Wound Care: First Aid Tips for Burns

Burns are injuries caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation, and proper first aid is crucial for effective wound care. As a leading family clinic in Maryland, allow us to share our expertise. Here are comprehensive tips to manage burns.

• Determine the severity of the burn.
  
  Minor burns may cause redness and pain, while more severe burns can lead to blistering, swelling, and charred skin. Start by ensuring your safety and the safety of the victim. If it’s an electrical or chemical burn, ensure the source is neutralized before providing assistance.
  
• For minor burns, immediately cool the affected area under cool, running water for at least 10 minutes.
  
  This helps reduce pain and prevents the burn from deepening. Avoid using ice or very cold water, as it can further damage the tissue. Room temperature or cool water is effective in cooling the burn without causing additional harm.
  
• Remove tight clothing or jewelry from the burned area unless they are stuck to the skin.
  
  This prevents further damage as the area swells. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth to protect it from dirt and bacteria. Avoid using adhesive bandages directly on a burn.

Seek urgent care for burns that cover a large area, are on the face, hands, feet, or genitalia, or if the burn is caused by chemicals, electricity, or inhalation.

Are you looking for a primary care provider in Lanham, Maryland? Then you have come to the right place. Look for no other than Patient Centered Health Care. Allow us to care for you and your whole family.

For medication training in Maryland and more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.