Burns.
Small accidents.
Right response.
Everyday burns can happen in seconds - a splash from the kettle, a hot pan, or a brush against a heater. They’re common in kitchens, workplaces and everyday life. While these burns aren’t usually serious, they can be painful and uncomfortable. The good news? With the right response, you can ease the burn and help the skin heal - naturally.
Everyday burns.
There’s lots of things we come across in our everyday lives that can cause a burn. Kitchens and bathrooms are high risk areas, but a burn can happen anywhere.
Common burns that can be treated in the home or workplace only involve the outmost layer of the skin (epidermis) and are classified as superficial.
These burns are minor in most cases and can often be treated without further medical consultation, but what seems simple can be more serious.
So it’s important to know your burns!
Typical symptoms.
It’s important to know when it is appropriate to seek medical advice or specialised treatment for a burn.
To do this you must be able to determine what signs and symptoms constitute a superficial burn.
Common causes.
Whether in the workplace or home, there are a number of leading sources of everyday burns.
When to seek medical help.
Most superficial burns can be treated at home or in the workplace, however always seek medical attention if you’re unsure or the burn site displays specific symptoms or causes.
How to treat.
Fast and effective is the goal:
Remove items from around the burn
Any clothing or jewellery, unless it is stuck to the skin.
Cool the burn
Apply cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Most effective in the 1st hour, but still effective up to three hours post injury to stop the burning process (can continue for two-three hours if not cooled sufficiently).
For further cooling, in emergency situations, or if running water is not available, apply a hydrogel gel or hydrogel burn dressing directly to the burn area.
Cover the burn
Use a clean dressing, sheet or non-fluffy towel if required.
Seek medical assistance
If the burn is severe or spread over a large area, keep the patient warm and calm, and dial the emergency assistance number of the country you are in to call an ambulance. In Australia this number is triple zero (000). The Australian Government provides information on other emergency numbers on the triple zero website.
