HOME TREATMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 302, 21 December 1932, Page 13

HOME TREATMENT.

, BURNS OR SCALDS. ; ; \ ) / ,;'(By PERITUS.) ■ '■• There are two chief dangers resulting from burns or scalds. The first is nervous shock, the second septic infection. Burns 'about the neck and back are especially productive of shock, and this nmst te met by rest,; stimulants and warmth to extremities. If possible place the : burned portion in a baking soda solution (dessertspoonful to a pint) whilst preparing dressings; this to reduce pain. It is .very important to exclude the air 'from, the burned part, and if the injured pja'ce must be kept dry,'cover at once with a pad of clean cotton wool. The best all-round dressing is one that will not stick, and this greasy or. oily dressing may be anyone that is antiseptic. iPreparc strips of lint or clean linen, and spread thickly with carboliscd vaseline or boric ointment, or dip them in carbolised oil. Then apply to the burn, cover with oiled silk 05. cotton wool and bandage lightly. Where nothing bettor is at hand a strong solution of baking soda may be used. It is not antiseptic, but it will keep the place moist and exclude the air, and even treacle spread on linen has been used as better, than nothing. If the burn is severe' the dressings will need changing next day, and perhaps daily for several days, but as soon as the inj-iry look's clean, change the oily dressing for one of a saturated solution of boric acid powder (as much powder as water will dissolve) and cover with oiled silk to prevent evaporation. This dress-ing must be kept constantly wet to avoid any possibility of sticking. Severe burns are best put 'into medical hands as quickly as possible and need very careful watching for 24 hours. If a burn is caused bv an acid, apply a solution of washing soda Riid warm' water before other If the imni is due to caustic soda or other strong alkali, bathe the part with vinegar and water.