Question
A few days ago, a child accidentally got burned by spilled hot water while boiling water. The parent immediately applied ice packs for cold compression, but blisters appeared on the wound. The parent is confused about the proper treatment for burns. How should one correctly handle this situation?
Answer
The first step in treating burns is to apply cold therapy, which can lower the regional temperature, alleviate pain at the wound site, prevent further damage from heat, and reduce leakage and swelling. Cold therapy methods include placing the injured limb under running tap water or immersing it in a large basin. If tap water is not available, the limb can be immersed in well water or river water. The duration of cold therapy should be based on when the wound stops feeling severe pain after cooling, which typically takes about half an hour. It is recommended to seek professional treatment at a regular hospital as soon as possible.