jaffcat
Slightly Addicted
- Messages
- 457
- Points
- 600
- Age
- 58
“Burns & Scalds”
Q: What causes a burn
A: Burns are caused when the layers of the skin are damaged by heat or ultraviolet light, this damage causes pain and leaves the body open to infections. Generally Burns are caused by dry heat, scalds are caused by wet heat. Sunburn is caused by exposure to high levels of ultraviolet light from the sun or reflected by snow. You can also get burns from some chemicals and exposure to high levels of electrical current.
Q: When is a burn serious
A: You should seek medical help if the burn is on the face, mouth, hands, genitals or if the burn covers a larger area. Chemical burns and those causing swelling, fever, foul/discoloured discharge or are failing to heal within 7 to 10 days should also be looked at by a medical professional. Children and older people should also be treated with caution. If in doubt seek medical help early on.
Q: How should I treat a burn
A: Minor burns should be treated by removing the person from the cause of the burn, if it’s safe to do so. Run the affected area under cool water for 10 minutes, removing any watches, rings etc which may cause problems later if the tissues start to swell. Do not use ice, butter/grease. The wound should be covered with clingfilm, which is laid over the wound and not wrapped around it. Wrapping can cause damage if the area should start to swell up. Using clingfilm allows medical staff to look at the wound without pulling off a stuck dressing! Clingfilm also helps reduce pain as it is often the cool air moving over the damaged nerves that causes the pain. Aspirin, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can also help if the patient is allowed to take them. Minor burns/sunburns can also be covered with aloe vera, calamine or special burns gel if you have it.
A patient suffering extensive burns should seek medical help as soon as possible. If possible remove the cause of the burn. Cooling as above. Dry chemicals should be brushed off if possible, remember to wear gloves! Wet chemicals should be flushed off the skin for at least 20 minutes. Do not tug at clothing stuck to the burn, and remember to monitor the patient’s airway in case they are suffering an inhalation injury. Blisters should be left intact.
Sunburn with blistering or with nausea, vomiting, weakness or chills should be reviewed by medical staff.
Remember that the person might need a Tetanus jab too!
Q: What else can I do to help
A: Prevention is always better than cure. Make sure smoke detectors are fitted and working! Monitor children closely, and try to teach them the risks. Chemicals, matches/lighters, hot fluids/surfaces etc should be kept out of reach of children at ALL times. Remember too that some family members might be suffering dementia and might forget the risks and dangers around them
Burns and scalds - Treatment - NHS Choices
Q: What causes a burn
A: Burns are caused when the layers of the skin are damaged by heat or ultraviolet light, this damage causes pain and leaves the body open to infections. Generally Burns are caused by dry heat, scalds are caused by wet heat. Sunburn is caused by exposure to high levels of ultraviolet light from the sun or reflected by snow. You can also get burns from some chemicals and exposure to high levels of electrical current.
Q: When is a burn serious
A: You should seek medical help if the burn is on the face, mouth, hands, genitals or if the burn covers a larger area. Chemical burns and those causing swelling, fever, foul/discoloured discharge or are failing to heal within 7 to 10 days should also be looked at by a medical professional. Children and older people should also be treated with caution. If in doubt seek medical help early on.
Q: How should I treat a burn
A: Minor burns should be treated by removing the person from the cause of the burn, if it’s safe to do so. Run the affected area under cool water for 10 minutes, removing any watches, rings etc which may cause problems later if the tissues start to swell. Do not use ice, butter/grease. The wound should be covered with clingfilm, which is laid over the wound and not wrapped around it. Wrapping can cause damage if the area should start to swell up. Using clingfilm allows medical staff to look at the wound without pulling off a stuck dressing! Clingfilm also helps reduce pain as it is often the cool air moving over the damaged nerves that causes the pain. Aspirin, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can also help if the patient is allowed to take them. Minor burns/sunburns can also be covered with aloe vera, calamine or special burns gel if you have it.
A patient suffering extensive burns should seek medical help as soon as possible. If possible remove the cause of the burn. Cooling as above. Dry chemicals should be brushed off if possible, remember to wear gloves! Wet chemicals should be flushed off the skin for at least 20 minutes. Do not tug at clothing stuck to the burn, and remember to monitor the patient’s airway in case they are suffering an inhalation injury. Blisters should be left intact.
Sunburn with blistering or with nausea, vomiting, weakness or chills should be reviewed by medical staff.
Remember that the person might need a Tetanus jab too!
Q: What else can I do to help
A: Prevention is always better than cure. Make sure smoke detectors are fitted and working! Monitor children closely, and try to teach them the risks. Chemicals, matches/lighters, hot fluids/surfaces etc should be kept out of reach of children at ALL times. Remember too that some family members might be suffering dementia and might forget the risks and dangers around them
Burns and scalds - Treatment - NHS Choices
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