Burns and scalds are a common condition that can easily occur at home. Due to their high probability of occurrence, many families have their own treatment methods. However, some people have misconceptions in this regard. So what are these misconceptions? Let’s take a look together.
Immediately apply ice after burning or scalding
Correct solution: Although everyone is familiar with the five word first aid formula for burns: “flush, remove, soak, cover, and send”, most people do not follow the correct first aid steps when encountering a burn incident.
High temperatures can harm the skin, and low temperatures can also cause harm. After a burn, the damaged skin has lost its epidermal protection and should not be directly applied with ice to avoid frostbite. Immediately rinse with mild and flowing cold water for 30 minutes, or until there is no pain.
Dark foods such as soy sauce and coffee can darken the color of scars
Correct solution: The darkening of scar color is closely related to the pigmentation caused by ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreen for 3 to 6 months after the healing of a burn wound. Before going out, apply sunscreen with a SPF of 15 to 30, or wear long clothes to avoid or reduce pigmentation.
Dark colored foods do not darken the color of scars, but smoke, alcohol, and irritating foods can affect wound healing. The slower the wound heals, the greater the chance of leaving scars in the future. So for the sake of wound healing, it’s better to avoid touching these things until the wound is completely healed.
After a burn, you need to apply ointment immediately to quickly recover
Correct solution: Applying ointment will allow heat energy to envelop the skin and continue to harm it. After a burn, it is necessary to quickly remove the heat and use a fan to blow it away. The correct way to handle it is to immediately flush water to cool down.
The blisters caused by burns should not be broken
Correct solution: If the diameter of a blister caused by a burn is less than two centimeters, it is not necessary to break the blister. If the diameter of the blister is greater than two centimeters, or if the blister is located in areas with frequent joint movements and prone to friction, to avoid accidentally breaking the blister and causing larger wounds, a sterile needle or cotton swab can be used to puncture the blister, dry the tissue fluid, disinfect it with iodine, cover it with gauze, and be careful not to remove the epidermis on the blister as a protective layer.