Health Notes

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23020, 23 April 1938, Page 7 (Supplement)

Health Notes

JHE dangers involved by burns are mainly shock and septic infection of the injury. Burns vary greatly in degree consisting of anything from a superficial reddenirfg to a deep charring of the tissues. Scalds cannot be inflicted at a temperature greater than that of boiling water, except those caused by superheated steam, and consequently are not as deep as the moro severe burns.

f: The most important thing to do in the first placets to check and minimise shock. The degree of shock depends on the surface area of tho burn, and not on the depth. Thus a superficial burn of a whole limb produces more shock than a deep charring of the hand. It is a question of the number of nerve endings involved in the injury. Shock may .appear at once, or may be delayed for some hours. Whether it is apparent or Hot, steps should be taken to combat or anticipate it in all but small burns. Anti-Shock Methods f The most efficient anti- shock methods *re complete rest, external warmth, and suids by mouth. Sugar or glucose should j>e added to the fluids, which should be ;toot. All rough or sudden movements should be avoided, and every care taken In removing clothing. This should be cut away from the injured parts with * minimum of disturbance and pain, vf&posure to cold air is to be avoided, clothing should not be removed ijjfltil the dressing is ready. Septic intection is avoided by-keeping the wound

Burns and Scalds

MINIMISING THE SHOCK

clean at all stages and using correct dressings. Burnt tissue is damaged tissue, and is either completely devitalised or has its resistance lowered. Avoidance of infection will prevent a long illness with high fever and danger. Dressing the Injury Very much depends on the dressing of a burn. The dresser's hands should be clean, and'it is best to dress with the aid of sterilised forceps. The best substance for the first dressing depends upon its severity. Flour or Hour and oil are popular, but unsuitable. They have no antiseptic properties, and are difficult to remove. Carron oil is not antiseptic, and should only bo used in cases of superficial reddening. A saturated watery solution of picric acid is antiseptic and soothing. It should be applied by means of a septic gauze or clean cotton or linen cloth well saturated with the solution. Tannic acid treatment is not easy to use, and the best material for the firstaid cabinet is picric acid, sterile gauze, wool, and bandages. A timely word of warning needs to be sounded concerning the dangers involved in the use of benzine or petrol for cleaning. It is not generally known that a fire can be caused -without a flame being near. The friction of tho material against the side of the vessel can cause a spark, and a fatal accident. There is no way by which safety can be assured, and one should either send garments to bo cleaned or use carbon tetrachloride, which is not inflammable.