By STEPHEN KAPAMBWE –
Low temperatures associated with winter often lead to an increase in burns.
Recently, the Zambia Metrological Department issued an alert that the country would experience low temperatures that required people to keep warm to avoid exposure.
After the alert, demand for heaters and air conditioners that incorporate heating led to a shortage of the appliances in most shops, with majority of them shops hoping to receive additional stocks this week.
Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Professor Luckson Kasonka expressed fear of a possible surge in COVID-19 cases in this cold season.
Speaking in interview, Prof Kasonka said it was likely that the current weather conditions would see an escalation in COVID-19 cases as well as flu.
However, relating to these fears is an increase in burns in winter.
But with more heating appliances funding their way in homes, the there is a danger of n increase in burns.
According to Queensland Health, the majority of winter burns occur in the home.
Whereas there is a lot to love about winter, from comfort food, cosy beds and wearing cuddly winter clothes, the season also comes with its own health hazards, with heating appliances and hot foods and drinks creating greater risks for burn injuries and fires.
For example, the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand says about 65 per cent of burn injuries in Australia happen in the home, with a spike in numbers during winter.
The registry provides a number of tips for people, saying whether your heater is gas or electric, you should check that it is working properly and safely at the beginning of each winter.
For gas heaters, this might include a service by a licensed gas fitter.
Make sure your heater cannot be knocked over by people or pets, and is not placed near curtains or furniture that might become hot or catch fire.
Guards that can be put around heaters can help to prevent children from getting too close or touching the heater.
When it comes to the kitchen, it is said that a considerable percentage of children and adults who suffered burns at home get injured in the kitchen.
Small children should not be left alone in the kitchen.
Children generally should be supervised closely at all times when helping to cook.
When cooking, people are urged to turn all pan handles to the back of the stove where they cannot be grabbed or knocked by the children.
People are also required to beware of hot food and drinks on tablecloths or surfaces that might be accidentally pulled or knocked over.
Electric blankets can cause burns and fires if faulty.
People should test their electric blanket each year by laying it out flat and turning it on, then checking for hot spots as it heats up.
Hot water bottles should be filled with warm, not boiling, water.
Adults are required to check the bottle for leaks each time they use it, and wrap it in a towel or cover.
Hot water bottles can cause serious burns to children if they slip out of their coverings and come in contact with the skin of a sleeping child.
And children’s skin being soft, the child can get easily burned to the extent of having the skin peel off and remaining stuck to the water bottle.
Such cases of children being burned are common.
Heat packs should always be warmed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and never overheated.
Keep in mind that children and elderly people’s thin skin may not tolerate heat well and can burn more easily.
Be aware that steam may come out of a warm heat pack: be careful when lifting heat packs from the microwave after heating.
Do not keep hot water bottles or heat packs in beds covered by blankets, as excessive heat can cause blankets, linen and mattresses to catch fire.
Whether you have got an indoor fireplace or you are building a campfire, it is important to be fire safe.
Use a guard to prevent children coming too close to a fireplace and supervise children at all times around campfires, bonfires and barbeques.
When it comes to remedies, minor burns can be treated at home, but if you have any concerns about your burn, you should see a medical professional.
When treating minor burns at home, make sure you are in a safe place and will not be burned again.
Remove all clothing and jewellery that is not stuck to the burn from around the affected area.
Place the burn under cool, running water for 20 minutes.
Cover the area with a sterile, dry dressing (like a band aid) if the burn is oozing, unless on the face.
You can take painkillers like paracetamol and anti-inflammatory tablets to help manage pain.
Some popular home remedies might actually do more harm than good for burns, including placing ice on a burn or putting butter or toothpaste on a burn.
Ice can damage the sensitive skin around a burn, while other remedies can cause heat to stay in the burn or cause infection.
A child or adult who suffers a serious burn must be treated by medical professionals as soon as possible.
Seek immediate medical advice if the burn is:
• larger than a 20 cent piece
• on the face, hands, groin or feet
• deep or becomes infected
• caused by chemicals or electricity
• or if there are signs of an inhalation injury, including blackening around the mouth or nostrils, or swelling of airways.
