During festive seasons, excitement and celebrations can quickly turn into distress due to minor carelessness, especially involving children who remain thrilled about bursting firecrackers. Sometimes, this lack of caution during Diwali leads to burn injuries on children or adults, affecting their hands, faces, and other parts of the body. In such emergency situations, parents and family members often panic and resort to household remedies like toothpaste, turmeric, or ice, whereas the first 15 to 20 minutes are extremely crucial. Administering proper first aid at the right time can significantly minimize skin damage. Dr. Pankhuri Dudani, a dermatologist at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, has shared essential and vital information regarding this issue.
Immediate Cooling with Water is Essential
Dr. Pankhuri explains that if there is even the slightest suspicion of skin burns from firecrackers or if only redness is visible, the affected area should immediately be placed under running water. No matter which part of the body is burned, whether it is the hand, face, or another limb, it is necessary to wash it with cold water continuously for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Running water is far better and more effective than applying ice directly for this purpose. Alternatively, the affected area can also be kept immersed in cold water containing ice. After completing this initial cooling step, the patient should be taken to the nearest hospital depending on the severity of the injury.
Avoid Household Remedies Like Toothpaste
Dr. Pankhuri states that people often apply toothpaste, turmeric, or ice when burns occur, but these domestic remedies do not offer any real benefits. Applying toothpaste makes it difficult for doctors to examine the depth and exact condition of the burn wound. Citing silver-based colloidal ointments, Dr. Pankhuri mentioned Silverex, which can be used to provide a cooling effect. While transporting the patient to the hospital, it is best to wrap the injured area in a clean, damp cotton cloth to protect it from outside contamination.
Never Pop Blisters on Your Own
Dr. Pankhuri clarifies that if blisters appear on the skin after a burn, one should never attempt to pop them independently. The formation of blisters can be an indicator of a severe burn injury. Under such circumstances, visiting a hospital for professional treatment is mandatory. If required, medical specialists apply antibiotics and bandage the wound to prevent infections. If the blister causes discomfort, doctors can safely drain it, but peeling off the overlying skin on one's own is also discouraged.
Absence of Pain Can Also Be a Warning Sign
Dr. Pankhuri points out that sometimes a burn mark looks very small on the surface, but the underlying skin has suffered deep damage. If the pain persists for more than 15 to 20 minutes, if blisters develop, or if there is no pain at all accompanied by a blackened appearance on the skin, it must not be ignored. In deep burns, nerve damage prevents the person from feeling pain. Therefore, even if a child is playing normally and seems fine, taking them to the hospital is still necessary.
Do Not Ignore Burns on Face and Hands
Dr. Pankhuri cautions that firecracker burns on the face, around the eyes, and on the fingers can be much more severe. Injuries to these delicate areas can impact not just the skin but also the body structure and functional capabilities. Especially when hands are injured, failing to receive timely treatment can lead to complications that become difficult to correct later. Therefore, always cool the affected area first with running water, wrap it securely in a clean damp cloth, reach a hospital as quickly as possible, and get treated by a specialist.
