Question

If a child at home unlucky encounters a fire burn and is unable to immediately seek professional assistance due to limitations, how should one properly handle a hand burn?

Answer

When a fresh burn occurs, the top priority is to cool the wound to prevent further damage to the deeper skin tissues by heat and to alleviate pain. The specific steps are as follows:

  1. Immediately remove the clothing and socks from the affected area.
  2. Place the unaffected burn under running cold water for about half an hour to lower the temperature.
  3. Gently apply sesame oil or mustard oil to the wound for protection.
  4. For second-degree burns with large blisters, use a sterilized needle to puncture from the edge, gently flush, and then apply burn ointment.
  5. Properly bandage the wound and apply moderate pressure on the large blisters.
  6. If it is a third-degree burn, cover the wound with clean cloth and seek medical attention as soon as possible.