How To Treat Scalds And Burns And When To Seek Medical Attention

While mild burns can be treated at home, severe burns may need further medical attention.

When is an emergency a full-blown medical emergency? Or when is it a case where you can safely treat at home with help from healthcare services outside the hospital?

This is a question that many of us think about, when diseases with slow onset, such as fever and headaches set in. However, in the immediacy of burns and scalds, many of us are placed in panic mode, unsure of what to do.

We will help guide you through these moments. Below, are the recommended optimal measures to deal with the incurred burns and scalds.

Image source: iStock

Upon sustaining burns and scalding injuries due to contact with hot objects or steam, these injuries have different degrees of severity. Minor burns can be treated at home, while severe burns require medical attention at the emergency departments to prevent scarring and allow for complete cure.

If your burns are mild and on a small area,

Pour cool water over the injured area for at least 10 minutes
Do not use iced water, ice or greasy substances like butter
Loosely cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage or cling wrap (if there are blisters, do not burst them)
Take over the counter pain relievers to treat the pain

In the event that

Your burns are infected, leading to a fever, redness or formation of pus
Blistering is causing significant discomfort or pain, appearing large and tense

Visit your GP for treatment to be administered. This will help lessen your discomfort.

However, if the burns

Occur in the mouth, throat, eyes, ears, genitalia or over the joint surfaces
Are caused by chemicals, electricity or lightning or
Are of third-degree and your skin is pale, leathery, or charred,

Visit the emergency department and obtain immediate medical attention.

Image source: Speedoc

24/7 would care services at home

We provide GP services around the clock who can check and treat mild conditions. In the event that your condition is severe, we provide fast-tracked referrals to the A&E.

Learn more about Speedoc and how it can help you get professional healthcare whenever you need it, wherever you are. Visit their website at: https://speedoc.com/sg/

This article was first published in Speedoc and republished on theAsianparent with permission.