Domestic burns

It is painful but avoidable

Watch yourself ……….. Watch your children
Domestic burns are the most popular type of burns that children expose.

Most of these injuries could be avoided by following some simple measures.

The causes of burns

- Thermal: direct contact with flame, molten liquid or hot objects (cooking and boiling
utensils, kitchen oven and stove …..)
- Chemicals: bleaching agents.
- Electricity: electrical wires and plugs
- Sun: sunray

What to do in case of thermal burns?

 Try to remove or put out the thermal source.
 Extinguish flames by using water or applying a blanket.
 If the flames reach the person's clothes and body, help him to lie down and roll on
the ground to put out the fire.
 Remove the burned clothes unless they're stuck to the person's body.
 Remove jewelries or metal materials such as wrist watch, ring or bracelet, they would
pressure on the burned area in case of swelling.
 Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water (tap water) from 10 to 20
minutes.
 Wrap the burned area with a nonstick gauze bandage or a clean cloth.
 Transport the patient to a clinic.

What to do in case of chemical burns? Follow the same instructions for thermal burns, and
may include:

 Don't put another chemical substance on the burned area this will worsen the burn.
 Flood the burned area under running water (tap) for more than 20 minutes.
In case of eye contact with chemicals
 Expose the eyes to running water at least for 20 minutes and try to open it with your
fingers.
 If the patient wears contact lens ask him/ her to remove them.
 Transport the patient to a clinic.

What to do in the case of electrical burns?

 Turn off the source of electricity or move the injured person immediately from the
source by using nonconducting object such as a wooden stick.
 Cover the burned area with sterile and damp bandage.
 Call the ambulance immediately or transport the patient to a clinic.

What to do in case of sunburn?

 Hold the burned area under running water (tap water).
 When going out in the sun, cover the burned area and use a sunscreen.

Avoid some misguided practices!

 Don't apply toothpaste, butter, olive oil and powder; this may lead to inflammation
and infection of the burned area.
 Don't apply ice; it will lead to tissue damage.
 Don't pop blisters; it will lead to the inflammation of the injury.

How the mother protects her child from the domestic burns?
 Keep the matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of children.
 Don't let your child sitting on your lap as you drink hot coffee or any hot drinks.
 Don't leave your children alone in the kitchen and understand him that the oven
cover is hot so that he mustn't touch it.
 Be sure that your child is not beside you when you bring out hot utensils.
 Turn handles of saucepans in towards the back of the stove.
 Don't leave your children alone in the bathroom there is a risk that they would burn
themselves with first degree burn within 5 seconds in case they open hot water tap.
 Use your elbow to check the temperature of water before washing your bay's face.
 Don't allow children to play with fireworks at home.
 Keep all cleaning supplies out of the reach of children.
 Warn the children to keep away from stoves and don't put anything in them.
 Cover all electrical plugs and change damaged extension cords.