First aid for burns

It is indeed astonishing to see many adults come in to the pharmacy, without any basic knowledge of first aid to the most common household accidents.

It's winter here and naturally many homes are warmed up with ducted heatings, heaters, or column heaters. If you have got small children, it is advisable not to use bar radiators as they are the least effective and the floor models are the primary factor in many fires and contact burns. But in the nutshell, choose wisely. I have a column oil filled heater in Aidan's room, and at the minimum temperature, it is safe to touch.

One customer came in with a burn on his leg. He said it backed into a heater. I took a look at it, and the burn was somewhat wet and shiny. I asked him what he applied, and he said vaseline.

Now everyone!

• The first thing you do is to run cool water over the burned area and/or apply cool wet compresses until the pain subsides or lessens.
• Contrary to the beliefs of some old wives tales' do not apply any oil, butter, vaseline or any kind of grease. This will 'seal' the heat and do more damage to the skin.
• Also do not use ice packs as this will damage the nerve tissues.
• When the burn is cool, apply burn ointment, pure aloe vera gel or calendula gel.
• For pain relief, give paracetamol or ibuprofen when needed.
• Check the burn wound daily for signs of infections, such as oozing, increased pain, swelling or fever. Go to the doctor immediately as you may need some medicine if it is infected.

The above is a general guide only for superficial burns that does not require a doctor's care. Many burns happen at home, and the kitchen is one of the main sources of burns. Use the back burners of your stove for cooking if you have little children running around at home. Pot handles should be turned inwards and buy some stove knob covers to prevent potentially harmful accidents such as burns or gas leaks.

And the last but not least advice on this post. If someone's clothing is on fire...

Stop, Drop and Roll. Do not run as it will help fan the flames. Cover face with hands and drop face down. Roll, roll and roll until the fire is extinguished.

Read my post in May and watch this video. You might just learn something new today.

Disclaimer: This information is not to be used as medical advice or substituted for treatment by your health care provider