The NHS has issued a warning to anyone near fireworks this Bonfire Night, saying its website information on burns and scalds receives about one visit every 30 seconds over the Bonfire Night weekends.
Some will mark Bonfire Night this evening, Thursday, November 5, while others may delay plans until the weekend. This creates a four-day period during which the NHS anticipates treating more cases of scalds and burns than at any other point throughout the year.
20-minute cool water rule
In a post on Instagram today, the NHS stated: "THE SERIOUS MESSAGE: Over Bonfire Night weekends, the NHS website info on burns and scalds gets about one visit every 30 seconds. If you get burnt, hold it under cool running water for 20 minutes if you can."
The health service also encouraged people to contact NHS 111 for further assistance if required, adding: "They'll help you get the care you need."
Steps to treat a burn or scald
In the majority of instances, minor burns and scalds can frequently be treated at home, reports the Mirror. However, more severe cases may require hospital treatment, according to the NHS.
Acting fast and correctly in the aftermath of such an incident can make an enormous difference. There are three important steps to soothing a burn or scald:
- Hold the burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible, within three hours of it happening. If there's no running water available, you can use cool bottled water or a wet towel.
- Remove any clothing or jewellery that's near the affected area. Do not remove anything that is stuck to the affected area.
- When the burn or scald has cooled, lay cling film over it if you can. Do not wrap the cling film around it.
When to call 999
Health experts have also highlighted specific circumstances in which calling 999 is necessary. This applies only when a burn is "very large or deep" or located on a particularly sensitive area such as the "face, genitals or bottom". The NHS added that any burns caused by "acid or chemical, or electricity" must be dealt with by medical professionals.
The NHS said: "Small burns and scalds can often be treated at home and can take around two weeks to heal. Severe burns and scalds that are large or deep may need treatment in hospital."
There are several steps you can take to aid recovery while a burn or scald is healing, including taking painkillers and applying an emollient ointment, which is typically thick, oil-based and deeply moisturising. Certain actions can slow down the healing process, like bursting any blisters that develop to shield the skin beneath the burn. It is also not a good idea to cover the affected area with plasters or adhesive dressings, as these heighten the risk of infection and can be extremely painful to remove.
