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The skin
has an important role to play in the fluid and temperature
regulation of the body. If enough skin area is injured,
the ability to maintain that control can be lost.
MYTHS ON TREATING BURNS:
1) Apply toothpaste.
2) Put butter on the burnt area.
3) Apply “haldi”.
4) Honey is the best first aid.
5) Wrap it with something wollen.
6) Olive oil and ghee are excellent.
7) Put tincture of iodine or mercury chrome.
There
are 3 degrees of burns:
* First-degree burns are red and painful; they swell
a little, and turn white when you press the skin. The
skin over the burn may peel off after 1 or 2 days, and
usually heal in 3 to 6 days.
* Second-degree burns are thicker burns, are very painful
and typically produce blisters on the skin. The skin
is very red or splotchy, and may be very swollen and
usually heal in 2 to 3 weeks.
* Third-degree burns cause damage to all layers of the
skin. The burned skin looks white or charred. These
burns may cause little or no pain, because the nerves
and tissue in the skin are damaged and usually take
a very long time to heal.
First-degree burn
Soak the burn in cool water for at least 5 minutes.
The cool water helps reduce swelling by pulling heat
away from the burned skin.
Rings, bracelets, and other potentially constricting
articles should be removed (edema, or swelling from
inflammation may occur and the item may cut into the
skin).
Treat the burn with a skin care product that protects
and heals skin, such as Aloe Vera cream, or an antibiotic
ointment. You can wrap a dry, gauze bandage loosely
around the burn. This will protect the area and keep
the air off of it.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen.
Make sure your tetanus vaccine is up to date.
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Third-degree
burn
For third-degree burns, go to the hospital right away.
If possible, raise the burned area above the level of
the heart. You can cover the burn with a cool, wet,
sterile bandage or clean cloth, until you receive medical
assistance.
How important is the location
of a burn?
If the burn involves the face, nose, mouth or neck,
there is a risk that there will be enough inflammation
and swelling to obstruct the airway and cause breathing
problems.
Is there anything I should not
do when treating a burn?
Do not put butter or oil on burns. Do not put ice or
ice water directly on second- or third-degree burns.
If blisters form over the burn, do not break them.
In The kitchen, no duppata’s, silk saris or children
under 8 years. Long hair should be tied up and a fire
extinguisher and a bucket of sand are a must.
Home safety measures
* Do not smoke in bed.
* Place smoke alarms and other fire safety devices in
strategic locations in your home.
* Set your water heater at 120°F or lower. Always
test the temperature of bath water.
* Store cleaning solutions and paints in containers
in well-ventilated areas.
* Use proper fuses in electrical boxes, do not overload
outlets, and use insulated and grounded electrical cords.
* Avoid fireworks.
* Be careful of all generators. (Petrol, diesel or gas).
Child safety
* Keep matches and flames, such as candles or lanterns,
out of the reach of children, away from stoves and ovens
when cooking and do not place pot handles where a child
can reach them. Do not let children play with any small
appliances such as curling irons, hair dryers, toasters,
or heating pads.
* Never hold a child while smoking or drinking a hot
liquid.
* Never leave hot foods or liquids within reach of children,
such as on the edges of tables or counters. Be cautious
about leaving hot liquids on a table with a tablecloth
that young children can pull down.
* Keep electrical cords away from a child’s reach.
Cover electrical outlets so children will not stick
items in the outlet.
* Do not allow children to remove hot items from the
oven or microwave.
* Teach children who are old enough to understand to
stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches on fire
so they can help put out the flame and prevent getting
burned more.
* Buy children’s sleepwear made of flame-retardant
fabric.
* Store cleaning solutions and chemicals out of the
reach of children. |
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