Treat those burns and scalds

You are seated at the breakfast table when your toddler accidentally tips his cup and splashes hot tea on his arm or thigh. There follows a scream in pain and quick action to aid. Or maybe he engages in a game near the fireplace while playing outside and gets burned; or he gets a burn from hot flames whilst in the duty of helping you with cooking. These possible accidental scenarios occur on a daily basis and they require fast action before they turn disastrous. What are the steps you should take to ensure reduction of pain before rushing to a health facility?

Cool the burn with running water
This should be the first action to take and it should be immediate, so that it stops the burning process. The temperature of the water should not be too cold or warm. Cool tap water is ideal. If water is not available, a non-reactive liquid such as milk is also safe to use.

Cover with a bandage
This will enable the patient await further treatment after first aid while still protecting against infection. Cover the burnt area with a bandage with a loose knot. However do not cover with an adhesive bandage as it may cause even more pain during its removal for treatment at the hospital.

Don’ts
Do not apply oil or lotion. They trap warmth on the burnt surface, the last thing a burnt patient would want. Also the scarred area being tender is at a high risk of infection even from any cream applied.

If there has been a burn on a covered area, do not attempt forcefully remove the clothing as it may cause more pain instead, remove the clothing lightly whilst still under running water.

Seek medical help if the burn is large                                                                
As soon as first aid is administered and if the burnt part is large call an ambulance or rush to the hospital.

Prevention
As much as possible. prevent the cause rather than try to cure it. Take the following cautionary steps:

• If your child feeds himself try as much as possible to cool his meals and drinks. Then keep his food and drink within reach to minimise an accident when he tries to reach over.
• Give the youngsters tasks that will keep them as far as possible from flames until they are grown enough to handle fire properly. If they insist on helping they could assist in rising or wiping dishes or setting the table.
• Keep matches lighters and hot liquids out of children’s reach.
• During bath time always test bath water before putting your child in it.
• Whilst cooking avoid as much as possible carrying the baby in your arms. Also keep the handle of the pot and pan away from your direction to avoid tipping it over.
• Unplug all electrical appliances when they are not in use, and keep them away from the reach of children.
• Teach the children how to identify hot items fireplace and avoid them.

END: BL 26/14