Cooking is prone to accidents. You may get burns from sparks or oil burns. Timely first aid is important so that the wound receives the best care. How to safely give first aid to burns and reduce the risk of infection before reaching the hospital?
How many levels of wounds are there?
The skin plays an important role in protecting the body from germs, chemicals, and radiation. It also helps control the body’s humidity and temperature. The skin therefore contains many sensory nerves. โปรโมชั่นพิเศษจาก UFABET สมัครตอนนี้ รับโบนัสทันที. Wounds from burns or oil scalds on the skin are divided into 3 levels based on the depth of the wound as follows:
- First-degree burn: The injury is only on the epidermis, which is the superficial layer of skin. The wound may look like a sunburn, causing pain, redness, and dryness, but no blisters. When scalded with oil or burned at this level, it will heal on its own within 7-14 days.
- Second-degree burn: The injury extends to the dermis. The patient’s symptoms depend on the depth of the injury. Blisters and abrasions may appear. It may take up to two weeks or more for the wound to heal. Second-degree burns may cause scarring or the area affected by the scald may have an abnormal skin color.
- Third-degree burn ( Third-degree burn or Full-Thickness burn) The wound is severe. All layers of skin are destroyed by heat, causing the wound from the scald to be dry and hard, with no elasticity. This type of wound requires proper care as it is likely to contract or become a raised scar.
How to safely give first aid if scalded by oil
- Put out heat and do not let the skin touch the heat source for a long time. If the scalding oil gets on the clothing that is in contact with the skin, remove the clothing quickly and move the patient away from the scene.
- Clean the wound with clean room temperature water. Pour the water over the burned skin to reduce the heat that can damage the skin. You may use a mild soap to wash away dirt first, then wash with clean water.
- Relieve the pain from a scald by using cold. Use a cold cloth, a cold water bag, or a cold gel and place it on the scalded area.
- If the wound is small, not deep, and not too severe, you can use an ointment. Consult a pharmacist.
- When a blister occurs from being scalded by oil, the small, clear sacs will dry up and disappear on their own. However, if the blister is large and covers a large area, it is recommended to go to the hospital. The doctor may consider using a tool to puncture the blister.
- If the oil burns a large area, causes a deep and severe wound, or involves a vital organ, cover the wound with a clean cloth and take it to the hospital.
Recommendations for caring for burns
- Toothpaste should not be applied to the wound. Toothpaste only makes the wound feel cool, but it does not help heal the wound or make it heal faster. It is also difficult to wash off, which increases the risk of infection.
- Do not rub or pick at the wound. This may damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
- Do not apply anything other than medicine to the wound yourself, as this may increase the risk of infection.
- If the wound hurts, take paracetamol.
- If it touches a vital organ such as the face, eyes, ears or joints, you should see a doctor immediately.