Be Careful This Thanksgiving, Stay Away from Burn Injuries

Joshua Carson, MD, regional director of Loyola Medicine's Burn Center, is warning everyone to be cautious to avoid burn injuries over the Thanksgiving holiday. The biggest burn center in Illinois, Loyola is a pioneer in the treatment of burns and trauma in both adults and children. "This time of year, we often see an uptick in patients with serious burns in our emergency departments and burn centers. A celebration with family and friends can quickly become tragic," said Dr. Carson. "The good news is that many of these situations are preventable if people follow the right precautions."

How to Reduce the Risk of Burns

Utilizing oven mitts when handling hot surfaces, turning pot handles toward the center of the stove, and maintaining a clean and distraction-free cooking area can all significantly reduce the risk of burns while cooking.

A turkey is even more dangerous to deep-fry. "When you deep fry anything you have to be extra cautious to protect against burns," said Dr. Carson. "Boiling oil gets much hotter than water, and the water from a frozen turkey can cause a reaction when it hits the oil that sprays it in all directions."

Use a pot big enough to hold a whole turkey and enough oil if you are planning to fry a turkey this year, and make sure the bird is completely thawed before submerging it in the oil. Have a dependable and safe technique to remove the turkey without leaking the oil, and keep children and people away from the area.

What to do in Case of Burns

This holiday season, if you burn yourself, Loyola Medicine's Burn Center can offer guidance on how to treat the wound correctly to avoid long-term harm. "You don't have to suffer a severe burn to call us for advice, but signs a burn might be serious include skin discoloration, especially if the skin turns white or black, swelling, loss of sensation and burns covering a large area of the body," said Dr. Carson. "If burns cover more than a hand-sized area or affect the face, eyes, hands or feet, definitely seek medical treatment."

Because severe burns can affect many other parts of the body and result in issues, it is best to go to a hospital or care facility with a dedicated burn unit. Some of these issues may require specialized nurses or special surgical care. Since most doctors lack sophisticated burn care training, treating major burns necessitates a multidisciplinary strategy. Burn treatment facilities can also offer the physical, occupational, and psychosocial support required for recovery from severe burns.

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To prevent burns and keep loved ones safe this holiday season, keep in mind that everyone can contribute as people gather for Thanksgiving with family and friends.

The Burn Center at Loyola Medicine offers patients the most cutting-edge burn treatment available. The facility has an extended hydrotherapy room for cleaning and dressing wounds, as well as a rehabilitation space where patients receive treatment from physical and occupational therapists. Five days a week, an outpatient burn clinic is open to provide follow-up care. The multidisciplinary Loyola team at the Burn Center consists of experts in pulmonology, wound care, nutritional assistance, and physical therapy.

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Source-Medindia