Fires and Feet

Tis’ the season of fire. Colder temperatures mean its time to dust off the ceramic logs or buy a cord of your favorite wood at the local shopping mart. Its time to break out the tongs and poker, open the flue, and let the warmth of a crackling, roaring fire fill your home and heart. Its also a time for pesky burn injuries to hands and FEET. So what should you do if your poor little piggies encounter a big bad burning ember, or worse?

First of all, you need to know the severity of the burn.

  • 1st Degree Burn: a superficial injury only involving the outer layer of skin – the skin is usually red with some swelling and pain
  • 2nd Degree Burn: a burn that penetrates through the first layer of skin and into the 2nd (the dermis) – The skin will be red and will blister and Severe pain and swelling is also present
  • 3rd Degree Burn: involve all layers of the skin, causing permanent tissue damage

Treatment of your burn

  • 1st Degree Burn: If no larger than an area 3 inches in diameter
  • cool water application for 10-15 minutes until the pain the subsides
  • cover with sterile gauze, loosely
  • OTC pain med
  • 2nd Degree Burn: same as for the 1st degree if no larger than an area 3 inches in diameter

NOTE: watch for signs of infection and do not lance blisters

  • 2nd Degree Burn: If larger than 3 inches in diameter AND 3rd Degree Burn
  • Call 911
  • Dont remove burned clothing if involved
  • Dont immerse in cold water
  • Elevate burned limb
  • Cover burned area with cool, moist, sterile bandage

So, while youre preparing the winter fire and setting up for roasting Smores, please be mindful and careful with the flame AND be prepared in case of injury. Remember, only You Can Prevent Burns to Your Feet.

If you have any concern over the health of your feet, please contact Dr. Bowman at 713-467-8886 or visit our website for more information.

Category: Skin Problems

Tags: Burns, Fire, Skin Problems, Winter