Don't Get Burned

by Darlene Zagata

Burns can result from tragic accidents involving fire, electricity, chemicals, scalding water or hot appliances. Most incidents of burns can be prevented by following proper safety measures. The "rule of nines" is used for determining the extent of burns. Severe burns can damage the underlying tissues beneath the skin which can destroy nerve endings. The severity of a burn depends on several factors including the type of burn, the percentage of the body's surface affected, the duration of the burn and the specific body parts involved.

A first-degree burn is the most common type of burn also known as a superficial burn. In this kind of burn there is damage only to the top layer of skin which will become red and painful. A sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn. A second-degree burn affects the dermis but does not go through the epidermis to the underlying tissues. This type of burn is painful and usually blisters. A second-degree burn may scar. A third-degree burn destroys both the dermis and the epidermis. The skin may appear charred. There may be intense pain or none at all depending upon damage to nerve endings. This type of burn must be treated by a physician and emergency medical attention is needed immediately.

The majority of minor burns occur in the home. There are some basics you should know in the event of household accidents involving burns. If a person is on fire you should wrap the individual in a blanket, coat, rug or whatever is available, push them to the floor and roll them around sufficiently until the flames have been smothered. Douse the skin with cold water to reduce the burning sensation and cool the skin. Call for emergency medical care so that the person can be treated immediately.

Many burns that occur in the household are due to contact with items such as a stove, iron, curling irons or other heat related appliances. Most of these burns can be prevented if we just learn to be a little more careful in our placement of such items. Always make sure that appliances such as these are unplugged when they are not in use. Be certain that the stove is turned off and guard against touching hot burners when cooking.

Unfortunately, young children are most likely to be victims of accidents involving burns in the home. Children must be cautioned at a very early age not to touch appliances such as a stove which can be harmful to them. They must be taught that these items are hot and that touching them will hurt. Items which emanate heat should be kept up high or in other places that are safely out of the reach of young children in order to prevent potential accidents. Lighters and matches should be kept out of a child's reach as these have been the source of many burns resulting from fires that have accidentally been started by a curious child.

If an accident takes place in your home in which someone has been burned, you will immediately need to cool the burn by using cold water. Do not use ice. Use only cool or cold water. If any clothing is stuck to the burn area do not attempt to remove it yourself. Get medical attention immediately. By using common sense and taking precautions most burn accidents can be prevented. You may want to consider taking a course in first aid so that you are prepared to deal with such accidents until medical help arrives. If you have small children in your home you should take the necessary steps to make your home as accident proof as possible by keeping dangerous items out of the reach of children.

About the Author:
Darlene Zagata may be contacted at http://pages.ivillage.com/celia721/ . Darlene Zagata is a freelance writer and poet. Her work has appeared in several electronic and print publications. Darlene is the Editor of the Health department at RITRO.com and she co-authors a column with her son at RaisingASon.com. She is also a Review Editor for MyShelf.com and an Editorial Reviewer for The Writer's Room Magazine. Her book of poetry "Aftertaste" is now available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Her first book of fiction, "The Choosing" is currently in the process of publication.