|
|
BURN FIRST AID TREATMENT
First remove any constricting jewelry, such as
rings.
Do NOT use butter or oils on a burn.
The effected area should be dowsed with cool
water as soon as possible.
It can be cleansed gently with chlorhexidine
solution. Do NOT apply ice or cool to
near-freezing temperatures (this can cause
additional tissue injury). A tetanus booster
should be obtained if not administered within the
previous 5 years.
First degree thermal burns can be treated with
local skin care such as aloe vera. Many topical
antibiotics and antiseptics are available at a
Chemist for minor burns. All second and third
degree thermal burns and the complicated
locations listed above need immediate physician
evaluation. Special topical antiseptic creams are
used for more serious burns, including silver
sulfdiazine, silver nitrate, and mafenide acetate
creams. Burns can be caused by heat (thermal), as
well as by electricity, and chemicals.
What about electrical burns?
Any significant burn resulting from electricity,
requires immediate physician evaluation. These
burns often result in serious muscle breakdown,
electrolyte abnormalities, and occasionally
kidney failure. The actual site of damage can be
internal and may not be skin surface.
What about chemical burns?
The treatment for chemical burns is similar to
thermal burns except copious amounts of water
should be used to irrigate the effected region.
Contaminated clothing should be removed. Do NOT
attempt to neutralize the burn with a reciprocal
chemical. This may cause a chemical reaction that
could result in a thermal burn too! Many
chemicals have, in addition, specific treatments
that can further reduce the resulting skin
damage. If in doubt, call your local poison
control center or make a quick trip to your local
Emergency Room. |
|
