What causes burns?
In young children, most burns happen when a hot object or
liquid is pulled off of the stove or countertop. Older children and teenagers
typically get burns from playing with lighters, firecrackers, or gasoline.
Adults can get burns from sun exposure, touching hot objects, and accidents.
How can I prevent
burns?
Most burns are accidental, so it’s important to be careful
in situations where you or your children can be exposed to the sun, flames, and
hot objects and fluids.
●
Set the temperature on the water heater in your
house to less than 120°F (48.9°C).
●
Always test bathwater.
●
Never leave a child alone in the bathtub or near
water faucets.
●
Use the back burners of the stove when children
are present.
●
Never hold a child when working with or around
hot objects.
●
Do not leave a child around a fireplace without
an adult.
●
Check smoke alarms in your home every month.
●
Keep matches, firecrackers, gasoline, and other
explosives out of reach of children.
How can I treat minor
burns at home?
If you get a minor burn (one that is red and painful, but
does not blister), apply cool water (not ice) to the area for five to 30
minutes. Do not put butter or oil on the burned skin. Cover the damaged skin
with aloe vera or an antibiotic ointment (one brand: Neosporin), and apply gauze
or a bandage. Do not pop blisters. You can take over-the-counter pain medicine,
such as ibuprofen (one brand: Motrin) or naproxen (one brand: Aleve).
Should I go to Island
Urgent Care?
Come see us at Island Urgent Care or
see your doctor right away if you think your burn might be serious, if you have
blisters, or if the area is very painful or does not heal quickly. Go to the
emergency room if you have an electrical burn or a burn on your face.
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