| Cover the burn. Use dry, sterile dressings or
a clean cloth to help prevent infection and reduce pain. Bandage
loosely. Do not put any ointment on a burn unless it is very
minor. Do not use any other home remedies, and do not break
any blisters. For minor burns or burns with broken blisters
that are not severe enough to require medical attention, wash
the burned area with soap and water, keep it clean and apply
an antibiotic ointment. Remember, some people can be allergic
to topical ointments, so if you have any doubts, call your doctor
for advice. For a victim of severe burns, lay him or her down
unless he or she is having trouble breathing. Try to raise the
burned areas above the level of the victim's heart if possible,
and protect the victim from drafts.
Chemical Burn
Call EMS in any case of a chemical burn. Remove the chemical
from the skin or eyes immediately by flushing the area with
large amounts of cool running water until EMS arrives. Remove
any clothes with chemicals on them, and be careful not to
spread the chemical to other body parts or to yourself. Chemical
burns can be caused by chemicals used in manufacturing or
in a lab, or by household items such as bleach, garden sprays
or paint removers.
Electrical Burns
Call EMS in any case of an electrical burn. Do not go near
the victim unless you are sure the power source has been turned
off. The burn itself will not be the major problem. If the
victim is unconscious, check breathing and pulse. Check for
other injuries, and do not move the victim because he or she
may have spinal injuries. Cover an electrical burn with a
dry, sterile dressing. Do not cool the burn. Prevent the victim
from getting chilled. There may be two wounds, one where the
current entered the body and one where it left, and they may
be deep. Electrical burns can be caused by power lines, lightening,
defective electrical equipment, and unprotected electrical
outlets.
Solar Radiation Burn
Burns caused by solar radiation may be painful and may also
blister. Cool the burn. You may want to put a product designed
specifically for sunburn on the area; these products usually
contain aloe vera and help cool the area and reduce the pain.
Protect the burn by staying out of the sun. If you must go
in the sun, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and
reapply it frequently. Be sure to cover up any existing sunburn
if you are going to be outside again.
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Burns
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