Lifestyle Desk: Amidst the lights, sweets and fireworks on Diwali, even a small carelessness can prove costly. Many times hands, face or any other part of the body gets burnt while burning firecrackers. In some cases, sparks from firecrackers cause minor burns, while sometimes serious injuries can occur due to intense heat or explosion. In such a situation, instead of panicking and adopting wrong measures, it is important to have knowledge of correct first aid.
Often, when people get burnt, they immediately apply ghee, oil, toothpaste or turmeric. But doing so can cause harm and make the injury difficult to treat. Let us know what should be done immediately in case of burning due to firecrackers on Diwali and what mistakes should be avoided.
immediately place the burnt area under cool running water
If the skin gets burnt by the spark of a firecracker, first keep that area under cold or normal temperature running water for about 20 minutes. This can help reduce skin heat and limit the damage caused by burns. Be careful not to use ice or very cold water. This can cause further damage to the skin. If a large part of the body is burnt, do not delay in seeking medical help and also protect the injured person from getting cold.
Remove jewelry and tight clothing from the burned area
The skin may swell after a burn. Therefore, carefully remove rings, watches, bracelets or tight clothing near the affected area, provided they are not stuck to the skin.
If the cloth is stuck to the burned skin, do not try to remove it by pulling. This can make the injury more serious. In such a situation, seek medical help immediately.
Do not make the mistake of applying ghee, oil or toothpaste
It is common to adopt home remedies for burns, but applying ghee, oil, toothpaste, turmeric, butter or other substances should be avoided. These can trap heat in the skin, contaminate the wound, and make it difficult for a doctor to assess the injury. Keep the burn area clean. After first aid treatment with cold running water, cover the area with a clean, non-stick bandage if necessary.
Do not burst the blisters on the burnt area.
If blisters appear on the skin after a burn, do not try to burst them or remove the skin. Doing this can increase the risk of infection. If the blisters are large, the pain is severe or the burnt area is on the hands, face, feet or any joint, then get checked by a doctor. In case of injury caused by firecrackers, not only the skin but also the surrounding tissues can be damaged.
What to do if a firecracker hurts your eyes or face?
The spark or explosion of a firecracker can cause serious injury to the eyes and face. If there is an eye injury, blurred vision, severe pain, or bleeding from the eye, go to a hospital emergency department immediately.
Do not rub the eye, put pressure on it, or put any household items or over-the-counter medications into the eye. If the explosion has caused serious injury to the face, do not ignore it as a minor burn.
When is it necessary to go to the hospital immediately?
If you get burnt by a firecracker, seek immediate medical help in the following situations.
1- Face, eyes, hands, feet or genitals are burnt.
The skin may appear white, black or numb.
The area of burn is large or there are deep wounds.
2-Severe pain, swelling or signs of infection appear.
A firecracker explosion may cause injury, bleeding or difficulty breathing.
3-Take special care in case of burns of children and elderly people. In case of serious injury, do not waste time in trying home remedies.
Be careful while burning crackers on Diwali
Always burn firecrackers in an open space and do not let children use fireworks alone. Keep water and necessary first aid items nearby. Do not try to re-light a firecracker that has not burst.
Remember, the most important step in case of firecracker burn is to cool the affected area with cold running water for about 20 minutes and in case of serious injury, seek immediate medical help. First aid at the right time can help in reducing the damage.