Cleanse the burns of dirt and charred clothing and then soak strips of
clean gauze in this solution and apply to the part. Place over this a pad
of dry absorbent cotton which can be fastened by a light bandage or
adhesive straps. The dressing dries rapidly, and may be left in place for
several days. Then moisten it with the same solution so as to soften the
dressing and remove it. Then apply a fresh dressing of the same kind and
leave on a week. This dressing soon relieves the pain, prevents the
formation of matter (pus), hastens healing and, leaves a smooth surface.
The dressing stains the hands so it is best applied with rubber gloves.
This is good for all degree burns.
For Severe Case.--There may be and is shock and great weakness after some
burns. The patient should be put to bed and given strong black coffee, or
if you have it one teaspoonful of aromatic spirits of ammonia in a glass
of water. Hot water bags and jars should be applied to the feet and one
teaspoonful of paregoric may be given to an adult for the pain. Give the
patient ice to hold in his mouth, as he is very thirsty. Cold water and
milk to drink also. If the burn is severe put oil cloth or rubber on the
bed to protect the bed from the wet dressing. Do not put a night-shirt or
pajamas on him, as it pains to remove and renew the dressings, if such are
used as need frequent removal and renewal. Cover warmly, but keep covers
lifted so that their weight will not give unnecessary pain. The bowels can
be kept open with soap-suds enemas. Watch carefully, especially a man, if
urine is passed and enough in quantity. It must be drawn if it is not
passed within twelve hours.
For Third Degree Burns.--In this kind there is a great shock. Stimulate
the patient with whisky, etc. Put one ounce in a glass one-half full of
water, and give two teaspoonfuls frequently, dependent upon how much
stimulant the patient has ever used; or an enema of one ounce of hot
coffee can be given.
The first dressings may be the same, but when the patient is stronger
others should be used.
Warm Baths are now used when the deep tissues are burned, and the sloughs
and charred material are removed.
[ACCIDENTS AND POISONS 391]
When convenient, begin with a warm tub bath, with boric acid added to the
water--handful to the tub. This is good for stimulating purposes, and
also to relieve pain and for cleansing the surfaces before the
applications of the dressings, these can be of those recommended.
When the air passages have been scalded by hot steam or hot liquids, the
steam of lime-water, not too hot, may soothe.
Burns from Acid.--Soda, chalk, whiting, sprinkled over the surface of the
skin and covered with moist coverings of gauze. Egg albumen is also good
applied, on the part.
Bums from Alkali (like potash or strong ammonia).--Vinegar poured over the
part, or dress with a mild solution of boric acid. One teaspoonful to four
ounces of water.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Bruises, Cold Water Prevents Coloring.--"Bathe the
parts in cold water, prevents turning black and blue."