Brilio.net - If you have been exposed to hot oil or fire, never apply toothpaste or oil to the burned skin area. Often done because it is thought to be able to relieve burns , it turns out that this method includes incorrect medical treatment, you know. In fact, toothpaste and oil can worsen the burns the victim experiences.
Burns themselves have several levels of severity. Minor burns are burns that damage the epidermis layer (outer layer of skin), the effects felt by the victim include redness and pain in the wound area. Meanwhile, moderate burns are burns characterized by skin that is blistered, swollen and feels very sore.
Then there are serious burns, which are severe burns that damage all layers of the skin down to the nerves. Different levels of severity of burns require different types of assistance. If the victim's burns are considered mild, they only require medical treatment from home.
However, if it is in the moderate to severe category, immediately take medical action at the nearest health service center. If it's already happened, you don't need to panic. It is important to be calm and know the first aid steps for burns before finally having to refer to a health clinic or hospital.
No need to wait any longer, here are seven effective ways to provide first aid for burns, as reported by brilio.net from various sources on Monday (13/5).
1. Keep the victim away from heat sources.
photo: freepik.com
The most important step when providing first aid to a burn victim is to immediately move the victim away from heat sources, whether fire, electric sparks, chemicals or other hot liquids. Victim safety measures need to be taken responsively but still carefully.
If the victim suffers from minor burns, treatment can be done at home or in a safe place. However, if the burn condition is severe and serious, immediately evacuate the victim to the nearest hospital. Make sure you have worn the right evacuation equipment. Don't let it happen that when you want to help, you end up being hit by the same thing.
2. Remove clothing or other accessories that are attached.
photo: freepik.com
The next way to provide first aid to burn victims is to remove clothing or other accessories that are attached to their body. If the person is burned in the arm area, it is best to remove the accessory immediately around the arm area. Likewise accessories such as rings, bracelets, watches, or the like.
This aims to ensure that the skin tissue affected by the burn does not rub against layers of clothing or other accessories which could make the wound worse. Removing clothing can prevent the skin from getting pulled further during the procedure.
3. Cool the burn area with running water.
photo: freepik.com
Next, the most vital treatment is by cooling the burn area with running water. The water used must be normal to cool temperature. Run the water all over the burn for a few minutes. This is useful so that the temperature of the skin around the burn becomes more stable, and prevents damage to the skin layer from spreading more widely.
Apart from water, you can add a special skin moisturizer that contains aloe vera gel. The hope is that the moisturizer can moisturize burned skin and provide a cooling effect around the skin. Avoid using ice water or ice cubes in the process of cooling the burn area. The reason is, ice actually has the potential to damage skin tissue affected by burns.
As a result, it can actually make the condition of the wound worse. It should also be noted that it is not recommended to use toothpaste, oil, butter, or the like as a topical medicine for burns. The use of these ingredients actually damages skin tissue even more.
4. Cover the burn wound with a sterile cloth.
photo: freepik.com
Another effective way to provide first aid for burns is to cover the injured skin area with a clean and sterile cloth. The recommended clean sterile cloth is sterile gauze which is usually used by medical staff to cover wounds. After covering it with sterile gauze, then cover the area with a bandage to avoid dirt.
Covering the burnt area can avoid the potential risk of infection and more severe irritation. It is recommended to avoid using cotton, because it is feared that it could leave fibers in the burn area.
5. Take pain or pain relievers.
photo: freepik.com
If the victim feels very strong aches and pains, you can give painkillers and pain relievers to help relieve the pain. Pain relievers that you can easily find include Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. However, pay attention to the dosage of taking these drugs.
If the victim no longer feels excessive pain, then immediately stop taking these drugs. You can also consult with a doctor about additional medication that the victim needs if needed to help with optimal treatment.
6. Do not peel off peeling skin.
photo: freepik.com
Usually after the process of cooling a burn wound, a peeling area will appear around the wound. However, don't peel the peeling area. Because the peeling skin is new skin tissue which functions as a protective layer of skin which is also useful in the process of subsequent skin tissue repair.
Remain calm when dealing with the effects of burns that occur. If you feel the pain is getting worse, immediately consult the relevant doctor.
7. Take medical action immediately and consult an expert doctor.
photo: freepik.com
The final step in providing first aid for burns is to refer the victim for medical treatment. Consultation with a doctor can provide more appropriate treatment than lay people. Medical treatment is also useful as a step to check whether the burns that have been treated have improved or are getting worse.
Further intensive treatment will be carried out if the victim requires it. Obey all instructions given by the doctor. This is useful for victims and companions so they can provide better treatment after undergoing medical procedures.
Please remember that the method above is a first aid measure, it would be better if the victim immediately received further medical treatment so that the burn wound heals quickly. Hopefully this information is useful!
(Mgg/Zidan Fajri)