THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996 TAG: 9609120167
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 32 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: To Your Health
SOURCE: Jack Dempsey
LENGTH: 77 lines
Some people can walk barefoot on the sun-scorched sand and the blistering beachfront pavement without feeling pain.
They are not blessed with an unusual ability. They are diabetics who have less feeling in their extremities than the average person. By the time they do experience pain, the soles of their feet may already have suffered a severe burn.
Dr. Antonio Ruiz, chief of staff at Albemarle Hospital and a practicing surgeon at the Regional Medical Center, said such burned soles were among the most serious hot-surface burns he has treated.
Fortunately, however, such mishaps can be prevented simply by wearing flip-flops - or any other type of shoes - to the beach.
Additionally, just a little forethought can prevent many of the burns from dry heat (fire), moist heat (hot liquids and steam), corrosive chemicals, electricity and the sun's radiation.
Since children suffer more than their share of burns, they should be a primary target of prevention. Sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be applied generously and frequently to kids and adults alike. Pots on the stove should have their handles pointed in. Anything that's portable and extremely hot should be isolated or supervised, such as space heaters, camping stoves or hibachi grills.
Don't let children play on wet sand or in the surf during electrical storms. Have an adult open the microwaved popcorn container. Make sure wherever you're staying has a working smoke detector. Hide matches, lighters and dangerous chemicals.
In spite of conscientious efforts to prevent burns, however, accidents still happen - and it's not always clear when medical assistance should be sought.
Deep, third-degree burns through the top layers of skin to the tissue below demand medical care, Dr. Ruiz said. Even short exposures to flames can result in deep burns. If you're not sure something is a third-degree burn, assume it is. Go directly to a medical center. A tepid water dressing may make the burned person more comfortable during transit.
Always assume an electrical burn is worse than its appearance because the most serious damage caused by these situations occurs beneath the skin. Except for minor shocks, electrical burns deserve medical examination.
Chemical burns also should be medically evaluated. First, however, gently rinse the chemicals off with cool water. Rinse very thoroughly so chemical residues won't continue to burn en route to the medical center.
With these and all other burns, quickly remove rings, watches and other constricting apparel that may be difficult to take off after the skin begins swelling.
At the other extreme are mild, first-degree burns that can be treated at home. First-degree burns involve just the thin, outer layer of skin. Mild sunburns and hot coffee splashes are typical examples.
Pain is the principal problem with first-degree burns. Rinsing gently with cool water or applying cool compresses helps. The usual household pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofin help, as do topical ointments and creams. With sunburn, any of the over-the-counter products such as Solarcaine will do. And aloe vera also has proven worth.
Never use ice on a burn. And never apply insulating substances like butter that lock heat in the burn and may cause infection.
Between the two extremes, second-degree burns present a difficult choice between home remedies and professional assistance. The burn penetrates just below the outer layer of skin. Its main symptoms are blistering and severe pain. Infection joins pain as a prime target of treatment.
Pain is controlled as above - often at home - for second-degree burns. But don't pop the blisters because that increases the likelihood of infection.
Dr. Ruiz also recommends applying Neosporin or Bacitracin ointments if the blisters open. Both are available over-the-counter at area pharmacies.
Lean toward seeking medical care if the burn covers a large part of the body's surface. Also consult medical officials if the burn affects the face, hands, feet, genital area or a joint.
Finally, if you haven't had a tetanus shot recently or your home remedies seem ineffectual, see a doctor about any burns.
Burns spoil more vacations at the beach than anything else. So giving priority to prevention makes a great deal of sense. If you or someone near you does get burned, however, know when you need to seek medical care. by CNB