Short-Term Burn Care: 7 Vital Things to Know

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – If your typical day begins without the thought of wound care in mind, you are fortunate. But by spilling a hot breakfast beverage on your lap, touching a sizzling frying pan, or mishandling a curling iron – you can change things in an instant.

“Even a mild burn can hurt, and all should be taken seriously, so proper first-aid treatment and acute, or short-term, care of burns are essential,” says board certified wound care expert Michael J. Lacqua, M.D., a Staten Island-based plastic surgeon.

To assist Staten Islanders in correctly responding to such an injury, Dr. Lacqua is sharing these seven tips:

• DON’T PANIC

Less severe burns may not immediately require the attention of a medical professional.

“Take a deep breath, try to settle your nerves, and assess the situation,” Dr. Lacqua says.

He also advises people to have some advance understanding that three types of burns exist:

• First-degree burns damage only the outer layer of skin, and only cause redness
• Second-degree burns damage the outer layer and the layer underneath, causing blisters
• Third-degree burns damage or destroy the full thickness of the skin and appear white

“Remember, whether you live or work in Willowbrook, St. George, New Dorp, Prince’s Bay, or elsewhere on Staten Island, medical help is just a phone call away,” Dr. Lacqua says.

• COOL THE INJURY

“Cool the area with “tepid or cool water – not cold or iced – until the burning sensation has stopped,” the wound care expert recommends. “This generally is accomplished within 15 to 30 minutes.”

• INITIATE AN ACUTE CARE STRATEGY

The most common causes of burns are scalds from hot liquids and steam, building fires, and flammable liquids and gases.

“If you are not dealing with a severe wound, apply aloe vera, or a soothing moisturizer,” Dr. Lacqua says.

• CONSIDER A PAIN RELIEVER

The aftermath of a burn can be painful, and over-the-counter pain remedies such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, or Tylenol may help.

“Since ingredients vary among pain relievers, it’s wise to ask your doctor which one might be best for you,” the doctor advises.

• KEEP IT STERILE

Burns can lead to infections because they damage your skin’s protective barrier. Self-applied antibiotic creams may prevent or treat infection in some situations.

• WATCH FOR BLISTERS

Keep an eye on the burn. If blisters develop, see a physician, as this may be a sign of a more severe injury that requires other treatment.

• TREATMENTS VARY

Burns can cause swelling, blistering, scarring and, in serious cases, shock, and even death.

It’s vital to be aware that treatment for burns depends on:

• The cause of the burn
• How deep it is
• How much of the body it covers

“Never underestimate the importance of first aid, or the effectiveness of do-it-yourself acute burn care for less serious burns – but NEVER neglect to immediately call a doctor or 911 whenever severe wounds are involved,” Dr. Lacqua affirms.

ABOUT THE PRACTICE OF MICHAEL J. LACQUA, M.D.

Staten Island-based Michael J. Lacqua, M.D., is a preeminent plastic/reconstructive surgeon, hand surgeon and board certified wound care expert. Dr. Lacqua’s practice administers experienced, round-the-clock plastic surgery response to hand injuries and injuries requiring stitches – throughout Staten Island and the Southwest corridor of Brooklyn.

Treatment and surgical procedures following an accident are performed in either of Dr. Lacqua’s two offices (Staten Island, or Bay Ridge, Brooklyn), or at a local hospital.

Helping diminish the financial angst of those dealing with a sudden injury, the surgical practice works in tandem with patients and their insurance companies with a goal of providing optimum care with little or no out-of-pocket expense to the patient.

CONTACT DR. LACQUA

24-Hour Telephone: 718-761-3700

Dr. Lacqua’s offices are located at:

• 2372 Victory Boulevard
  Staten Island, NY 10314
• 9602 4th Avenue
  Brooklyn, NY 11209

Disclaimer

Michael J. Lacqua’s blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about med­i­cine, health and related sub­jects.  The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker.

Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

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