Burn to Hands
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Burns to hands can cause serious disability if they are not looked after properly.
Do:
• Move your fingers through the full range of movements by opening and closing your fist regularly.
• Keep your hand above your shoulder whenever possible to help reducing swelling (although some swelling of the fingers is to be expected).
Antiseptic silver cream (Flamazine®) is applied to the burn. This helps prevent infection. Please bring the tube with you when you come for a change of dressing.
Remember:
The combination of the cream and covering of the hand with the bag does cause the skin to look very soggy. This is normal and temporary so try not to worry. Mucky-looking fluid may collect in
the bag. If the bag does burst, it is best to put another clean bag over the top until you are able to get it changed. It is best to get the bag changed in a day or two.
If you develop any of the following, please seek medical advice from your GP, Walk-in Centre or Emergency Department (ED):
- Raised temperature
- Increasing pain
- Increasing redness around the burned area
- Tracking lines (red lines running from the burned area
- Increasing discharge
- Swelling
- A foul smell from the wound
Please remember:
Children are curious and want to explore. Take extra care with fires (use guards), ovens, hot drinks, hot drinks and cigarettes. Be vigilant. Even if you are distracted only for a moment, a small child can still have an accident if they come into contact with any of these things. The best first-aid you can give is to cool the burn immediately. You can do this by putting the affected area under cold water for 10 minutes.