First Aid Treatment for Thermal Burns: Tips from Dr. Jasdeep Sidana
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First Aid Treatment for Thermal Burns: Tips from Dr. Jasdeep Sidana

Thermal burns are a common type of burn injury that can cause significant tissue damage and lead to infections if not treated properly. Therefore, immediate first-aid treatment is crucial to minimize the damage and prevent infections. To learn more about the proper first-aid treatment for thermal burns, we consulted with Dr. Jasdeep Sidana, a medical professional with extensive experience in treating burn injuries. In this blog, we will discuss Dr. Jasdeep Sidana’s tips for first-aid treatment and prevention measures for thermal burns. By following these tips, we can minimize the damage caused by thermal burns and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

Understanding Thermal Burns

Dr. Jasdeep Sidana explains that thermal burns are classified according to their severity and depth of tissue damage, which include:

  • First-degree burns affect the outer layer of the skin and cause redness, pain, and minor swelling.
  • Second-degree burns affect the outer and underlying layers of skin and cause severe pain, blisters, and swelling.
  • Third-degree burns are the most severe and penetrate all layers of the skin, causing significant tissue damage, charred skin, and loss of sensation.

Dr. Jasdeep Sidana emphasizes that knowing the symptoms of thermal burns is important for identifying the severity of the injury. The severity of the symptoms depends on the extent and depth of the burn. Dr. Jasdeep Sidana advises immediate first aid treatment is necessary for all thermal burns.

First Aid Treatment for Thermal Burns

Dr. Jasdeep Sidana recommends the following steps for first aid treatment of thermal burns:

Step 1: Stop the Burning Process

The first step in treating a thermal burn is to stop the burning process. If flames cause the burn, move away from the source of the fire. If the burn is caused by hot liquids, remove the affected person from the heat source and cool the affected area with cold water.

Step 2: Remove Clothing and Jewelry

According to Dr. Jasdeep Sidana, removing clothing and jewelry from the affected area prevents further tissue damage. However, if clothing is stuck to the skin, do not attempt to remove it.

Boy washing his hands to lessen chance of disease

Step 3: Cool the Burn with Running Water

To minimize tissue damage and alleviate pain caused by a burn, Dr. Jasdeep Sidana recommends cooling the affected area with running water for 10-15 minutes. However, he warns against using ice, butter, or other home remedies on the burn as they can cause more harm than good and potentially worsen the injury.

Step 4: Cover the Burn

After cooling the burn with water, cover the affected area with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Dr. Jasdeep Sidana advises against ointments, creams, or other topical agents as they can trap heat and delay healing.

Step 5: Elevate the Affected Area

Dr. Jasdeep Sidana recommends elevating the affected area above the heart level to reduce swelling and pain. However, do not elevate the affected area if the burn is on the hands, arms, or legs.

Additional Tips for First Aid Treatment

Dr. Jasdeep Sidana advises against breaking any blisters that may have formed, which can lead to infections. If the blisters burst on their own, clean the affected area with soap and water and cover it with a sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Seek medical attention if the burn is severe, covers a large area, or affects the face, hands, feet, or genitals.

When to Seek Urgent Care for Burns

While many burns can be treated with first-aid treatment, there are certain cases where seeking medical attention at an urgent care facility or emergency room is necessary. According to Dr. Jasdeep Sidana, you should seek urgent medical care for burns if:

  • The burn covers a large area of the body
  • The burn affects the face, hands, feet, or genitals
  • The burn is third-degree or deeper
  • The burn is caused by chemicals, electricity, or radiation
  • The burn is accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest pain, or signs of shock

In these cases, seeking medical attention promptly can prevent complications and promote optimal healing. It is always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical care if you are uncertain about the severity of the burn. Dr. Jasdeep Sidana emphasizes that timely medical attention is crucial in preventing further tissue damage and reducing the risk of infections.

Prevention of Thermal Burns

According to Dr. Jasdeep Sidana, preventing thermal burns is crucial for avoiding burn injuries. Dr. Jasdeep Sidana offers the following tips for preventing thermal burns:

Fire extinguisher on a white backgroun

In the Home:

  • Use caution when cooking with hot surfaces and liquids.
  • Keep hot objects and liquids out of reach of children.
  • Test the temperature of the bathwater before entering to avoid scalding.
  • Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the home.

In the Workplace:

  • Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment when working with hot machinery or surfaces.
  • Use caution when working with hot materials or chemicals.
  • Follow safety protocols and procedures for handling and disposing of hot substances.

Conclusion

Thermal burns can cause significant tissue damage and require immediate first-aid treatment to prevent further injury and reduce the risk of infections. By following Dr. Jasdeep Sidana’s tips for first aid treatment and burn prevention measures, we can minimize the damage caused by thermal burns and prevent future injuries. Remember always to take precautions when working with hot surfaces and materials, keep hot objects out of reach of children, and seek medical attention for severe burns. By taking these steps, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers of thermal burns.