"Last weekend, Aunt Zhang's little baby was accidentally splashed with hot water, and a scream cut through the quiet afternoon. Faced with the child's crying and panicked environment, Aunt Zhang instinctively blew on the child's burns with her mouth to try to comfort him. However, is this really helpful for the child, and what exactly should we do to minimize the child's pain and promote wound recovery during these precious few minutes?
"Seize the opportunity for treatment: the golden 2-minute rule of first aid for children's burns"
When confronted with a child's scald emergency, the right primary response is crucial. Here are a few important steps to follow during this "golden 2 minutes":
Immediately cool the wound:
At the moment your child is burned, immediately dispose of the injury under cool, running water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps to slow down further damage to the skin from the heat and relieves pain.
Use cold water instead of ice water, as too cold water may cause local blood vessels to constrict the wound, which in turn may affect wound healing.
Gently clean the wound:
Gently clean the burned area with mild running water. Avoid using soaps or other cleansers, as these may irritate the wound.
Do not wipe the wound to avoid aggravating the damage to the skin.
Protecting Wounds:
Gently cover the wound with a clean, damp cloth or gauze. This helps to protect the wound from bacterial infection.
Avoid using cotton and materials that adhere easily to the wound to avoid attaching to the skin as the wound heals.
Common pitfalls to avoid:
Do not apply ice directly to the wound as extreme cold may cause frostbite.
Avoid home remedies such as toothpaste, butter or egg whites, which have no scientific basis and can lead to wound infection.
Seek medical attention promptly:
If the burn area is large, the wound is deep, or the wound is in a special area (e.g., face, joint), you should seek professional medical help immediately.
While waiting for an ambulance, continue to use cool water to cool the wound and keep the person quiet and comfortable.
Scald First Aid Myth – You may be inadvertently aggravating the injury
When dealing with burns, many parents instinctively resort to traditional "home remedies", however, these methods often do not help the wound heal, but can actually exacerbate the injury. Here are some common first aid myths about burns and why science explains why they should be avoided.
Myth 1: Use ice cubes or frozen items to cool the wound directly
Many people believe that using ice cubes to cool down immediately can reduce the pain of burns. However, applying ice or an excessively cold object directly to the burn may cause frostbite and delay the healing process.
Do: The wound should be rinsed with cool running water for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce heat injury and relieve pain.
Myth 2: Apply toothpaste, egg whites, or butter
This is a very common misconception. Instead of providing proper treatment for wounds, these substances can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Do: Keep the wound clean and use a sterile dressing to gently cover it to prevent infection.
Myth 3: Blow with your mouth
The human mouth contains a lot of bacteria. Blowing into a wound with your mouth is not only of limited effectiveness and may also spread bacteria to the wound.
Do: Avoid direct contact with the wound with your mouth, take appropriate cooling and dressing measures.
Myth 4: Apply antibiotic ointment immediately
The casual use of antibiotic creams without professional medical guidance may lead to drug allergy or maladaptation symptoms.
What to do: If the wound is deep or there are signs of infection, you should seek medical attention in time and be guided by a professional doctor to use antibiotics.
Myth 5: Wrap too tightly or use colored fabrics
Bandaging that is too tight can interfere with blood circulation, and dyes from colored fabrics may have an irritating effect on wounds.
Do: Use a breathable, sterile dressing to gently bandage the wound to ensure blood circulation.
First aid for burns: key steps, get it right
When a child suffers a burn, every second counts. Proper treatment not only relieves the pain but also promotes better wound healing. The following are the key steps in scald management, each step based on medical principles and practical experience, designed to provide parents with clear, practical guidance.
Immediate cooling of the wound:
The first step is to quickly and gently wash the burned area with cool running water, with a recommended duration of 10-15 minutes. Not only does this reduce pain, but it also helps to lower the temperature of the wound and reduce further damage to the skin.
Gently clean and assess the injury:
After cooling, gently clean the burn and avoid using soap or other harsh detergents. At the same time, the severity of the injury is judged. If the burn is large or severe, seek immediate medical attention.
Covering the wound:
Use a clean, sterile dressing to gently cover the wound. This step protects the wound from bacterial infection while reducing pain caused by air contact.
Common pitfalls to avoid:
Do not use ice as excessive cooling may cause tissue damage. Similarly, avoid home remedies such as egg whites, toothpaste, etc., which can lead to wound infections.
Observation and follow-up care:
After treatment, the recovery of the wound is closely observed. If there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus, etc., you should seek medical attention promptly.
Keep the wound dry and clean, and follow your doctor's advice for follow-up care.