Children love fireworks, but fireworks and children are a dangerous
mix that can result in severe burns.
“Burn care is important, as some burns can require long-term
treatment,” says Christi Cassidy, LPN in the Burn Unit at Children’s
Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. “If not treated correctly and in a timely
manner, infection can occur and unnecessary scarring can result.”
Any burn bigger than the palm of the person’s hand should been seen
by a medical professional immediately.
Following is a list of how you should treat a minor burn:
- Run cool water (not cold water) over the wound for about 10
minutes. This will remove the heat from the wound.
- Do not put ice on a wound.
- After rinsing, wrap the burn in a clean towel and see a physician.
- If the wound is smaller than the palm of the person’s palm once
cooled, clean the wound with soap and water only.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment and keep wrapped and clean.
- For best results, clean the wound 2 times per day, removing the
dead skin and applying ointment each time.
“If left untreated, infants have a greater chance of not surviving a
serious burn than an adult does,” says Cassidy. “A burn can worsen with
lack of treatment.”
Burns usually heal within a week or two. More severe burns can take
a month or longer to heal.
“Burns are a painful experience,” Cassidy says. It is important to
treat a burn early. By doing this, you can be on the road to recovery.”
