Blistering, Burns and Frostbite

Blisters

Sterilize a needle by holding it for ten seconds in a flame. Carefully puncture the edge of the blister next to the skin. Apply gentle pressure, squeezing the accumulated fluid out of the blister. Make sure not to peel back or brush off the skin that formed over the blister as it guards against infection. Treat the blister with either antibiotic ointment or rubbing alcohol and cover with several layers of sterile gauze.

Note: You can prevent some blisters from forming by covering the area with several layers of sterile gauze at the first sign of discomfort.

Burns

Note: You should attempt first aid treatment only for first-degree burns -- those in which the skin is reddened, slightly swollen, and sometimes covered with welts. If you receive a second- or third-degree burn (the skin is blistered or charred) or if the burn covers a large area of skin, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

For a first degree burn, immediately immerse the burn in cold water and keep it immersed until you no longer feel pain. If necessary, periodically add ice cubes to the water to keep it cold. Do not put butter or any other greasy product on the burn. Apply one of the following to the burn: a commercial burn ointment, a thick layer of honey, petroleum jelly or a thick paste of baking soda and water. Cover the burn with a loose protective bandage that allows some exposure to air.

Chemical Burns

Flush the burned area with plenty of running cold water to remove traces of the chemical. Apply either a commercial burn ointment, a thick layer of honey, petroleum jelly, or a thick paste of baking soda and water to the burned area. Cover with a loose protective bandage.

Note: If the chemical burn involves the eye, immediately flush the eye with plenty of running water, cover the eye with a sterile pad to keep the lid still and contact immediate medical help.

Electric Shock

Someone who has sustained an electrical shock can be in extremely critical state. Do not touch the victim if he is still touching the electrical equipment which caused the shock. The rescuer should disconnect the attachment plug from the socket or disconnect the main house electrical switch, if possible. If not possible, seperate the victim from the source of the contact by means of a long, dry stick, a dry rope or a long length of dry cloth. Be sure that your hands are dry and that you are standing on a dry surface.

Once you've removed the person from the source of the contact, check to see if he is breathing. If not, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately. If there is someone else available, have him call for resuscitation help -- the fire department, ambulance, police, etc. Continue mouth-to-mouth breathing until the ambulance arrives. A second person may initiate CPR if necessary.

Electrical bruns are difficult to detect. A person who has received a severe electrical shock may have badly burned underlying tissue, thought the surface skin shos little evidence. Get the victim prompt medical attention. Unattended electrical burns can lead to serious complications.

Frostbite

Note: Frostbite initially looks like a reddened first-degree burn. A tingling sensation follows, ice crystals may form on the skin and the skin will become yellowish-grey color and feel numb.

Rewarm the frozen skin by submerging it in warm, not hot, water. Do not rub the frozen skin to warm it with friction. When a reddish color returns to the frostbitten skin, take it out of the warm water and pat it dry gently. Take care not to break any blisters that may have formed and do not rub the skin. Cover the skin with a loose bandage and seek medical help immediately. If the feet or legs are frostbitten, do not attempt to walk.

Heat Exhaustion (Heat Prostration)

Symptoms may include fatigue, irritability, headache, faintness, weak rapid pulse, shallow breathing, cold clammy skin and profuse perspiration. To treat, instruct the victim to lie down in a cool, shade area or air-conditioned room. Elevate her feet. Massage the legs toward the heart. Give cold salt water (1/2 a teaspoon to 1/2 a glass of water) or cool, sweetened drinks, especially iced tea and coffee, every 15 minutes until victim recovers. DO NOT let victim sit up, even after feeling recovered.

Sunstroke (Heat Stroke)

Symptoms may include extremely high body temperature (106 degrees Farenheit or higher); hot, red, dry skin; absence of sweating; rapid pulse; convulsions; unconsciousness.

Caution:Sunstroke is a life-threatening emergency.

To treat, get professional medical help immediately. Lower the body temperature quickly by placing the victim in a partially filled tub of cool, not cold, water. (Avoid overcooling.) Brisky sponge the victim's body until her temperature is reduced; then towel dry. If a tub is not available, wrap the victim in cold, wet sheets in a well-ventilated room or use fans and air conditioners until the body temperature is reduced. DO NOT give stimulating beverages such as coffee, tea or soda.

Sunburn

Apply cool compresses to the burned area to reduce pain and swelling, or take a cool shower. If the sunburn involves your back or an area you can't reach, soak in a tub of cool water. Take aspirin or another nonaspirin pain reliever to reduce pain. Apply a thin paste of baking soda and water or calamine lotion to alleviate pain. If blisters form, never break them intentionally. If blisters do break, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the blisters with a sterile dressing.

Note: Most sunburn is minor, but you should seek medical help if the sunburn is severe, covers more than one-fourth of your body, or involves extensive blistering.