If you or someone else gets burned, its important to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here are some steps to take immediately after a burn:
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Stop the burning: Put out the fire or stop the person's contact with the hot object or substance.
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Cool the burn: Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or immerse it in cool water for about 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Do not use ice, as it can cause further damage to the tissue.
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Remove constrictive clothing: Take off jewelry, belts, and tight clothing, as burns can swell quickly.
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Cover the burn: Loosely cover the area with a sterile gauze bandage or a clean, dry cotton dressing.
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Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation.
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Seek medical attention if necessary: If the burn is severe, covers a large area of the body, or is on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, seek medical attention immediately.
It's important to note that you should not apply butter, oil, lotions, or creams to the burn, as these can cause an infection. Also, do not break any blisters that may form, as this can increase the risk of infection.
