Burns
Burns are injuries to the skin and deeper tissues caused by heat, hot liquids, fire, electricity or chemicals. In Afghanistan, burns from tandoors, hot tea and cooking pots, gas cylinders and heaters are common, especially in children and women. Quick, correct first aid with cool running water reduces damage. Large or deep burns need hospital care.
Symptoms
- Red, painful skin (minor burn)
- Blisters and severe pain (deeper burn)
- White, brown or black skin that may feel little pain (very deep burn)
- Swelling
- Smoke inhalation: cough, hoarse voice, soot around the nose or mouth, difficulty breathing
Causes
- Hot water, tea, milk or cooking oil
- Tandoors, open fires and stoves
- Gas cylinder leaks and explosions
- Electrical wires and sockets
- Chemicals such as acids
- Children left near hot pots, heaters or fires
Prevention
- Keep children away from tandoors, stoves, heaters and hot drinks
- Turn pot handles inward and keep hot tea out of reach
- Check gas cylinders and pipes for leaks, and keep cylinders outside or in a ventilated place
- Cover electrical sockets and repair damaged wires
- Store chemicals and kerosene safely, away from children
Treatment
- Stop the burning: remove the person from the heat and put out flames by rolling in a blanket
- Cool the burn with cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible
- Remove rings, watches and clothing near the burn unless stuck to the skin
- Cover loosely with a clean cloth or cling film
- Do not put toothpaste, butter, oil, eggs, ash, yoghurt or ice on a burn, and do not burst blisters
- Paracetamol for pain; large, deep or infected burns need hospital care, and do not start prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Should I put toothpaste or yoghurt on a burn?
No. Toothpaste, yoghurt, butter, oil and other home remedies trap heat, can cause infection and make the burn harder to treat. Use only cool running water, then cover with a clean cloth.
Is it too late to cool a burn after an hour?
No. Cooling with running water still helps for up to 3 hours after the burn. Cool for 20 minutes, but keep babies and young children warm to avoid getting too cold.