With ageing, elderly experience a decline of their five senses, namely vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch, due to the decline of sensory organ function. At the same time, elderly may have slower reaction time, and poorer balance and memory. Coupled with the influence of medication, this makes elderly more prone to accidents of which burns and scalds are most common. Burns and scalds can cause varying degrees of injuries, ranging from minor skin injury to serious disability or even death. Therefore, elderly should take extra care in their daily living to reduce the occurrence of accidents.

What are burns and scalds?

Burns and scalds are injuries to bodily tissue caused by heat.
Burns result from exposure to dry heat, such as flames, hot objects, electric current, chemical corrosives, radiation and over-exposure to the sun rays.
Scalds are caused by contact with hot liquids such as boiling water, boiling oil, boiling soup and steam.

Prevention of burns and scalds

1. Using cooking utensils

• Be careful of steam gushing out when opening the lid of a cooking utensil to avoid being scalded by the steam.
• Turn pan handles, pot handles and kettle spouts close to the wall to prevent it from being toppled over by accident.
• Turn off the stove before going out or answering a phone call.
• Do not pile up sundries next to the stove and keep the stove clean.
• Read the operation manual before using cooking utensils such as microwave and pressure cookers.

2. Delivering hot food

• Handle boiling water, oil and hot soup with care.
• Avoid transferring utensils which is hot and full.
• Use oven mitts or towels when handling hot utensils.

3. Using household appliances

• Keep your hands dry when touching the switch / socket.
• Avoid using multiple electrical appliances with the same socket.
• Use individual power socket for high power consumption appliances.
• Worn out wires should be replaced. Do not repair broken wires by adhesive tape.
• Using household appliances which meet statutory safety requirements.
• Read the operation manual before using the appliances.

4. Using household chemicals

• Remember to wear gloves, mask and face / eye shield when handling chemicals such as bleach and detergents to prevent injury due to accidental spilling of the chemicals.
• Do not place flammable objects such as newspapers, kerosene / gasoline or compressed sprays (like insecticide) near the stove.
• Do not mix chemicals.

5. Using water heater or hot pack

• Put cold water first and test the water temperature to prevent scald.
• When using a hot pack, do not fill with boiling water, and ensure that the hot pack is not more than 3/4 full. It should be wrapped in a towel or covered with a bag before use. Check for leakage.
• Stoves should be inspected and repaired by qualified technician.

6. Outdoor activities

• Check the weather forecasts.
• Avoid staying outdoors for prolonged periods on days when the UV index is high (6 or above).
• Use an umbrella, apply sunscreen, wear long-sleeved shirt, hat, sunglasses and seek shade to reduce the potential harm of the UV radiation on the human skin.
• During thunder and lightning strikes, do not stay in high places or open areas and do not engage in aquatic activities. Stay away from metal objects, avoid putting up an umbrella, avoid using mobile phones, and avoid taking shelter under big trees.

Management of burns and scalds

Here are some tips for managing the burns or scalds:

• Stay calm.
• Immerse or rinse the affected area with cool water for at least ten minutes to reduce temperature and pain.
• Do not apply ice directly to wound to avoid further tissue damage.
• Obstructing objects such as watches, bracelets, rings, belts, boots or shoes should be removed immediately.
• Do not forcefully remove any clothing which sticks to wound to avoid further tissue damage.
• Do not break the blisters to prevent wound infection.
• Do not apply medicated oil, toothpaste, soy sauce, butter, soap, cooking oil or cream to wound to avoid irritation and further damage to the tissues.
• Apply sterile and non-adhesive dressing. Wound can be covered by plastic wrap in emergencies.
• Do not put cotton wool swab or adhesive bandages directly on the wound.
• Do not cough over the wound.
• Seek medical help promptly if the injury is serious.