Naturally, we’ve learned our lessons that touching hot objects will usually result in burns and scalding wounds. While it’s all right that we get to experience different sensations when we’re kids, this can also result in serious injuries.
Now that we’re older, it’s easier for us to learn essential techniques to provide health care for others. Although it might seem like burns and scalds are rare, you would be surprised by how common fire hazards are in different areas. This is especially true when global temperatures have been gradually rising for the past few years.
Still, it’s essential to treat burns and scalding as significant injuries. Even as adults, burn wounds and scalding of the skin are known for being one of the most painful sensations. Not only is it sad, but significant degrees of burning can also cause permanent damage to your skin. Some individuals subjected to significant burn wounds will have to go through several surgery operations to get back to their normal healthy skin.
Identifying Burns and Hazards
It’s important to note that fire hazards take different forms. Even though some types of fire hazards are human-made, some risks are naturally-occurring. However, human-made fire hazards are more common than natural ones.
Some human-made hazards that can cause fires:
- Gas leaks – Compared to oi leaks, gas leaks are more dangerous when near gas canisters and containers since most will violently explode. Most experts would suggest vacating the area and calling authorities if they smell gas.
- Oil leaks – Mostly caused by spills by vehicles and ship tankers. Not only does this pose a threat to individuals, but it can also have negative effects on the environment and wildlife.
- Lit cigarettes – Lit cigarettes at the workplace and home can become a fire hazard, especially if it’s close to flammable materials.
- Burning materials – Most materials, such as wooden surfaces, paper, and certain fabric types, can easily catch fire.
- Vapes – Vaping does not necessarily have the same risk as cigarettes, but they can still explode and cause major burns among individuals.
- Electrical hazards and shortages – Malfunctioning powerlines that get near flammable materials can cause major fires. Frequently, powerlines that are close to treelines can catch fires.
Some natural hazards that can cause fires are wildfires and lightning strikes on farm fields. It’s important to note that natural phenomena don’t just cause wildfires. Recent wildfires have been caused by human activity.
If you’re living on the East Coast of the United States, wildfires have been getting increasingly rampant in the past week. Every year, the amount of damage caused by wildfires grow exponentially, with wildfires in 2018 burning 8.7 acres of land alone—most of the injuries will usually cost billions in structural damage and repair. Since most individuals are on their edge regarding the overall safety and homes, it’s only logical that we invest in a wildfire insurance policy.
Treatment
First, we have to discuss the degree and extend of burn wounds since these will influence the treatment process.
- First-degree burns – These types of burns can be easily treated with some icepacks. Skin is characterized as being bright red while the pain is described to be quite similar to a sunburn. You won’t see any blisters compared to more significant burns.
- Second-degree burns – A part of the inner dermis will usually be damaged, and there are blisters on the skin. This is extremely painful since these burns will affect much of the outer layer of the skin.
- Third-degree burns – These types of burns will need professional medical intervention since this is characterized by the majority of the skin being “cooked.” Both layers of the skin are permanently damaged.
Fortunately, there are several ways of treating these burns. Here are some effective treatments to burns:
- Soaking in cold water – You must wash the affected area in cold water as soon as the person is in a safe environment. Exposing the area to flowing cold water helps relieve pain and injuries. It’s essential not to use ice since this can restrict blood flow and slow down the healing process.
- Removing fused fabric with skin – There will be instances that cloth will stick to the burned area. Although this might be a painful process, it’s still important to separate this fabric with the skin as soon as possible since this can cause additional harm.
- Covering the burn – If your burn is dry and not oozing, wrap a dry and clean cloth around it or sterilize gauze. This serves as a make-shift “skin” that will protect your wound until it fully heals.
In summary, there are different ways of treating burn wounds. Naturally, the severity of the scars will also affect how these wounds will be treated. For major burns, the supervision and treatment of healthcare experts are needed. The best way of treating burn wounds is to ensure that it does not happen at all. Prevention is better than having to remedy and injury. As such, it’s essential to discern different types of hazards as soon as possible.
It’s also important to note that while you’re in the process of healing from your injuries, your chance of getting infections, pus, and other known ailments that can be contracted through physical contact will significantly increase since there’s no functioning skin that can act as a barrier. So if you do see some of these symptoms, consult your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible.
