The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1885-03-13
BURNS AND SCALDS.
A Physicians Advice with Respect to
Their Treatment.

A Physicians Advice with Respect to
Their Treatment.
Probably the most common accidents
that occur in the house, and which de-
mand immediate attention, are burns
and scalds. A burn may be caused by
fire, or chemical agents coming in de
rect contact with the skin. A scald is
produced in the same manner by boil
ing liquids or steam, while the applica-
ton to the skin of caustics, such as oil
of vitriol or caustic, is usually followed
by 'seschars. y The result, however, in
either case is the same.
The causes by which a person may
be burned or scalded are vari-.
Gus. While there are, doubtless,
many which are purely accidental,
yet not few are the result
of ignorance and gross carelessness. A
prolific source of these accidents is the
accidental practice Of lighting fires
with the aid of kerosene. It may be
safely asserted that in our large blocks
and clearinghouse, where the rooms
are heated by a stove, there are but few
where one or more of the boarders or
roomers do not at all times take this
method OF getting a quick fire in their
rooms. Nor is the proportion less in
families of humble means, who, if they
should be severely burned, themselves
or their houses destroyed from such
carelessness, might not be able to en-
dure the suffering or withstand the loss.
Such instances are constantly occurring,
and are likely to happen as long as this
practice is continued. This may be
depressing fromIthe subject; but is it not
of equal Importance to warn people
against danger as to instruct them what
to do after the damage is done?
The treatment to be followed in case
Of burn or scald demands two things:
One is what not to do, and the other
what TO do. When a PERSONS clothing
is on fire, no matter how little, never
run to the door or window or about the
room, thinking that in that way you
can put out the flames Observation
has proved that such course not only
fans the flames, until in few minutes
the unfortunate victim becomes a pillar
of fire, which not only shuts off others
from rendering assistance, but also
serves to increase the depth and sever
ity of the burns. 1t is also very rarely
that one can successfully apply water
to his own clothing or person, and thus
extinguish the flames.
immediately upon ones clothes tax
ing fire lie down upon the floor and
wrap around you rug, carpet, coat. or
anything made of wooden that you can
reach. After the flames are extin-
g&shed then water may be applied
freely, and the body and clothing
drenched to prevent the smouldering
garments from burning deeper into the
flesh.
As soon as possible remove the
patient to warm room and place him
upon a bed. In removing the clothing
from one who has been severely burned
great care should be exercised Do not
attempt to take them off in
the usual manner, but with scis-
sors and sharp knife re-
move the clothing in pieces, disturb
ing the patient as little as possible.
Great care should be taken not to break
any of the blisters. A good iniment or
wash for burns may be made thus: Lin
seed oil one part; Sime- water two parts.
This should be applied freely over the
surface of the burn, and covered with
old linen. This viii afford temporary
and prompt relief, and will in no way
prevent the use of other means which
the physician may desire to use on his
arrival. 1t is one which is largely used
in hospitals and by many prominent
physicians in their practice. This wash
may be used with equal advantage upon
smaller burns as well as large ones.
The principal thing to be remembered
is to cover the burn so as to entirelY ca
clatde the air.
Among other remedies which are
often used for burns and scalds may be
mentioned saturated solution of BIZ
carbonate of soda, essence of pepper
mint or pulyerized alum Raw eggs
and flour are well-known domestic
remedies, the latter being specially
seryiceable as being always on hand.
It should be applied literally, as it abb
serbs heat and prevents the access Of
air. Alcohol has been highly recon-
mended as a clean and efficient remedy
for burns. A piece of soft linen wet in
alcohol should be laid over the burn
and the whole covered with layer of
cotton. 1t does not produce pain and
smarting, as might be supposed. When
a burn is caused by falling into lime
kiln or soap-lye water should be used
freely at first, followed with diluted
vinegar or acid to get rid of the lime.
then use oil as in an ordinary burn.
In all cases of burns and scalds
physician should be sent for, as there il
great danger of collapse from the shock
and pam, which demand prompt atten-