How to treat a burn – and why you should NEVER pop a blister
BURNS and scalds could be the result of frantic pre-Christmas dinner cooking, where there a million things going on, at any one time, in the kitchen. This is how to treat charred skin, and reduce the pain.
How to treat a burn: Burns are caused by dry heat
Burns are caused by dry heat, like touching a hot pan on a stove. A scald is caused by moist heat – for example, from steam.
Both conditions are treated in the same way, according to the NHS.
FIRST: Remove the source of heat
The first thing to do is to get away from the source of heat, to stop the initial burning pain.
Run the affected area of skin under cool, or luke warm, water for about 20 minutes. Avoid using ice-cold water.
SECOND: Remove clothes and jewellery
Next, get rid of any clothes or jewellery near the burnt area. But, if it’s stuck to the skin, just leave it.
The affected skin needs to be covered. The best thing to use that could be found around the house is cling film, but a clean plastic bag could also work.
Painkillers could reduce pain, the NHS advised.
If the burn affected the face or eyes, try to stay sitting up right, as lying can increase swelling.
How to treat a burn: Remove the source of the heat first
How to treat a burn: Painkillers could reduce any pain
Small burns can be treated at home. Try to keep it clean, and don’t pop any blisters that may form.
It sounds obvious but you should never pop a blister intentionally as the fluid-filled sack keeps the underlying skin clean, which prevents infection and promotes healing.
You should go to hospital if the burn is bigger than your hand.
When to go to hospital
Go to A&E if the burn causes white or charred skin, or if blisters are formed from burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs or genitals.
All electrical and chemical burns should be seen by a doctor, in hospital.
Children under five years old and pregnant women should also seek medical help after suffering from a burn.
How to treat a burn: Seek medical help if the burn causes white, or charred skin
How to treat a burn: Run affected area under luke warm water
A burn can cause searing pain, red or peeling skin, swelling, and blisters.
The best way to avoid getting burns in the kitchen is to use the rings at the back of the cooker, and to turn saucepan handles towards the back.
Kettles with shorter electrical cords are less likely to get pulled over the counter.
More than 80,000 people a year need hospital treatment for injuries, such as falls, cuts and burns during the festive period, according to NHS Choices.
For more information visit the NHS website; in an emergency situation call 999.