Summer is a time for campfires, barbecues and spending time in the sun; people of all ages enjoy these activities, and for the most part, come away happy, healthy, and uninjured. However, some of the most enjoyable summer activities present a risk for burns.
Burn Prevention Tips
Protect yourself and your loved ones this summer with these simple burn prevention tips.
Sunburn
One of the most common injuries seen during summertime is sunburn, which is essentially a type of radiation burn caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sunburn is not only uncomfortable (or even painful at severe levels), consistent unprotected overexposure to sunlight can dramatically increase the risk of skin cancer. Always use sunscreen with a high SPF rating whenever you plan to spend any extended time outdoors. Be sure to reapply with the proper amount (most people use far too little) at regular intervals and after swimming or bathing. There are a number of UV blocking shirts and hats that provide significantly more protection than regular clothing.
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Cooking Burns
Summertime means grilling with friends and family for many Americans. Whether you cook indoors or outside this summer, be cautious around hot cooking equipment such as stoves, gas grills, charcoal grills, and smokers. These devices can easily cause serious burns or even start fires if left unattended or mishandled. Never leave grills or other hot cooking equipment unattended. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep a fire extinguisher close to all cooking areas. Once the charcoal is lit, NEVER spray additional lighter fluid on it. The fire can trail up to the bottle and explode in your hand!
Burns from Open Flames and Campfires
A bonfire can be the perfect way to end a fun summer day, but open flames always present a fire and burn injury risk. A sudden gust of wind can send flames flicking toward those around a campfire or bonfire, and the wind may also carry away flaming bits of kindling that can cause fires elsewhere. If you build a campfire or bonfire, use stones around the base to keep embers and kindling at the bottom of the fire from blowing in the wind. Have dousing materials at all times, and never leave any open flame unattended.
Hot Surface Burns
Your kids may enjoy the local playground, but visiting midday or in the afternoon after the metal surfaces, ladders, and slides have been baking in the sun all day can easily mean severe burns from contact with hot surfaces. If you take your kids to a playground with any type of metal equipment, try to time your visits earlier or later in the day, either before the equipment has a chance to heat up or after it has been able to cool down from the midday heat.
Be sure to keep first aid supplies nearby or have some type of emergency plan. Most burns require immediate medical attention. If the pain from a burn does not subside within ten to twenty minutes or after taking over-the-counter pain medication, or if the burn entailed serious visible damage to the victim, they may require immediate medical care. Feel free to call Premier Urgent Care at (773) 891-2890 with any questions. As always, for more information, visit https://premierucchicago.com.
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