Preventing and Treating Cooking Burns during the Holidays

As the holidays draw near in Indian Trail, families are gearing up to prepare the most important meals of the year to share with family and friends. While our humble Charlotte neighborhood boasts a delicious food scene with restaurants like the popular Farm Haus or local favorite Johnny K’s Restaurant, the holidays are a time for families to gather in their homes and enjoy home-cooked meals. If you are planning to bake cookies or host Christmas dinner in your home this year, it is crucial to practice kitchen safety.

Kitchens become bustling hubs of activity around the holidays. It’s important to remember that kitchens can pose safety hazards, particularly burns. Here’s a quick guide on how to prevent and treat burns effectively to ensure a safe holiday season.

Take Preventative Measures

Take the necessary steps to create the best environment for safe cooking in your kitchen. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Clear the clutter: Keep your kitchen organized and free of distractions. This helps you focus on cooking and minimizes the risk of an accident.
• Beware of flammables: Store flammable items like towels, paper products, and loose clothing away from open flames and hot surfaces to prevent fires.
• Use oven mitts: When handling hot objects like pots, pans, and baking trays, always wear oven mitts to protect your hands from burns.
• Be cautious with hot liquids: Stay a safe distance when working with hot oil or boiling liquids. Wear long sleeves to avoid splatters.

Take Action Quickly

If you do suffer a burn, quick action is necessary. Immediately remove the affected area from the heat source and run it under cool running water for at least 10 minutes. This cools the burn, reduces pain, and minimizes tissue damage. A common mistake to avoid is applying ice or very cold water to the burn, as this can further damage the skin.

Assess Burn Severity

Burns are categorized into three degrees based on severity:

• First-degree: Mildest, causing redness, slight pain, and possible swelling. Often treatable at home.
• Second-degree: More severe, with blisters, intense pain, and possible redness and swelling. Some burns may require medical attention.
• Third-degree: Most serious, extending deep into the skin and potentially damaging muscles and bones. Requires immediate medical attention.

Unsure about the severity? Read more to find out when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Practice Proper Burn Care

After cooling the burn, gently cleanse it with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing. Pat dry with a clean cloth and apply a sterile, non-stick dressing to prevent infection and promote healing. Minimize the risk of scarring by applying a moisturizer or petroleum jelly several times a day.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. Consult a doctor if you have concerns or pre-existing medical conditions.

Protect Burn from Infection

Minor burns typically heal within two weeks. If yours doesn’t show signs of healing or exhibits signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately. A few things to be on the lookout for include:

• Increased pain
• Swelling
• Redness or discoloration
• Pus or oozing
• Foul odors

Avoid popping blisters, as this increases infection risk. If one pops, cleanse the wound and apply antibacterial ointment under a fresh bandage.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Minor burns can be cared for in the comfort of your home, but don’t ignore signs of more serious injury. Seek medical attention for burns that:

• Cover a large area of the body
• Appear severe or deep
• Don’t show signs of healing within two weeks
• Show signs of infection

Consider visiting a nearby walk-in clinic or urgent care facility after following the steps in this guide. AFC Urgent Care treats a variety of illnesses and injuries, including burns. In case of a very serious accident visit an emergency room to be treated.

Enjoying a Safe Holiday Season

By following these guidelines and practicing kitchen safety, you can minimize the risk of burns and enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season filled with delicious home-cooked meals. Remember, if you experience a burn, act quickly, assess the severity, and seek medical attention when necessary.

For further information on burn care or urgent care services, visit us at AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail. We provide the right care, right when you need it.