How to Treat Burns

Posted on May 30, 2008
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There are many ways people can get burned. You can get burned by accident by walking too close to a candle, or you get burned while you are cooking dinner. Someone in your home can get burned and you need to know what to do in case you are called upon to treat a burn. Every mom and dad needs to know how to treat burns. The first rule of thumb in how to treat burns is not to panic.

If you are caring for someone who has been burned be reassuring. The one rule of thumb in how to treat burns is to cool the burn. Panicking is the last thing you want to do, because the victim needs to believe you know how to treat burns. People who are burned may be very irritable; try to be their source of comfort. Don’t ask them if they are in pain; you know they are. Burns hurt. The only burns that don’t hurt are third degree burns, which are medical emergencies. If you are the person to take charge of a situation where someone is burned, assess the situation and act accordingly. If the burn is severe enough to warrant emergency care, dial 911.

How do you know the severity of a burn?

Part of knowing how to treat burns is knowing how to judge the severity of the burn injury. You will need to know how to classify what degree of a burn you are treating. First degree burns red and there may also be swelling present. The skin is not broken; only the top layer of skin is burned. There is no blistering in a first degree burn.

Second degree burns are more serious than first degree burns because there is blistering. The epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (inner layer) of skin are burned. Fluid leaves the cells of these layers and collects between the two layers which cause blistering. A second degree burn is characterized by blistering and severe pain. A large area of skin involved in a second degree burn is serious enough to need emergency care. Part of knowing how to treat burns is realizing when outside medical care is necessary.

Calling 911 for emergency medical care is the first step in how to treat third degree burns. Get help on the way and then deal with the victim. Be calm yourself and do not do or say anything to upset the victim any more than he/she already is. Watch for signs of shock. If the victim looks pale and becomes cold and clammy shock is setting in. Get the victim to the floor and elevate his/her feet and legs above the heart. Shock is a medical emergency and treating shock is an important part of how to treat burns.

With third degree burns the victim may be alert and oriented, and he/she may say they are not hurting. The victim may fight against going to the hospital because of the absence of pain. You must follow through with getting emergency care for this victim. Explain to the victim there is no pain with third degree burns. Place cool moist towels over the burned area, or pour cool or tepid water over the burn if possible. Continue cooling the wounds until emergency medical personnel come to take over.

Ligament Sprains: Ligament Basics

Posted on May 30, 2008
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In order to understand ligament sprains, it is important to understand what a ligament is and how ligament sprains can occur. Ligaments link bones together at joints. They provide support and strength to the joint. So thinking about how many different joints we have in our bodies means that we have a lot of different ligaments that could potentially be injured. A ligament should consist of ninety percent Type 1 Collagen, nine percent Type 3 Collagen, and one percent fibroblast cells. Fibroblast cells are the cells in the body that produce the collagen. The collagen fibers and their organization is what make the ligament strong. Type 1 Collagen has the most tensible strength. Type 3 Collagen is immature collagen and does not have much tensible strength. However, it takes about three months to develop into mature Type 1 Collagen. The mature collagen really is the most important element of the ligament. The collagen fibers are arranged in a longitudinal pattern to reduce the stress placed on the ligament as much as possible.

However, stability and strength are not the only functions of the ligament. The ligament actually is involved in brain processes as well. Ligaments provide input to the brain about what position the different joints in our body are in without looking. This is what allows us to be involved in such complex athletic activities. Ironically enough it is these complex athletic activities that can damage our ligaments and cause the ligament sprains. There are three grades of ligament sprains. A grade one sprain damages only a few of the collagen fibers and there is usually a small amount of swelling that occurs. A grade two sprain does extensive damage to the collagen fibers and then from that swelling and intense pain does occur. A grade three sprain actually completely ruptures the ligament. This will cause really intense pain, swelling, and of course joint instability. This type of sprain will sometimes involve surgical repair. The most common treatment for sprains is rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, there are many different herbs, pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, exercises, and splints or braces that are frequently used to help the healing process. Ligament sprains can minor or serious, but it is important to see a doctor to establish how bad the injury actually is. Most ligament injuries heal quickly and do not cause too much of a disruption to daily life. Although, some of the more serious ligament injuries in the neck, back, and high ankle can be quite disruptive, but it is important to follow the treatment regime recommended by the physician so that it can heal properly.

Unprotected Skin in August Burns Red

Posted on May 23, 2008
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Almost everyone whose skin is sunburned in August burns red, which stands to reason because August is the hottest month of the year. Sunburns in August burns red because the wavelengths of UVA and UVB light are more direct during the hottest part of summer. Not only is there a threat from direct sunlight, but there is also a threat from reflected sunlight. The white sand of a beach and the water both act like mirrors to reflect the sunlight right onto your skin.

A tourist that visits the beaches of the southern coastal states from June to August burns red most frequently when he/she forgets to use sunscreen. Unprotected skin starts to burn within minutes of exposure to the sun during the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunburns have a cumulative affect on some people. The more times you are sunburned the higher the likelihood of developing some form of skin cancer.

Sunscreen is the most important item to remember when you are out in the sun. Apply it often—especially in the summer when the skin in August burns red. When choosing a sunscreen be sure it has an SPF of 15 or greater—the higher the number the more protection it gives. Everyone’s skin is not the same; many fair complected people need an SPF closer to 30 while others can be protected with a lower SPF number.

When applying sunscreen you need to apply it 20 minutes before going out in the sun, so that the skin is protected. It takes a few minutes for the active ingredients to bond with the skin to form a protective shield. If you plan on going swimming you will need a waterproof sunscreen. Waterproof doesn’t mean that it will stay on indefinitely; it will wash off in time. You should come out of the water every 45 minutes to 1 hour and dry the skin and reapply the sunscreen. Let the sunscreen sit on the skin for 10 to 20 minutes before going back into the water because skin in June through August burns red.

If you have forgotten your sunscreen you might want to wear a long sleeved shirt during the hottest part of the day because sun exposure to the skin in the summer, especially in August burns red. You are less likely to be badly burned if you expose your unprotected skin before or after the peak hours of direct sunlight.

It is a good idea to get into the habit of applying sunscreen whether you are planning to go out into the sun or not; and it is also good to use it all year long. Not only skin in August burns red, but in the winter months also. The sun can burn in the winter months too. People who live where there is snow have to deal with sunburn as the sun reflects off the snow. Everyone should get into the habit of using sunscreen.

Though you take precautions and apply sunscreen diligently, try to spend some time in the shade. Some people still have burn injuries even after using sunscreen; of all the hottest months the skin in August burns red.

Canine Injuries: What to do About Dog Bites

Posted on May 17, 2008
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The best first aid is to avoid dog bites from the get go. Here are some simple steps to prevent dog bites

• Supervise young children around dogs
• Teach them to treat dogs with care
• Do not roughhouse with dogs
• Do not fight with them, hurt them, kick them etc
• Do not try to pull apart dogs that are fighting amongst each other
• Avoid sick animals especially if they do not know you
• Do not pull food away from strange animals or bother them when they are eating
• Keep your dogs on a leash when outside
• Select your dog carefully, taking into consideration its temperament and your household requirements

First Aid Steps to take if you suffer from dog bites:

• To stop the bleeding you need to apply pressure to the dog bites
• Gently wash the wound with soap and water
• Apply an antibiotic
• Wrap the area in a clean bandage
• Make sure the wound is elevated above the heart to slow down swelling and/or infection
• Continue to apply antibiotics several times a day
• Report the dog bites to the police and identify the dog in question

See your doctor when dog bites produce these conditions

• A large gaping or deep cut
• Dog bites on the hands, feet and head
• The wounds are red, swollen or tender
• The dog bites feel warm or hot to touch
• You develop a fever
• There is pus seeping from the site
• There is continuous bleeding for at least 15 minutes
• Broken bones
• Nerve damage is suspected
• Other serious injuries

You will also need to seek medical attention if:

• You did not have a tetanus shot within the last five years
• You suffer from Diabetes, AIDS, Liver or Lung Disease, Cancer, and any other serious condition that can affect your immune system.

What to expect when you see your doctor for dog bites:
• The doctor will check for nerve damage, broken bones, tendon damage
• Check for infection
• Clean the wound with an antibiotic solution
• Possibly suture the wound
• Administer a tetanus shot if applicable
• Schedule a follow up appointment
• Refer to a specialist
• Intravenous antibiotics for special cases
• Surgery for bad mauls

The question of the transmission of rabies always comes up when humans suffer dog bites. Rabies in general, does not possess a threat in the United States. If you know the owner of the dog that bit you, you will want to ask for its medical papers to show that it has had its rabies shots. When you don’t know the dog that bit you, the animal control center will locate the dog and test for rabies. If the dog has not been found your doctor may schedule a series of rabies shots for you; just as a precaution.

The Difference between Sprains and Strains

Posted on May 16, 2008
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Sprains and strains are so closely linked in the way that they sound and the way that they are spelt. However, the truth is that they are two quite different and distinct injuries. It is important to understand the difference between the two so that when a doctor says you have a strain or a sprain, you know what they are talking about as well as prescribing to and sticking to the correct treatment. The main difference between the two is that sprains are associated with the joints and the ligaments, whereas strains are associated with the muscle. Therefore the treatment of these two different injuries is going to be quite different because they are not even associated with the same part of the body. Sprains and strains must be diagnosed correctly and then treated properly after the diagnosis.

When a sprain occurs, the person will often think they have broken a bone, but it is just a ligament injury. However, some very severe sprains do involve small broken bones. There is also typically a lot of swelling and immediate pain. Sprains often occur when the joint is twisted in some fashion. Strains on the other hand occur in the muscle. This is when a muscle is stretched too far or has had too much pressure placed on it. Strains most commonly occur during heavy lifting or returning to an athletic activity after a long period of time without warming up. Sprains and strains should be taken somewhat seriously as they are injuries that could result in future problems. However, the sprain is said to be a more serious injury. Sprains typically take between three or four weeks to heal, whereas a strain takes a little less with about a week to heal. Sprains and strains both involve rest and icing of the injured area. In addition, sometimes a doctor will prescribe pain medications and therefore should be taken as directed. Typically sprains are wrapped in a type of compression bandage, but strains often are not. As well, there is typically elevation required with a sprain but not with a strain. Sprains and strains do share the similarity of being sports related injuries as well as child and youth injuries. This is because children and youth are more often involved in several athletic activities. It is also important to remember that sometimes sprains and strains can result in increased likelihood of re-injury of the area and therefore some type of physical therapy can be helpful to strengthen the joint or muscle as well as prevent further injuries.

First Aid for Insect Bites

Posted on April 13, 2008
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Summertime is a wonderful time of the year to be out in nature exploring all of its wonders. However, it is also the time for insects to swarm as well. There are so many kinds of insects that every now and then it is safe to say that you will be either stung or bitten by one of them.

We will feel the effects of insect bites because these bugs are actually injecting venom, toxin or other chemical substance into our body which they need to aid in their digestive functioning. Pain, itching, scratching, swelling, and redness are general symptoms of insect bites. These symptoms occur because our bodies are having an allergic reaction to the substance that was injected by the insect in question.

Most allergic reactions to insect bites disappear quickly and are quite harmless, but what reactions you will have depend largely upon how sensitive you are to the insect bites. The mildest types of reactions to insect bites include: a stinging sensation or a rather bothersome itch along with a bit of swelling which generally goes away in a few days. Sometimes the insect bites will produce swollen glands, fever, painful joints and or hives, either immediately or a later on.

Anaphylaxis is the name of the condition given to severe reactions to the toxins from insect bites. Fortunately, very few people take severe reactions to insect bites, but if they do, the symptoms would include: toxic shock, swelling of the face, and difficulty in breathing. The most severe insect bites can come from ticks spreading disease, venomous spiders, bees, hornets, wasps and yellow jackets.

First aid for insect bites and stings

Get out of the line of fire; move away from the insects, get out of the woods, off lawns or anywhere where insects will sting or bite whenever possible.

In case of a sting, you can scrap off the stinger within anything that is straight edged such as a straight razor, plastic credit card, or knife, but do not pull out the stinger it might still have some venom to eject. Wash the area with soap and water.

To reduce the swelling from a sting, apply an ice pack immediately.

In case of a tick, carefully remove the tick with a pair of tweezers, gently pull out and make sure the head comes out. You can also apply adhesive tape to remove the tick. If it remains in the wound seek immediate medical attention.

For the relief of itching from stings and insect bites causes by fleas or chiggers and other relatively harmless insects, you will need some over the counter medication. Anaphylaxis taken six times a day should do the job. Other antihistamines like Tylenol Severe Allergy or chlorpheniramine maleate will work as well.

If the skin is irritated, with a rash and or dermatitis caused by the breaking down of skins cells, a topical hydrocortisone cream such as calamine lotion or a baking soda solution can be used until the symptoms go away.

If you experience any of the following: hives, dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, open gaping sores (spider bites), muscle and joint pain, shaking, chills, vomiting, cramps, confusion, rapid heartbeat, coma, see a doctor immediately and if you have the 911 service in your area call it immediately as well.

While waiting for medical help, administer any medication the afflicted person is taking for the insect bites. Also take it with you to the hospital so the doctors will know what has been done so far.

Make sure the person is lying on their back with feet raised higher than the torso but if there is any vomiting, or oral bleeding turn the person over onto the side.

Loosen any clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Do not give him or her any liquids.

For respiratory problems, and coughing apply CPR.

‘Dem Bones, ‘Dem Bones….’Dem Broken Bones

Posted on April 6, 2008
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Most people never see a bone unless they experience broken bones in their lifetime. A bone is living tissue in the body that is comprised of two components. The ends of the bone and the interior of bones are made of trabecular bone and the outside portion of the bone is called cortical. You have short bones, long bones, flat bones and lots of bones with unusual shapes. It’s amazing how all these bones come together to form the flexible and moving skeleton.

Bones are hard and usually must endure trauma before breaking. There are medical conditions though, such as osteoporosis, which can cause bones to unexpectedly break. Broken bones are called fractures and can be mere rifts in the bones or a complete break. Naturally the worse the break, the more it hurts, especially if its an open fracture. In an open fracture, the bones has broken through the skin. Of course, some people actually break a bone and don’t know it’s broken. The pain is more like an ache so they ignore the problem until it worsens.

Broken bones are traumatic. The body is a system and everything is interconnected. When a bone breaks it can cause the whole body to go into shock. Most people don’t really understand how to deal with a broken bone. Most first aid kits are designed for skin trauma, but that’s as deep as the emergency care goes. It’s the initial handling of the broken bones that can make a big difference in how quickly the bone heals.

When you believe someone may have one or more broken bones, the first thing to do is convince the person to lie still. Until you know exactly which bones are broken, you don’t want the person to move and potentially cause more damage. People have been known to cause additional trauma to surrounding soft tissue as a result of improperly moving the bones.

In real life situations, most people who suspect a leg or arm bone has been broken usually have someone drive them to the hospital. If you do this the broken bones should be stabilized by immobilizing the bone area. For example, a pillow can be gently held under an arm for a cushion and support. If you suspect any of the broken bones are in the skull, neck or back, the person should not be moved at all. In this case, calling the emergency responders is the correct procedure.

Of course, there are some broken bones they can do very little to help. If you break your tailbone or small tail bone, the cure is allowing enough time for healing. The bones are inaccessible to splints or casts. If you go camping a lot or indulge in sports which frequently cause injuries, your first aid kit should contain field bone cast material for temporary aid.

Broken bones can be very painful, but with proper first aid, long term damage can often be prevented.

Treating Burns of all Degrees

Posted on April 1, 2008
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The method for treating burns has changed over the years. Many years ago it was common to treat a burn by rubbing butter on it; however, research and experience has taught us that treating burns with butter or some other oil based product will insulate the burn and keep the heat in, which may cause further tissue damage. First aid for treating burns is to start by getting away from the source of the burn and then hold the burned area under cool running water. If the burned area cannot be held under water, cover the area with cool moist towels for at least 15 minutes. Cooling the burned area reduces swelling, which is the main source of the pain.

Burns are classified as first, second and third degree in order of their severity. The severity is categorized by how deep into the tissues each burn goes. First degree burns are painful, yet they are the least serious of all kinds of burns. The most common type of first degree burn is the sunburn. Sunburns can cover such large areas of skin that they can be excruciatingly painful. Treating burns of the first degree is to cool them with water. Don’t let the area burned become numb, because tissue damage may ensue. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen can help relieve generalized pain and discomfort.

Second degree burns are very painful; pressure builds up between the epidermis and the dermis. The two layers of skin separate and a blister is formed. This is very painful. Second degree burns can be caused by a bad sunburn, or some other way such as coming into contact with scalding hot water or steam. If a second degree burn is on the face, hands, groin, feet, or buttocks, treating burns of these areas need emergency medical care. Dehydration can be a problem with second degree burns, so the victim should be offered fluids to drink. Pain relievers can be taken to relieve the pain of second degree burns. There is always a risk of infection with second degree burns because the blisters eventually burst. Never try to break a blister on your own. Once the skin is broken there is a pathway for germs to enter into the body.

Third degree burns are serious burns and should be taken care of by a physician. Third degree burns involved the full thickness of skin, the fatty tissue, and possibly the muscle layer and into the bones. The victim feels no pain with third degree burns because the nerves have been destroyed. Treating burns of the third degree usually requires hospitalization. Treating burns of the third degree requires daily cleaning and bandaging. Often the areas burned will develop a hard crust called eschar which has to be removed for the burned areas to heal.

Treating burns of the third degree is an uphill climb for the victim. So many complications can come about because of the burn. The first threat is hypovolemic shock. Such a serious burn causes a fluid shift as plasma from the circulatory system, as well as the fluids of the body exit through the site of the burn. Many victims of third degree burns die—not from the burns, but from the complications that arise after the burn injuries. If you get burned and you don’t know badly you are injured, call 911 to get medical help right away.

Help Is On the Way in a First Aid Kit!

Posted on March 22, 2008
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A first aid kit is more than just a few band-aids and a tube of ointment.  It’s an emergency pack that just may enable you to minimize damage from a burn or stop a flow of blood.  The first aid kit provides emotional security by providing the confidence you need to address emergencies in your home, at work or while traveling.

Have you ever cut yourself and had to hold a rag on the cut while desperately looking for a band-aid?  It’s an all too familiar scenario that could be avoided by simply having a first kit on hand and stored in a designated spot.  When a family member or office worker, including you, experiences a cut or burn, knowing exactly where the first aid kit is kept can prevent panic and frantic searches in the medicine cabinet.

The first aid kit is designed to treat non-emergency situations that don’t require a doctor or to provide immediate care in an emergency situation.  Kits can be small or large and the size of the pack is usually determined by the number of people who may access it over time.  The larger the family or office using the kits, the more items needed.  But every first aid kit has basic items that are used to treat minor injuries and hopefully prevent or reduce the chances for infection.

• Antibiotics
• Dressings
• Band aids
• Ointments
• Eye wash
• Thermometer
• Soap
• Cleanser towelettes
• Small scissors

The larger first aid kits will have the listed items and many more.  There may be over-the-counter medications such as laxatives, aspirin or antacid tablets.  When choosing a first aid kit for the family, it’s important to consider special needs also.  For example, if you have an infant in the family, you’ll want to purchase a kit with baby ointment and lotions among other necessities.

The point is that having a first aid kit handy is important for home and office emergencies that can occur for many reasons.  It may be a minor emergency that involves a small cut on the hand that happens while doing household chores.  It could be a light burn experienced from spilled coffee.  But it could also be the kit you grab during a sudden emergency situation resulting from injuries due to bad weather.

A fist aid kit for the office or home should be purchased in a size that meets the needs of the number of people potentially using the kit.  It can be large or small, but always has essential first aid items.  A first aid kit can provide the assurance you need that minor emergencies can be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

A first aid kit lets you know you can skip the rag on the cut, because you know exactly where the band-aids are at all times.  They’re in the first aid kit!

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