HOW TO TREAT AND MANAGE BURNS AND SCALDS | DOCTOR EXPLAINS (plus first aid tips)

Summary

This video script educates viewers on home treatment for burns and scalds, emphasizing the importance of stopping the burning process, cooling the burn, and managing pain. It advises when to seek medical attention, such as for larger or deep burns, those on critical areas, or in cases of shock or intentional injury. The script also highlights the need for medical care for vulnerable individuals like children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Takeaways

• 🔥 Burns and scalds damage the skin and are usually caused by heat, with burns from dry heat and scalds from wet heat.
• 🚑 The severity of a burn is not always indicated by the amount of pain felt; serious burns can sometimes be painless.
• 🧯 Stop the burning process immediately by removing the person from the heat source or dousing flames, without risking further injury.
• 👚 Remove clothing or jewelry near the burn area, but avoid removing anything stuck to the skin to prevent additional damage.
• 💧 Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm water for 20 minutes, but never use ice, ice water, or greasy substances like butter.
• 🧥 Keep the person warm, especially when cooling a large burn area, to prevent hypothermia, which is especially risky for children and the elderly.
• 🛡️ Cover the burn with cling film or plastic wrap, but do not wrap it around the limb, to protect the wound.
• 💊 Treat pain from burns with paracetamol or ibuprofen, following manufacturer's instructions and avoiding aspirin for children under 16.
• ✋ Raise the affected area to reduce swelling, such as elevating a burned hand above heart level.
• 🏥 Seek medical attention for larger burns, deep burns, burns on critical areas like the face or joints, chemical or electrical burns, signs of shock, or if the person has a weakened immune system or has inhaled smoke.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between a burn and a scald?

A burn is caused by dry heat, such as from an iron or a fire, while a scald is caused by wet heat, such as hot water or steam.

Why is it important to stop the burning process immediately?

Stopping the burning process as soon as possible prevents further damage to the skin and underlying tissues.

How should you remove clothing or jewelry near the burnt area?

You should remove any clothing or jewelry near the burnt area, but avoid removing anything that's stuck to the skin to prevent causing more damage.

What is the correct method to cool a burn?

You should cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes, avoiding the use of ice, ice water, or any creams and greasy substances like butter.

Why is it crucial to keep the person warm after a burn?

Keeping the person warm prevents hypothermia, especially when cooling a large burnt area, and is particularly important for young children and older people.

What material should you use to cover a burn, and how should it be applied?

You should cover the burn with cling film or plastic wrap, laid over the burn without wrapping it around the limb, to protect it from infection.

How can you manage pain from a burn at home?

You can treat the pain from a burn with paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the manufacturer's instructions and avoiding aspirin for children under 16.

When should you raise the affected area after a burn?

You should raise the affected area if possible to help reduce swelling, such as raising a burned hand above heart level.

Under what circumstances should you seek urgent medical attention for a burn?

You should seek urgent medical attention for larger burns, deep burns, burns on the face, neck, hands, feet, or genitals, chemical or electrical burns, signs of shock, or if the person has a weakened immune system or has inhaled smoke.

Why is it particularly important to seek medical attention if the burn is on certain parts of the body?

Burns on the face, neck, hands, feet, joints, or genitals may require specialized care due to their proximity to vital structures or the potential for functional impairment.

What additional information is provided in the video description for further learning?

The video description includes links to the NHS website and other useful resources for more information on burn treatment and care.