Even with firecrackers being banned across the country this year, burn injuries remain one of the commonest forms of domestic injuries. Each one of us has suffered from some type of burn in our lifetime, be it while cooking, ironing, or simply while preparing a cup of tea. Most of the injuries that occur are minor burns, which is why we tend to ignore them and stick to applying over-the-counter ointments. However, burns can be serious and even fatal if not treated at the right time. 

Elaborating upon the impact of burns, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital, Dr. Shraddha Deshpande explained, “Burns can be classified as first degree, second degree, and third degree. The treatment of burn injuries may vary from person-to-person depending upon how severe the injury is. First degree burns include sunburn as well. The second degree can be serious and may cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering and third-degree burns are life-threatening. Children and the elderly are especially prone to complications following burn injury.”

Dispelling the myths of burn treatment and seeking specialized wound care can decrease the burden of burn related morbidity to a great extent. Below, she answers a few pertinent questions on the identification of serious burns, importance of treatment, apt first aid response, and preventing infections.