Burns are injuries that require prompt and proper care to prevent complications.
Proper wound cleaning is an important step to relieve pain and prevent infection. This article will provide you with basic wound cleaning and care steps that can be easily done at home for your safety and that of your family members.
Treating Burn Injuries
Treatment of a burn injury depends on the intensity of the burn, its location, and the area of the body surface that it covers.
A first-degree burn generally causes redness of the skin, painful sensation, and mild swelling. In some cases, small blisters may develop. First aid for a first-degree burn is as follows:
- Apply cold water, or a cold damp compress, to the burned area until the pain subsides
- Once the area is cooled, apply wound gel if ยูฟ่าเบท https://ufabet999.app available, otherwise cover with a light clean dressing or layer of clean fresh clothing to keep it free of dirt and protect it from further injury
- Remove any jewelry or other tight items from the burned area before it starts swelling
- If blisters appear, do not break them
- If pain persists, take over-the-counter pain killers.
- Once the burn is healed completely, protect the area from direct sunlight by wearing protective clothing or applying sunscreen lotions
Step 1: Clean the wound immediately.
When a burn or scald occurs, the most important thing is to wash the wound immediately. Use clean water at normal temperature (do not use cold water). Wash the burned area for at least 10-20 minutes. Washing with water will help reduce pain and reduce skin damage.
Cautions
- Clean the wound gently, avoiding rubbing hard or using harsh cleaning products, as this can irritate the wound and cause further damage.
- Do not use ice or very cold water as it may cause further damage to the skin. Use clean water at room temperature instead.
- Avoid using alcohol or harsh chemicals. Avoid applying alcohol or strong disinfectants or any creams to the wound as they may cause the wound to dry out and take longer to heal.
Post-Wound Cleaning Instructions
- Cover the wound with a clean bandage. After cleaning the wound, dry the wet area with gauze or a clean cloth and cover the wound with a sterile bandage to prevent dirt or bacteria from invading the wound.
- Watch for signs of infection. If there is increased swelling, pus, or pain, see a doctor immediately.
- When to Seek Medical Care If a burn is larger than 3 inches, involves the face, hands, feet, or a major joint, or if there are signs of infection, see a doctor right away.