WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Red or peeling skin
• Painful blisters (may leak fluid)
• Swelling
• White or charred skin (serious)
• Loss of feeling or sensation in the burned area

Burns are major and life threatening if:

• They cover a large area; more than 15% of the total body surface area (TBSA) superficial partial thickness burns in an adult or 7.5% TBSA superficial partial thickness burns in a child. Full thickness burns are major when area burnt is more than 10% TBSA in an adult or 5% TBSA in a child. 
• They affect face, hands, feet, genitals, or over joints
• They affect the airways (breathing difficulty after fire or smoke)

 FIRST AID – What to Do Immediately after a burn injury

1. STOP the burning process – move away from fire/heat, switch off electricity, roll on the floor if in a burning house 
2. COOL the burn – pour cool, clean water on the area for at least 20 minutes.
3. PROTECT the burn – remove jewelry/clothing (if not stuck), cover loosely with a clean cloth or cling film.
4. RELIEVE PAIN – give paracetamol or ibuprofen if available, keep person warm with a clean cloth or blanket and take to the hospital or call for help.  

WHAT NOT TO DO

•  Do NOT burst blisters.
•  Do NOT apply kerosene, butter, oil, eggs, salt, honey or cow dung.
•  Do NOT apply ice or very cold water over the burnt skin
•  Do NOT peel off clothes stuck to the skin – cut around them instead.

 SELF-CARE FOR MINOR BURNS

• Keep the burn clean; covered with non-stick and absorbent dressings.
• Change dressings regularly on alternate days 
• Take pain medicines and elevate affected area if it is a limb
• Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, or smoking if burn is near mouth.
• Do not scratch healing skin; tap on it instead.

 WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Go to a clinic or hospital if:

• The burn affects a large surface area as stated above
• The burn is on the face, neck, hands, genitals, or joints
• You see pus, swelling, or foul smell
• You have high fever after the burn
• Blisters contain green or brown fluid
• There is difficulty breathing after fire or smoke
• The patient is a child, elderly person, or has other health problems
• The burn does not heal after 10–14 days of adequate care

 PREVENTION OF BURNS

In the Kitchen:

• Keep children away from cooking stoves and hot liquids.
• Turn pot handles inward.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Cooking place should be sited at a height above that of the child, away from passages
• Kitchen should be well ventilated; keep windows open
• Do not refill a burning lantern or cooking stove. Turn off and allow to cool before refilling with kerosene.
• Do not use Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or adulterated kerosene to cook
• If clothes catch fire: STOP, DROP, and ROLL (or cover with a wet cloth).

In the Bathroom:

• Test water and ensure it is lukewarm before bathing children.
• Take cold water to hot water to mix before bathing, not the reverse. 
• Do not keep hot water in the bathroom undiluted. One can slip and fall into the hot water. Leave hot water at cooking place.
• Keep water heaters below 49°C.
• Use non-slip mats and grab rails.

In the Bedroom:

• Do not smoke in bed or leave candles burning.
• Place candles over metallic surfaces; not wooden or plastic surfaces.
• Do not put hot water bottles directly on skin.
• Switch off electric blankets before sleeping.

General Safety:

• Store kerosene, petrol, and matches out of children’s reach.
• Cover open fires and lamps if possible.
• Teach children about fire safety.