Learn how to Avoid Skin Burns
Our skin controls the amount of heat exchange between us and our environment, it manages the amount of fluid loss and protects us from infection. For this reason, a burn is not a minor occurrence because it destroys our skin. Therefore, learning to avoid burns is an essential part of keep your skin healthy.
How to Avoid Hot Water Burns
Hot liquids and gases are what usually cause hot water burns. The injury is usually local and is rarely life threatening. Nonetheless, to help prevent hot water burns:
*Turn down the water heater to 120 degrees.
*Test bath water before putting a child in it. If the water feels hot to you, it will burn a child.
*Put the child in the bath with their back to the faucet so they can't turn the water on.
If you have a severe burn or if the burn occurs around face, hands, genitalia or feet or if a child or person over 65 is burned:
*Call for medical attention at once
*Keep the burned area under cool, running water until help arrives
*Do not remove clothing or skin from the affected area
*Keep burned limbs elevated
Frostbite results from long term exposure to cold objects such as snow or ice. Wet clothing, high winds and poor circulation are some of the contributing factors that can lead to cold burns or frostbite. Tight clothing and conditions like cramped positions, some medications, alcohol or smoking are other contributing factors.
To help decrease the possibility of frostbite, wear appropriate clothing in the winter. Winter apparel like mittens, layered clothing that is wind-proof and water resistant gives good protection. Nevertheless, if you or someone you know have developed frostbite you should:
*Find shelter in a warm place
*Bandage the affected areas with sterile gauze taking care to keep fingers and toes separate.
*Remove constricting or wet clothes
*Keep the victim hydrated with warm liquids
Only once the person has been taken to a permanent, safe location, can start the re warming process. This can be done by immersing the affected parts in warm, circulating water or by applying warm clothing to the injured areas for 20-30 minutes. Do not attempt this process if you have not reached a secure location because there is the danger of acute damage due to the potential re-freezing of thawed extremities.
The Treatment of Burn Scars
Severe burns will leave scars. There are several treatment options in these cases ranging from creams to surgery.
Since scars become less elastic they do not allow for a normal range of motion. Lotions can help moisturized the scar tissue and help with the dissolution of old scars. In some cases, however, scar removal through surgical procedures is necessary.
Natural scar treatment including the use of lotions and creams can be an effective burn scar treatment by helping you with scar exfoliation. Check out the rest of our products for scar treatments and other skin conditions.
Published February 20th, 2009
Filed in Health
