Burns are a common accident in everyday life, especially for children and housewives. Faced with a burn, many people may feel panicked and don't know how to deal with it. In fact, as long as you grasp the three key points of first aid for burns, you can effectively reduce the damage of burns and reduce the risk of scarring. Below, we will introduce the three key points of first aid for burns and how to properly manage burn wounds to reduce pain and scar formation.
1. Three key points of first aid for burns
1. Cool the affected area
Immediately after a scald, the scalded area should be rinsed under cold water to lower the temperature of the surface and reduce pain. The irrigation time should be continued for 15-20 minutes until the pain is relieved. If the burned area is not easy to rinse, you can use a wet towel or ice cube to cool down and relieve pain. It is important to avoid using ice cubes in direct contact with the wound to prevent frostbite.
2. Clean the wound
After cooling the affected area, continue to use mild soap and warm water to clean the area around the wound**. Do not use any irritating liquids such as alcohol to clean the wound to avoid secondary irritation and aggravation of the pain. If the wound has blisters or broken skin, you can use sterile gauze to gently wrap it, and avoid using unhygienic items such as paper towels.
3. Use of drugs
If the burn is severe, topical drugs such as antibiotic ointment and burn ointment can be used under the guidance of a doctor, which can reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote wound healing. It is important to avoid self-medication to avoid aggravating the wound or causing an allergic reaction.
2. Treat scald wounds correctly
1. Small area burns
For small burns, cooling, cleaning, and application of medication can be carried out according to the methods described above. If the wound does not show obvious signs of infection, it can be gently bandaged with sterile gauze. If the wound has blisters or broken skin, it can be gently bandaged with sterile gauze. If the blisters are large or you have symptoms of infection, you should seek medical attention.
2. Large-scale burns
For large burns, immediate medical attention is required. Before seeking medical attention, you can follow the above methods to cool and clean the wound, and take care to keep the airway open. At the time of medical treatment, the doctor will take further treatment according to the severity of the burn, such as the use of antibiotics, pain relievers, etc.
3. Special types of burns
Some special types of burns require special treatment, such as chemical burns, electric shock burns, etc. For chemical burns, it is necessary to immediately rinse the wound with plenty of water and use specific medications as recommended by the doctor. For electric shock burns, the wound needs to be treated as described above after the power is cut off or the patient is removed from the danger zone with an insulating object.
3. Measures to prevent burns
1. Improve safety awareness
The best way to prevent burns is to be more aware of your safety. When using hot water, hot pots and other high-temperature items, always be vigilant and avoid direct contact with high-temperature items with your hands. Especially when bathing your child, you should put cold water and then hot water to avoid scalding accidents when your child is playing.
2. Regularly check the electrical equipment at home
Electric shock burns are one of the more dangerous types of burns, so it's important to check regularly that the electrical equipment in your home is safe and reliable. When using electrical appliances such as electric kettles and irons, be careful not to let children come into contact with dangerous items such as electrified wires and sockets.
3. Use protective equipment
When working with hot items, you can wear protective equipment such as gloves, aprons, etc. to protect yourself. Especially when cooking in the kitchen, wear protective equipment such as aprons and gloves to avoid burn accidents.