Around 2.7 million people a year in the UK go to hospital after a home accident. Burns, scalds and stings are some of the most common causes.
Burns and scalds
The term 'burn' is used to describe an injury that occurs from direct contact with heat or flame. 'Scalds' are caused by liquid or steam.
When treating a burn or a scald, the aim is to cool the area as quickly as possible to relieve the pain and reduce swelling.
How to treat a burn
The most effective way of treating a burn or scald is to place the affected area under cool/tepid (not cold) running water for 15 minutes.
If running water isn't available, you can place the burned area in a bowl of cool/tepid water, though this is not as effective.
If water isn't available, you can use milk or a non-fizzy soft drink. You can use a shower to cool a large burned area, but you must always ensure the shower is on a cool/tepid setting and the water pressure is low. Warm or high pressure water will make the condition worse.
Creams or ointments should not be used as part of first aid treatment as they're not very effective unless the area is cooled first. Also, if creams are applied, they may have to be removed once the person arrives in hospital, to enable medical staff to assess the burn.
Burns to the mouth or throat can be potentially life threatening as swelling in this area can affect a person's breathing. If this occurs, dial 999 for an ambulance immediately, loosen all clothing around the person’s neck and be prepared to resuscitate.
It is common for swelling to occur following a burn so it's important to remove any tight clothing before the swelling occurs. However, don't remove any clothing or material that may be sticking to a burn. It is possible to remove clothing while the burn is being cooled.
Once the area has been cooled, cover the burn with a clean, non-fluffy material. This will help to prevent the wound becoming infected and reduce the pain.
An alternative dressing for a burn is a clean, unused plastic bag such as a freezer or sandwich bag, or clean kitchen film (clingfilm). A bag is particularly useful for treating burns to the hand and lower arm.
Once the bag is placed over the hand or arm, secure it in the place using a plaster or bandage. Clingfilm is best for arms or legs. Discard the first piece of clingfilm as it may be contaminated by human hands or food. Place the clean piece of cling-film loosely around the burn.
Once the burn is cooled and covered, seek medical advice.
Insect stings
Many insects sting as a defence mechanism by injecting venom into the skin. Most are painful but harmless but some people can have an immediate allergic reaction to being stung, and sometimes this can be very dangerous.
Your symptoms will be more severe if you are stung many times, due to the amount of venom that will have been injected into your skin.
Seek emergency medical treatment, if, immediately after being stung, you experience any of the following symptoms, as you may be having a generalised allergic reaction and this can be fatal:
- Swelling or itching anywhere else on your body.
- Wheezing.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Fast heart rate.
- Dizziness.
- Feeling faint.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Swollen face or mouth.
Treatment
As soon as you have been stung by an insect, you should remove the sting and the venomous sac. Do this by scraping it out, either with your fingernails, or something with a hard edge, such as a credit card.
When removing the sting, you need to be very careful not to spread the venom further under your skin and that you do not puncture the venomous sac. Do not attempt to pinch the sting out with your fingers, or a pair of tweezers, because if you do, you may spread the venom.
If a child has been stung, a responsible adult should remove the sting. Bee stings have a venomous sac and you should try not to puncture this as you remove the sting.
To treat insect stings, you should:
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Put a cold flannel on the area.
- Raise the part of the body that has been stung to prevent swelling.
- Use a spray, or cream, containing local anaesthetic or antihistamine on the area to prevent itching and swelling.
- Take painkillers, such as paracetamol (if the sting is very painful).
- Don't scratch the area, as it may become infected.
- See your GP if the redness and itching does not clear up after 48 hours.
Source: St John Ambulance, British Red Cross and NHS Direct
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