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F
a m i l y
H
e a l t h
A burning
dilemma
What to do when you feel the heat
It happens every day.
Someone touches a hot
pan, spends too much time in the sun or knocks over a
cup of hot coffee into his or her lap. The result: a painful
burn.
Most burns are minor and heal fairly quickly, accord-
ing to the American College of Physicians. But those that
are more serious can be extremely painful. And some can
even be life-threatening. Knowing how to treat a burn—
and when it needs medical attention—can prepare you
for an emergency.
Three types
Burns are caused by several things,
including fire, heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, hot
water and steam. Generally, they are classified into three
categories:
First-degree burns.
These affect only the outer layer of
your skin—the epidermis. They cause the skin to redden
and be sensitive to touch. Within a few days, skin over
the burn may peel.
Second-degree burns.
These damage both the epi-
dermis and the layer underneath it—the dermis. They
may cause considerable swelling of the skin and typically
produce blisters.
Third-degree burns.
These affect all layers of the skin
and may cause it to look white or charred. But if they
damage nerves and tissue under the skin, they may not
be painful.
As burns increase in severity, so do their potential
complications. In large second- and third-degree burns,
for example, fluid is lost from the damaged areas. This can
lead to shock. Infection also becomes a threat, because
damaged skin does not provide the protective barrier for
the body that healthy skin does.
How to treat
Treatment for a burn depends on the
type you have and its size and location.
Any electrical or third-degree burn requires immediate
medical attention. Do not soak the burn or put anything
on it other than a cool, wet, sterile bandage or a clean
cloth. And don’t take off any clothing stuck to the skin.
You should also seek medical attention for:
●
Burns on
your face, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks or major joints.
●
First- or second-degree burns that are larger than
2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Intravenous fluids, pain management, removal of dead
tissue and skin grafting may be involved in your care.
If your burn is less serious, soaking it in cool water may
help pull heat away from the damaged skin. It can also be
helpful to apply antibiotic cream or other ointment recom-
mended by your doctor and to take an over-the-counter
pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. A
sterile, nonstick dressing and a loosely wrapped bandage
will protect blistered skin and help prevent infection.
Check with your doctor if you have questions about
the severity of a burn or how to treat it.
Additional sources: American Medical Association; National Institutes of Health; National
Safety Council
Your home:
Reduce risks for burns
One of the most troubling things about burn injuries may
also be the thing that is most encouraging: The majority
of burns are preventable.
Here are some key safety tips to help make your
home a no-burn zone.
The entire home
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Cover electrical outlets if you have small children.
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Follow manufacturers’ instructions carefully when
using space heaters.
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Place smoke alarms on every level of your home.
Test them monthly, and replace their batteries at least
every six months.
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Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and learn when and
how to use them.
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Keep the thermostat on your water heater at or below
120 degrees.
In the kitchen
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Never leave cooking food unattended.
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Keep hot liquids away from the edges of tables and
counters.
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Turn pot handles to the rear of the stove, and use the
back burners when possible.
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Avoid placing flammable materials near a stove, oven,
grill or toaster.
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Use potholders when handling hot pots and pans—
never use damp towels.
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Don’t wear loose or dangling clothing while cooking.
Additional tips to protect kids
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Never carry or drink hot liquids while holding a child.
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Place matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
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Keep small children away from the stove.
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Don’t use a microwave to warm baby bottles.
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Test the water temperature before putting your child
in the tub or shower.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American College of Emergency
Physicians; National Safety Council
If you have a serious burn and
need medical attention, our
emergency department can help.
When does
a poke in the arm feel like a pat on the
back? When that poke comes as part of a blood donation.
Every two seconds someone in America needs a blood
transfusion because of an accident, illness or surgery. Your
donation can help meet that demand.
If you haven’t given blood in a while, or if you’re think-
ing about giving for the first time, know this: Donating
blood is safe, it’s always needed, and almost any healthy
person age 16 or older can give.
Here’s what to expect before, during and after your
blood donation.
Before.
Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal and
drink an extra 16 ounces of fluids. Wear clothes that can
be easily raised above your elbow, and bring your driver’s
license or two other forms of identification.
At the donation site, you’ll register and get some
basic information about the process. After that, you’ll be
asked—in confidence—about your health and lifestyle.
Your answers help determine if it’s safe for you to give
blood and for others to receive it.
After that, your pulse, blood pressure and temperature
are checked. Also, a drop of blood is collected and tested
to make sure your iron level is healthy.
During.
You’ll be seated comfortably and your arm
cleaned. You may feel a slight sting as the donation begins
but no additional discomfort.
Once the donation starts, it takes about 10 minutes
to complete.
After.
Go to the refreshment area and have a snack
and something to drink. After 10 to 15 minutes, you’re
generally free to go.
Avoid strenuous activity for several hours, and drink
plenty of fluids over the next couple of days.
And after 56 days, you’re eligible to donate again.
Remember, there’s always a need for blood.
Sources: American Red Cross; U.S. Food and Drug Administration
How to Be a lifesaver:
Donate blood
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