How to manage burns? Guidelines by the best burn surgeon in Lahore
Burns are tissue damage that can occur as a result of exposure to heat, chemicals, electrical contact, etc. these injuries can be minor medical problems or life-threatening emergencies. Depending on how serious the burn is, it may be quite possible to treat it at home, but more serious burns require professional help and medical attention. The best burn surgeon in Lahore can help with extensive scarring and disabilities that can occur in serious burns.
Minor burns and minor burns
A minor burn is not an emergency; it may involve superficial redness, blistering over a small area, or mild pain. Major Burns need emergency help. Here is when a burn is considered major
- When it is very deep or covers the hands, feet, or a major joint
- When it is on the buttocks, genitalia, or face
- When the blisters form over an area that is larger than three inches or 7-8 centimeters
- When the burn is due to hot grease, an electrical current, chemicals, or inhaling smoke
First aid guidelines for burns by the best burn surgeon in Lahore
Suitable first aid should be used to treat any burns as soon as possible, this will minimize the damage to the skin, and the way a person is initially managed carries an important role. For major burns, alert the medical services, then follow these instructions;
- Stop the burning process quickly by removing the person from the area or by putting out the flames. Do not put yourself in the danger of getting burnt.
- Remove any clothing, jewelry, or tight items from the burned area quickly before the area swells. But if any clothing or jewelry is stick to the burn site, do not remove it as it will further the damage.
- Hold the burnt region under cool running water for fifteen to twenty minutes or until the pain decreases, or apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water. Do not use ice, iced water, creams, or any greasy substance like butter.
- Do not break small blisters; if they do break, wash the area with mild soap and water, spread an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a non-stick gauze bandage. Blisters that are larger than a little fingernail should be removed. If large blisters are developing, then go see a doctor.
- Keep the person warm using a blanket or layers of clothing but avoid putting it on the injured area. This is to prevent hypothermia, i.e., where a person’s temperature drops below normal and can happen in case of cooling a large burnt area, particularly in young children or elderly people.
- Cover the burnt area using cling film or a clean plastic bag.
- If you are in pain, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever medicine
Without surgery, wounds of major burns will heal with severe scarring and contracture, causing aesthetic disfigurement and functional limitations. The best burn surgeon in Lahore can help in removing the scarring in order to restore normal function and improve cosmetic appearance.