Burns are injuries to the skin and deeper tissues caused by heat, hot liquids, fire, electricity or chemicals. In Afghanistan, burns from tandoors, hot tea and cooking pots, gas cylinders and heaters are common, especially in children and women. Quick, correct first aid with cool running water reduces damage. Large or deep burns need hospital care.
Symptoms
Red, painful skin (minor burn)
Blisters and severe pain (deeper burn)
White, brown or black skin that may feel little pain (very deep burn)
Swelling
Smoke inhalation: cough, hoarse voice, soot around the nose or mouth, difficulty breathing
Causes
Hot water, tea, milk or cooking oil
Tandoors, open fires and stoves
Gas cylinder leaks and explosions
Electrical wires and sockets
Chemicals such as acids
Children left near hot pots, heaters or fires
Prevention
Keep children away from tandoors, stoves, heaters and hot drinks
Turn pot handles inward and keep hot tea out of reach
Talk to a doctor
Get advice by video, voice or chat without leaving home.
Check gas cylinders and pipes for leaks, and keep cylinders outside or in a ventilated place
Cover electrical sockets and repair damaged wires
Store chemicals and kerosene safely, away from children
Treatment
Stop the burning: remove the person from the heat and put out flames by rolling in a blanket
Cool the burn with cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible
Remove rings, watches and clothing near the burn unless stuck to the skin
Cover loosely with a clean cloth or cling film
Do not put toothpaste, butter, oil, eggs, ash, yoghurt or ice on a burn, and do not burst blisters
Paracetamol for pain; large, deep or infected burns need hospital care, and do not start prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Should I put toothpaste or yoghurt on a burn?
No. Toothpaste, yoghurt, butter, oil and other home remedies trap heat, can cause infection and make the burn harder to treat. Use only cool running water, then cover with a clean cloth.
Is it too late to cool a burn after an hour?
No. Cooling with running water still helps for up to 3 hours after the burn. Cool for 20 minutes, but keep babies and young children warm to avoid getting too cold.
