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Written by: dr. Debby K.A. Saputra
Everyone is familiar with burns, and some may have even experienced them. But, do we know how to properly treat burns?
People often get caught up in myths that lead to inappropriate initial burn treatment.
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The wrong way to treat burns
You may have been treating burns the wrong way, just because it’s been done for generations by your family.
Here are some myths that we need to avoid.
1. Smear the burn with toothpaste or toothpaste
This is the most common myth. In general, people do this to cool the burned area. Some also apply butter, soy sauce, or oil to the burn area.
However, this is not the right way to treat the burn. In the event of a burn, the first thing we can do is cool the wound with running water for 15 – 20 minutes.
2. Cooling the burn with ice cubes
This is also not an appropriate treatment step. Because applying ice cubes directly to the burn can actually worsen the tissue damage. If the burn is very painful, you can use painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Of course, you should still pay attention to the instructions for use and warnings of the side effects of these drugs.
3. The burn bubble must be broken
This is an incorrect opinion. Why? Because bubbles or blisters in burns protect against the risk of infection. So don’t intentionally burst the bubbles. If there is a bubble that accidentally bursts, apply antibiotic ointment to the area. You can consult a doctor for the selection of the right antibiotic ointment.
4. The wound should not be covered to allow it to dry quickly
In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology and research at Harvard Medical School, wound healing can be achieved better in moist conditions. Using the right wound dressing will help the wound healing process.
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5. Burns are not a serious condition
Burns are so common that some people think that burns are not a serious condition. This is an incorrect opinion. Even a small burn size does not mean the condition is harmless.
If the burn meets any of the following criteria: burns to the face, hands, feet, or genital area; chemical burns; and extensive burns; the condition requires immediate medical attention.
Now we know how to properly treat burns. Let’s spread the word to our friends and people around us so that they also know the facts!