If we have an elderly person in our house like our mother, father, grandmother, or aunt who has Alzheimer's disease, we need to take very good care of them. Because of the memory loss that comes with this disease, they can sometimes forget dangerous things. For example, forgetting to turn off the stove or touching a hot kettle can lead to burn accidents. So today, let's talk about what this kind of burn accident is, how to prevent it, and what we should do if something unfortunate happens.
How common are burn accidents?
There are many ways that someone with Alzheimer's disease can be at risk of burns. We need to be very careful about this in our daily lives.
- Scalding from hot liquids: Hot water, hot tea, milk, soup, etc. This is the most common type of burn.
- Sunburns: Forgetting to apply sunscreen while in the sun can result in sunburn.
- From fire or hot objects: Touching things like a stove flame, a lit candle, a lamp, a hot iron, or a curling iron.
- Electrical burns: Burns can also occur due to faulty electrical equipment or damaged wires.
What are the situations when you should be taken to a hospital immediately?
When you get a burn, don't ignore it because it's a minor issue. Sometimes it can be serious, lead to infection, and leave scars. If you have any of the following symptoms, be sure to take him to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
| Risk characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature of the burn | If the burn is large or deep, especially on the face, hands, feet, groin, or over a major joint (e.g., knee, elbow). |
| Breathing difficulties | If you have a cough, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath. |
| Loss of consciousness | If you pass out for even a few seconds. |
| Other features | If you feel shaking chills or have a fever of over 101 Fahrenheit (101°F). |
What do we do if we get burned?
If your loved one gets burned, the first thing to do is not to panic. Your calmness is a great strength for them. Tell them, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
Safety first!
- In case of fire: Extinguish the fire immediately.
- If using electricity: Turn off the main switch.
- If using a chemical: Wear gloves to protect your hands as well.
If it's a serious burn...
If the burn appears to be large and deep, slowly remove loose clothing. Never try to forcefully remove clothing that is stuck to the skin. Next, run cool water over the burn, not ice water . Hold the water in place for a while. Do not apply any creams or ointments, or break any blisters until you see a doctor.
If it's a minor burn...
If the burn is minor, gently remove any clothing, shoes, or jewelry from the area. Then , hold the burn under cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes until the pain subsides. If the skin is broken or damaged, gently clean it with a mild soap and saline solution (available at the pharmacy). If you don't have saline, you can use water, but it can cause some irritation. If the burn is minor enough to not need to see a doctor, apply a moisturizer like petroleum jelly and cover it with a nonstick bandage. Applying aloe vera may help relieve pain, but it will not help the wound heal.
Blisters that form when you get a burn are a natural barrier that protects your skin from infection. So don't break them. If a blister breaks on its own, clean the area with soap and water and cover it with a non-stick bandage.
To relieve pain, consult your doctor and only give him or her an approved pain reliever. If you are giving paracetamol (acetaminophen), do not give more than 3,000 milligrams per day. Always check with your doctor to make sure it does not interact with other illnesses or medications.
Let's learn a little about the types of burns.
The severity of a burn depends on how much skin is burned and how deep it goes.
| Burn Type | Characteristics | Healing time |
|---|---|---|
| First-degree burn | Only the top layer of skin is damaged. The skin becomes red and slightly swollen. No blisters form. | It heals within 3-6 days. |
| Second-degree burn | The top layer of skin and the underlying tissues are damaged. Blisters containing clear fluid form. Scarring may occur. | If it is not deep, it will heal in 7-20 days. If it is deep, it may take more than 21 days. |
| Third-degree burn | This is the most serious type. All layers of the skin are affected. The fat and muscles underneath may also be affected. Pain may not be felt due to nerve damage. The skin may be black, white, or brown. | It takes time to heal. Large burns may require a skin graft. |
Another type of burn is an inhalation burn . This is caused by inhaling hot air, steam, smoke, or chemicals. It can also be caused by boiling water or very hot food, such as cheese, potatoes, or noodles. Although it is not visible from the outside, it can be recognized by changes in the face and around the mouth. This can cause difficulty breathing, chewing, and swallowing.
Do these things to prevent burn accidents
"Prevention is better than cure," they say. So let's take care of these things before an accident happens.
- Kitchen safety: Help them while they cook. Don't let them wear loose clothing that can catch fire easily. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Check the batteries in smoke alarms regularly.
- Hot foods and drinks: Let hot foods and drinks cool down before serving.
- Hot water: Older people are more susceptible to burns from hot water because their skin is thinner. If possible, set your home water heater to a safe temperature of 120°F (49°C).
- Smoking: If you smoke, smoke outside the house. Never smoke while sitting in bed. Store cigarettes, lighters, and matches in a safe place.
- Medical Oxygen: This is very important. Never smoke or allow anyone else to smoke in a place where medical oxygen is being used. Oxygen can cause fires to spread very quickly.
Always be aware of your loved one's safety. If you have any concerns about anything, it's never too late to talk to a doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Always be careful when someone with Alzheimer's disease is near things like stoves, hot water, and matches.
- If the burn is large, deep, on the face/hands/feet, or if there is difficulty breathing, take it to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- The best first aid for a minor burn is to apply cool water for 10-15 minutes. Avoid applying ice, toothpaste, or other ointments.
- Keep the burn clean and cover it with a non-stick bandage to prevent infection. Do not break blisters.
- Preventing accidents is very important. Reduce the temperature of the water heater, ensure kitchen safety, and be very careful about smoking.
- If you have any concerns about the healing of your burn or the pain, consult your family doctor.
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