How to Avoid Chemical and Electrical Burns
Every kind of burn destroys the skin. Since our skin is in control of regulating body temperature, body humidity and protecting us from infection it is vital to try to avoid burns. Even small burns can produce enough swelling to restrict blood flow and breathing depending on the location of the burn.
This article focuses on chemical and electrical burns, in particular. It will center on how to avoid burns and how to deal with the possible scarring after the healing process.
How to Avoid Chemical Burns
Many chemical burns occur accidentally through misuse of products. Here are a few tips to help you prevent chemical burns:
*Read and follow label instructions, including any precautions.
*When using chemical products wear protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses
*Do not store chemical products in containers used for food or drinks. Leave them in their original containers with the labels intact.
*Never mix different chemicals such as ammonia and bleach.
*Store all chemicals in locked cabinets, away from the reach of children.
*Be sure to use burn causing chemicals or toxic products in well-ventilated areas.
If a chemical burn causes shock, fainting, paleness or shallow breathing, you must seek medical attention immediately. If it is a 2nd degree burn or covers an area more than 3" in diameter, if the burn has occurred on the eye, hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint or if over-the-counter drugs cannot control the pain, you must also seek medical attention.
How to Avoid Electrical Burns
Electrical burns are caused by an external electrical shock. They may seem unimportant, but the damage they inflict can extend deep into the skin tissues. Here is some advice on how to avoid electrical burns:
*Do not allow children to play with any electrical cord, climb on power towers, play near transformer systems, or explore other electrical systems
*Limit use of extension cords
*Buy outlet covers to protect young children
*Check that the power is off before beginning any electrical work and avoid working on electrical systems in the proximity water
*Find shelter during a lightening storm in sturdy buildings or crouching low and away from trees or metal objects
Strong electrical currents can produce severe internal damage, such as a heart rhythm disturbance or cardiac arrest. You should always seek out medical attention immediately when a person has suffered this type of burn.
Scarring is almost certainly a result of chemical and electrical burns. Treatment options for burns scars include creams to surgery depending on the severity and extent of the scarring.
Since scars become less elastic, they limit our normal range of motion. Lotions can help moisturized the scarred tissue and help with the dissolution of old scars. In some cases, nevertheless, scar removal through surgical procedures is necessary.
Burn scar treatment is essential to keep your skin resilient after the scar formation. This type of treatment can include natural scar treatment in the form of lotions like Bioskinrevival that will help you with scar exfoliation. Check out the rest of our products for scar treatments and other skin conditions.
Published February 20th, 2009