It’s not uncommon for people of all ages to occasionally suffer a burn injury. Older adults whose hands don’t work as well as they once did may accidentally burn themselves in the kitchen. Or, they might spend a little too much time outside and get a sunburn. As a family caregiver to an aging family member, it can be quite handy to know how to identify a minor burn and how you can treat it at home.
Knowing When to Get Help
Not all burns should be treated at home. Serious burns warrant a trip to the urgent care clinic or emergency room. In some cases, family caregivers may even need to call 911.
Some situations in which you should get emergency treatment are:
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- The burn appears to be deep.
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- The skin looks like it is charred, leathery, or dry.
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- The burn is larger than 3 inches in diameter.
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- The burns are on the hands, face, feet, or genitals.
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- Burns that are minor and can be treated at home may have the following attributes:
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- Pain that is not severe.
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- Redness that is not deep and resembles a sunburn.
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- Blisters.
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- They are smaller than 3 inches in diameter.
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- First Aid for Burns
Family caregivers can treat a senior’s minor burn at home using these steps:
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- Cool off the burn by running it under water that is cool to the touch. Don’t use cold water. Or, you can apply a cool, wet cloth to the area. Do this for about 10 minutes.
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- Take off anything that could be constricting if the burned area swells, such as rings or tight clothing. You’ll have to do this quickly as swelling can start almost immediately.
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- Wash the area using mild soap and water.
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- Never break blisters since that can introduce germs and cause an infection.
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- Apply aloe or lotion to moisturize the area. You can also use petroleum jelly, but do not use butter. It could lead to an infection.
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- Protect the area with a sterile bandage. Use gauze rather than cotton since cotton fibers may get stuck in the burn. Keep the bandage loose so there’s no pressure on the burn.
- Use an over-the-counter painkiller to relieve pain if the senior’s doctor has approved their use.
If your aging relative is suffering repeated burns while cooking, it may be time to get them some help in the kitchen. The burns may be a sign that they are struggling to cook due to manual dexterity or strength problems. One option is to hire home care to assist the senior to cook or to cook for them. Home care providers can even help with the clean up afterward.
If you or a family member are in need of Home Health Care in Tamarac, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770.
Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Sources:
Medicalnewstoday.com
Webmd.com
Mayoclinic.com
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