctor immediately or take the person to the hospital. If it was a chemical or electrical burn, go to the doctor immediately.
Tip
Skip the essential oils and other herbal remedies for now. First, let the doctor take a look and medically treat the burn before using oils or creams to treat the scarring – probably only a few days after.
Image: Pixabay
