Burns: Treatment and Pain Management Tips

by Akash Sharma Akash Sharma

Burns can happen due to multiple reasons. A burn occurs when tissues get damaged from hot fluids, flames, sun, steam, chemicals, electricity, and other sources. Often in kids and adults, kitchen-related injuries appear to be the most common – from hot drinks, microwaved foods, soups, etc. While most minor burns can be treated at home, the more severe burns will require you to visit a burn specialist hospital in Delhi.

 

Minor burns can heal within a few weeks. Serious burns are treated depending on the level of severity. After suitable first aid and wound assessment, the burn treatment could involve medications, surgery, skin graft, wound dressings, and emotional support. The aim of the treatment is to control pain, prevent infection from spreading, remove dead tissue and reduce scarring possibilities. Eventually, that part of the body needs to regain function so physical therapy may be required. 

 

When should you seek emergency care for a burn?

• If the burn is deep and involves all the layers of the skin 
• If the burn has resulted in leathery and dry skin 
• If the burn appears charred or has white, black, or brown patches 
• If the burn is larger than three inches in diameter 
• If the burn covers feet, hands, groin, face, buttocks, or any major joint
• If there has been smoke inhalation
• If the burn begins to swell very quickly

 

Under these circumstances, it is imperative that the wounded person is taken to a burn specialist hospital in Delhi for the severity to be examined. Elders and babies may need emergency care even in the case of a minor burn. 

 

Treatment and pain management for major burns:

• Until you are able to reach a burn specialist hospital in Delhi or emergency help arrives, the person who has been burnt needs to be protected from any further injury. This involves separating the person from the source of the burn and switching off the power source in case of an electrical burn before helping the burned person. 
• Do not try to remove any clothing stuck to the burn and make sure the person is breathing. Remove tight items such belts and jewellery, especially from the neck and burned area as that region tends to swell quickly. 
• Cover the burn loosely with a clean cloth or gauze and lift the wound above the level of the heart. Look out for any signs of choking such as weak pulse, shallow breathing, and clammy skin. 

 

For minor burns follow these steps at home:

• Cool down the burn by holding the area under cool running water for around ten minutes. Don't use ice directly on the burn as it can further damage the tissue. If it is a mouth burn from hot drinks or food then place a piece of ice in the mouth.
• Remove rings, belts, and other tight items from the burned area before it swells.
• Try not to break blisters as they protect against infection. In case of breakage, clean the area with water, and gently apply Silverex cream or any antibiotic ointment. 
• After the burn has cooled down, apply aloe vera gel or some lotion to get relief and prevent it from drying. 
• Bandage the burn loosely with a sterile gauze bandage to avoid putting pressure. This keeps the air out of the area, protects blistered skin, and reduces pain. 
• In case the pain persists, take a pain reliever. This can be an over-the-counter medication. Consider getting a tetanus shot as well.

 

A recommended super speciality hospital in Faridabad, Marengo QRG Hospital has a top-notch reconstructive surgery program that reconstructs body parts damaged by mishaps such as burns. In case of severity, immediately take the patient to this burn specialist hospital in Delhi or any other in your area to determine the best course of action. 

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Created on Jun 14th 2022 00:58. Viewed 120 times.

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